Womens go through 450 periods throughout their lifetime, according to Web MD. That will suffice to understand how yours works. Menstrual cycles are a lot more than a monthly period. The symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) are those that you might experience in the weeks leading up to your period, and most people will have experienced it at some point. Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause, however they may also occur as part of your monthly cycle.
When the sweating becomes excessive and occurs before your period, it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Overheating and sweating can be uncomfortable and annoying but within reason, it shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
Excessive sweating before your period
Before your period, your body is going through a lot of hormonal changes. In the middle of your cycle, after you ovulate, the levels of progesterone in your body increase. As they rise and your levels of estrogen fall, the part of your brain that keeps your body temperature stable, the hypothalamus, is affected. To compensate for the drop in estrogen your brain releases hormones which can make you more sensitive to body temperature changes. Even if you can’t feel yourself getting hotter you may sweat to cool yourself down.
Sweating may lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, or irritation. Tiredness, bloating, and tummy discomfort are all symptoms that occur frequently. Breast discomfort is reported by some people, while headaches are experienced by others. When it comes to premenstrual syndrome there isn't much you can do medically, however, there are a few lifestyle remedies you might try.
How can your period cause you to sweat?
Night sweats can happen during menstrual period. This may become more common, or happen for the first time, as you approach perimenopause in your mid 30s or 40s. Your hormones fluctuate as a normal part of your menstrual cycle. Specifically, changes in estrogen and progesterone levels can contribute to PMS symptoms, including hot flashes and night sweats.
Night sweats happen when blood vessels expand and quickly contract. This causes a rapid increase in blood flow, which can spike your temperature. Your body tries to cool off ASAP by turning on the waterworks — and then you wake up totally soaked.
How can I stop excessive sweating before my period starts?
The best way to cope with night sweats is to stop them from happening in the first place. That means taking preventive measures to stop your body from overheating.
- Wear loose, lightweight pajamas. Clothes made of breathable materials like cotton are best.
- Layer a few lightweight blankets you can kick off one at a time if you get warm instead of one heavy comforter.
- Open the window or turn on a fan before bed.
- Steer clear of potential triggers in the evening. Alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine, and cigarettes can all make night sweats more likely.
- Reschedule nighttime workouts. Exercising before bed can ramp up your body temp and make you more prone to sweating, so consider working out at a different time of day.
- Find ways to de-stress. Unchecked tension and anxiety can cause you to sweat more overall.
- Certain medications — including some steroids, SSRI antidepressants, and some blood sugar lowering drugs — can also cause night sweating. If you take any of these types of meds and you have night sweats, talk with your doctor about possible solutions.
Diet, lifestyle and home remedies to avoid excessive sweating before period.
Eating the right foods and in the right amounts can help to keep your body temperature stable. Digesting and processing the food you eat requires energy and this energy generates heat. Try incorporating more plant sources of protein and avoid fatty, fried foods – try not to give in to those comfort food cravings around the time of your period.
Eat foods that keep you fuller longer so you don't feel the need to snack frequently throughout the day.
Limit caffeine – Caffeine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. This puts your body into ‘fight or flight mode’. As a result of this your heart rate, breathing rate and temperature increase in preparation. There are also over-the-counter products you can use to control your sweating, like deodorants and antiperspirants.
Make some practical changes to your bedroom routine – Many women find that they get too hot in bed and suffer from what we call night sweats. All in all, keeping your sweat under control is key to reducing the discomfort and inconvenience of your period.
Herbal remedies to help
For starters, try chamomile tea, ginger, or Epsom salt bathwater. Ultimately, it's important to find what works best for you and stick with it.