Understanding Increased Sweating During Your Period: Causes and Solutions

It's quite normal to experience increased sweating during your period. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, can affect your body's temperature regulation and sweat glands. Here, we delve into the reasons behind this common phenomenon and provide practical solutions to help you manage it.

Causes of Increased Sweating During Your Period

Hormones

Hormonal fluctuations are a primary cause of increased sweating during your period. As your hormones fluctuate month to month, they not only regulate your menstrual cycle but also affect your body temperature. Estrogen and progesterone levels play a crucial role in this process.

Some women experience a slight increase in body temperature around the time of ovulation, due to a spike in progesterone. From then on, during the second half of your cycle, progesterone levels remain elevated compared to estrogen, keeping your body temperature higher. This means you might feel warmer throughout these two weeks leading up to your period. Approaching your period, however, your progesterone levels begin to fall, easing this hormonal influence.

Affects on the Hypothalamus

Fluctuating female sex hormones are thought to influence the temperature control centre in the brain, the hypothalamus. Estrogen, in particular, is suspected of causing issues during these fluctuations. Big drops in estrogen, especially in peri-menopausal women, can lead to hot flashes and night sweats, which might occur to a lesser extent due to hormonal imbalances in younger women.

Menopause

Experiencing night sweats or hot flushes could be a sign that you are approaching menopause. The average female in the UK goes through menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. The peri-menopause is the transitional period leading up to the final menstrual cycle, during which many signs can arise simultaneously. For more information, visit our menopause pages.

Body Weight

Your body weight has a significant impact on hormone levels. Keeping a healthy body mass index (BMI) is important, as excess body fat can affect hormone production, such as higher levels of estrogen. Consuming healthy fats, such as essential fatty acids omega-3 and 6, is crucial for proper hormone production. However, having too much fat can disrupt hormone balance.

Other Symptoms Contributing to Increased Body Temperature

Other symptoms of your menstrual period, such as painful periods or mood swings, can also contribute to an increased body temperature. Pay attention to these symptoms to better understand what may be causing you to sweat.

Medication and Contraception

Be aware of the potential side effects of any medications or contraceptives you are taking. Progesterone-only methods, such as the mini pill or implant, can keep your body temperature slightly elevated and increase the likelihood of sweating.

Diet, Lifestyle, and Home Remedies

Take some simple steps at home and in the workplace to manage increased sweating. Overheating can be embarrassing and inconvenient, and this can turn into a vicious cycle.

Watch Your Diet

To maintain stable body temperature, choose the right foods and portion sizes. Digesting and processing food generates heat through diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT). Animal protein and saturated fats can be more demanding on your body, so try incorporating more plant-based protein sources and avoid fried foods. Be cautious of comfort food cravings around your period.

Limit Caffeine

Caffeine stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, causing your heart rate, breathing rate, and body temperature to increase. Cut down on caffeine and switch to water, herbal teas, or caffeine-free alternatives for a cooler, more comfortable experience.

By understanding the causes of increased sweating during your period and implementing some practical solutions, you can manage this common issue more effectively. If your sweating is excessive or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consider consulting a healthcare professional.