Night Sweats
Common Causes of Night Sweats
- Hormones: A common phenomenon around menopause and PMS, night sweats can signify hormone changes, imbalances, or deficiencies. They are not limited to women, men can have night sweats too. Testing helps to clarify if hormones are the source of the problem. If so, then there are natural ways to support optimal hormone production even through menopause or andropause and beyond. At any age, you want to support your glands so that they can better maintain hormone balance in men and women. We accomplish this through your diet, vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other nutrients. This balances and optimizes your hormones through menopause/andropause and beyond.
- Bacterial or Viral Infections: A CBC or complete blood cell count can give an indicator if there is an active bacterial or viral infection. White blood cells known as lymphocytes are increased when there is a viral infection. Neutrophils tend to increase with a bacterial infection. We can boost your immune system to better tackle infections to kick viruses or bacteria to the curb.
- Medication Side Effects: Night sweats can be a side effect of certain drugs such as anti-depressants and anti-diabetes drugs. See the prescribing physician about adjusting dosages if these side effects are keeping you up at night.
- If your night sweats are accompanied by other serious symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, and extreme fatigue you need to see your medical doctor immediately to look for serious causes of night sweats.
- Hypoglycemia: Dips in your blood sugar throughout the night can trigger sweating. Your adrenals and liver should maintain a stable blood sugar through the night. Other signs of hypoglycemia include feeling weak, shaky, dizzy, light-headed, headache, or irritable if you go too long without eating. If these occur, see a naturopathic doctor for help correcting adrenal gland function also known as HPA axis dysfunction.
Blood tests for Night Sweats
The following are some blood tests that help determine the cause of night sweats:
CBC, DHEAs, testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH (day 3), progesterone (day 21), cortisol (8-9 a.m. and 5-6 p.m.), HbA1c, fasting blood sugar
By Dr Pamela Frank, BSc(Hons), ND
If night sweats are disturbing your sleep, I can help resolve any of the above problems. I use only natural treatments including vitamins, minerals, herbs, diet, stress reduction, exercise, and adrenal gland support.
Dr. Pamela has practiced as a naturopathic doctor in Toronto since 1999. She has received numerous “Best Naturopath in Toronto” awards. She is registered with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
Dr. Pamela Frank uses a natural treatment approach that may include acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, diet, vitamins, supplements, and other natural remedies to restore balance and provide long-term resolution to almost any health problem.