Why Do I Get Night Sweats Before My Period?

You know the drill — you're sleeping peacefully when suddenly you wake up feeling like you've just run a marathon in a sauna. Your pajamas are damp, your sheets are soaked, and you're wondering what on earth is going on with your body.

Well, you're not alone, and there's actually a pretty good explanation for this monthly sweat fest. Many women experience night sweats before their period, and understanding the reasons behind them can help you manage this common issue effectively.

What do hormonal night sweats feel like?

Hormonal night sweats can feel like your body's own personal furnace has been cranked up to the max.

You might wake up feeling overheated, clammy, and uncomfortable. Your skin might be damp or even drenched with sweat, and you might find yourself needing to change your pajamas or bedding.

t’s not just the sweating — there might also be a racing heartbeat and that uncomfortable warm feeling that makes it hard to get back to sleep. These episodes can disrupt your rest, leaving you feeling tired and irritable the next day. Sometimes, you might wake up feeling anxious or on edge, wondering why your body is reacting this way.

Some women describe it as feeling like they're burning up from the inside out. It's not exactly a pleasant experience, but understanding why it happens can help you cope better.

Are night sweats normal before your period?

Yes, experiencing night sweats before your period is generally normal. Many women experience them in the days leading up to their period. This is because of the hormonal rollercoaster our bodies go through each month.

As estrogen levels drop and progesterone levels drop just before menstruation, it can affect our body's temperature regulation. Essentially, your internal thermostat gets a bit wonky, leading to those dreaded night sweats.

But if these sweats become too frequent or severe, it might be a good idea to chat with a healthcare professional. It’s always better to check in with a doctor if something feels off with your body.

What's the number one cause of night sweats?

The top culprit behind night sweats is hormones. Your body’s hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, play a big role in keeping your temperature stable. When these hormones rise and fall during your cycle, they can disrupt this balance, causing you to sweat more at night.

As Dr. Caledonia Buckheit explains, it's a "normal physiological menstrual cycle. The drop in progesterone and estrogen triggers menstruation."

And interestingly, menopause night sweats are caused by the same hormonal dip: "... loss of estrogen (and progesterone) as the ovaries run out of eggs."

But while hormonal changes are a common cause of night sweats, particularly in women, they're not the only culprit. The cause of night sweats can vary depending on your age and overall health. Besides hormonal changes, factors like stress, certain medications, and underlying health conditions can also mess with your hormone levels and lead to night sweats.

What deficiency causes night sweats?

Sometimes, a lack of certain vitamins and minerals can contribute to night sweats.

One that's often overlooked is magnesium deficiency. Magnesium plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature and promoting restful sleep. When we're low on this essential mineral, it can lead to increased sweating, especially at night.

Low levels of vitamin D have also been linked to hormonal imbalances that might make you sweat more. Deficiencies in B vitamins, especially B12, can affect your nervous system and influence how much you sweat.

Making sure you’re eating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can help keep your hormones in check and potentially reduce those annoying pre-period night sweats.

But it's worth nothing that while addressing these deficiencies might help, they're usually not the sole cause of night sweats.

What are the first signs of perimenopause?

For women in their late 30s and early 50s (the years leading up to menopause), night sweats might be one of the first signs of perimenopause, affecting around a third of women. This transitional phase before menopause can last several years and comes with a whole host of symptoms.

As Dr. Buckheit says, "The average age of menopause is 51, and the 5-10 years before menopause are when women typically experience perimenopause symptoms. There can be a good bit of variety as to when perimenopause and menopause happen between women. [For example, if looking at] menopause at 47 versus 55; both are normal, but the woman who was going through menopause at 47 might develop perimenopause symptoms as early as 37!"

Besides night sweats, you might notice irregular periods, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and changes in libido. Some women also experience hot flashes during the day, difficulty sleeping, and changes in skin and hair texture.

Recognizing these signs early can help you manage the symptoms better and seek the right medical advice when needed. It’s a natural phase in life, but knowing what to expect, and your options for management, can make it easier to handle.

But remember, every woman's experience with perimenopause is unique, and what's normal for one person might not be for another.

How do I know if my night sweats are serious?

While occasional night sweats, especially around your period, are usually nothing to worry about, there are times when they might signal something more serious.

If your night sweats are severe, frequent, or accompanied by other symptoms like unexplained weight loss, fever, or persistent fatigue, it's time to check in with your doctor, since it can be an early symptom for more serious conditions, like tuberculosis and lymphoma (although that’s quite rare). Night sweats that disrupt your sleep quality or daily life should also be looked into.

Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it's always better to get it checked out.

What tests should be done for night sweats?

If you're concerned about your night sweats, your healthcare provider might recommend several tests to rule out underlying conditions. These could include blood tests to check your hormone levels, thyroid function, blood sugar levels, and for any signs of infection.

In some cases, imaging studies or bone density scans might be needed to rule out infections or other conditions, or a sleep study could be recommended to check for sleep disorders.

These tests aren’t always necessary, and your doctor will determine what's appropriate based on your individual situation.

What’s the best thing to stop night sweats?

The best way to tackle night sweats is to address what's causing them. For sweats related to hormonal changes before your period, making some lifestyle tweaks can help.

Eating a healthy diet, staying active, and managing stress through activities like yoga or meditation can help support a healthy menstrual cycle.

Keeping your bedroom cool, using breathable bedding and sleepwear, and avoiding triggers like spicy foods or alcohol before bed can make a big difference.

In some cases, your doctor might recommend hormone therapy to help regulate your hormone levels and reduce night sweats.

It’s all about finding what works best for you and your body and making small changes that can lead to big improvements.

How do doctors treat night sweats?

Treatment for night sweats depends on the underlying cause. If they're related to your menstrual cycle or perimenopause, your doctor might suggest hormone therapy or low-dose birth control pills to help regulate your hormones.

For some women, certain types of antidepressants have been shown to reduce hot flashes and night sweats. If a specific medical condition is causing your night sweats, treating that condition will often resolve the sweating. If medications are the culprit, your doctor may adjust the dosage or switch you to something else.

Your doctor will work with you to find the most appropriate treatment based on your individual needs and health history.

How to treat pre-period night sweats naturally

Besides medical treatments, there are several natural ways to manage night sweats. Staying hydrated is crucial, as dehydration can make sweating worse. Incorporating herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint before bed can promote relaxation and reduce stress-induced sweating.

Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation, can help calm your mind and body, making it easier to fall back asleep after a night sweat episode.

Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can also help regulate your body’s internal clock, potentially minimizing the frequency of night sweats.

Night sweats before your period can be a nuisance, but they're often a normal part of our menstrual cycles. Understanding why they happen and how to manage them can make a big difference in your comfort and peace of mind.

Remember, every woman's body is unique, and what's normal for you might be different from someone else. If you're ever concerned about your night sweats or any other symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

Your health and comfort matter, and you deserve to feel your best, even during those pre-period days.

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Tassia O'Callaghan is an experienced content writer and strategist, having written about a vast range of topics from chemical regulations to parenting, for brands like Peanut App Ltd, Scary Mommy, Tally Workspace, and Office Christmas. She's an advocate for realistic sustainable living, supporting small businesses (author of A-Z of Marketing for Small Businesses), and equity across all walks of life. Follow her on LinkedIn or TikTok, or see more of her work on Authory or her website.