10 Night Sweats Causes
Cause #3: Menopause
Menopause is diagnosed after 12 months of absent menstruation. Menopause can ensue around 40 to 50 years of age, and can cause symptoms even before it is completely stablished. Hot flashes are a common symptom and when they occur at night they can be considered night sweats.
Menopause results from a progressive loss of ovarian sensitivity to hormones that stimulate ovulation (i.e. FSH, LH). This causes a decrease in quantity and quality of follicles (eggs) throughout a woman’s life cycle. Ultimately, estrogen production will decrease. This may cause a dysfunction of centers that regulate body temperature (central nervous system) and cause hot flashes in premenopausal or postmenopausal women.
Menopausal symptoms may begin even up to 6 years before the final menstrual period and continue for a number of years after. Other symptoms that may accompany hot flashes include insomnia, mood changes, weight gain, depression, headaches, and irregular menses. If you are experiencing hot flashes, make sure you are in contact with your gynecologist to discuss the best options to manage your symptoms.
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