What Causes Night Sweats And Hot Flashes?

Posted on Mon, 23 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 23 Jun 2014 Answered on

Mon, 14 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I'm having night sweats hot flashes I have no energy can barely make it to work, forgetful spacey can't concentrate.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
START HRT.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
Your symptoms are typical of perimenopause / post menopause .
Are you still having your periods ?
As different antidepressants have already been tried by you, I strongly recommend HRT ( hormone replacement therapy )
It will make a noticeable difference to these issues.
Please consult your doctor regarding starting of HRT.
Avoid caffeine , alcohol, spicy food which trigger hot flashes.
Dress in layers and keep ambient temperature quite cool.
Yoga and meditation go a long way in alleviating these symptoms.
Regular exercise is a must.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (16 hours later)

No stopped a couple years ago. My mother had a real hard time and was on hormones for years it helped but wasn't a cure. She got Multiple Myloma at 62 and i believe she was still on hormones then. Never had XXXXXXX issues before is this something that should concern me?

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
AS BELOW

Detailed Answer:
Hormones are not a cure, but a help to tide over a particular phase.
If lifestyle modifications do not work for you, and symptoms are unbearable, consider hormones, that is what I would recommend.
Multiple myeloma has not been proven to have any association with hormones, you can safely take them for a short time if your symptoms are unrelenting.
Take care.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad