Any woman that is going through menopause or that has already been through menopause can tell you that hot flashes and night sweats are nothing that anyone wants to have to deal with. Many women confuse the two but they are very different events.
Menopause brings on many changes in a woman’s body none of which unfortunately go unnoticed. They are actually quite prominent changes that are very hard to ignore. In some cases the changes are so severe that medication is warranted just to be able to function normally.
Hot Flashes
Hot flashes can happen any time of the day. It is a feeling that comes on suddenly that is caused by a fluctuation in hormones. Many women describe as a feeling of heat that comes over them in a wave. One minute you are sitting comfortably and the next it feels as if you stepped into a sauna fully clothed.
The feeling only lasts moments but can really be an overwhelming feeling. It can be recognized by a sudden redness of the face and neck and profuse sudden sweating. It passes as quickly as it shows up but it is an awful feeling of discomfort.
Night Sweats
Night sweats happen while you are sleeping it does not necessarily mean that it is during the night but it is referred to as night sweats because most people sleep during the night. Night sweats are very uncomfortable and usually disrupt sleep.
Night sweats last longer than hot flashes. They can last up to 10 minutes. You will feel suddenly hot while you are sleeping and start sweating profusely. Most women have to get up out of bed for a few seconds to be able to recompose themselves before falling back to sleep.
Different but the Same
While these two events are somewhat different they are very much the same. They are both disturbing and uncomfortable. They are both feelings of being uncontrollably hot. The main difference is when they occur and for how long they occur. Night sweats are usually more disturbing because they disrupt sleep.
What Can You Do?
There are both herbal supplements and prescription medication that may help to alleviate the symptoms of both hot flashes and night sweats. Talk to your doctor about what may be right for you. On the upside neither condition is forever so there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
