Stack of stamped envelopes.

Mailbag! RELIEF for Annoying Night Sweats

I get night sweats so bad I have to get up and change my clothes and sheets, not just once but two to three times a night. Do you have any advice for this?

–Petra from Boise, ID

Petra,

There are two main types of night sweats: hormonal and non-hormonal.

Hormonal night sweats are caused by changes like menopause. Non-hormonal night sweats can be caused by a variety of different health issues, including blood sugar problems, trauma, infections, certain drugs, and many other reasons.

Since there are so many underlying causes, it’s important to talk to your doctor about what you can rule out.

But if you’re pretty sure that it’s being caused by menopause, there are some things you can do.

While scientists still scratch their head as to the exact reason for menopausal hot flashes and night sweats, it’s clear that they’re due in part to wildly fluctuating hormones.

A part of your brain called the hypothalamus controls body temperature. But changing hormones can cause the hypothalamus to malfunction… and thus you get left with raging hot flashes!

Unfortunately, having to change clothes and sheets as you do is fairly common. But there is a lot you can do to calm down night sweats.

Dr. Scott’s Hormone Support Program

  • Check for food additives. There are many things you eat that can make hot flashes worse. These include chocolate, caffeine, curry, alcohol, hot sauce, monosodium glutamate (MSG), and other food additives. Do your best to limit or remove these from your diet.
  • Get some exercise. While it may seem backwards, sweating is one of the best ways to stop night sweating. Exercise helps balance mood, appetite, and sleep and well as improve hormonal control.
  • Try herbs. There are many herbs used to help control hormones, including chaste tree, red clover, black cohosh, evening primrose, wild yam, and St. John’s Wort. Work with a functional medicine doctor to find a regimen that works for you.
  • Support your liver. Your liver helps to balance and detoxify hormones. To support your liver’s efforts, make sure to take a good B complex vitamin.
  • Load up on fiber. Believe it or not, getting a healthy amount of fiber helps remove hormones from your body. You don’t have to supplement with fiber if you’re eating enough veggies.

 

P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!

Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

View More Free Articles

Can't Shake Negative Thoughts? Check Your GUT First

Everyone struggles sometimes to stay positive or see the bright side of things. It’s part of being human. You might think those negative thoughts start in your brain—but it’s   more complicated than that. A simple change to your daily habit can help dial down those negative feelings. New research suggests that this simple strategy could...

Read This

Repair Your Gut Barrier With the “Sunshine Cure”

Happy Fourth of July! As you celebrate with sunshine, good food, and great company, don’t forget—those summer rays aren’t just lifting your spirits… they’re also working behind the scenes to protect your gut and boost your health. Your gut health is more important than most people realize. It directly affects your overall well-being—from immunity to...

Read This

The 5 Health Numbers Your Doctor Wishes You'd Track

Have you ever been told you should “advocate” for yourself when it comes to your healthcare and wondered what that really means? It’s not just a buzzword—it’s a powerful concept that empowers you to take charge of your own health journey. In fact, it could save your life. Being your own best health advocate starts...

Read This

Do THIS Every 20 Minutes to STOP Digital Eye Strain

Our eyes are under assault—they are the true victims of our current digital age. And it’s because we are constantly glued to screens… phones, tablets, computers, TVs—you name it. Unfortunately, that screen time is taking a serious toll. Digital eye strain affects millions worldwide. In fact, up to 50 percent of computer users could develop...

Read This

Mailbag: The Calcium Mistake That's Hardening Your Arteries

“What type of calcium is best to take with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis? I know some varieties can build up in arteries. Thanks for the help.” —Bone Builder Hi Builder, When a patient asks me about calcium, I ask them a peculiar question in return… “Ever wonder how elephants and giraffes build and maintain their massive...

Read This

Doctor-Approved Method to Ditch Blood Pressure Meds

In a world where drug solutions dominate healthcare, it’s refreshing to discover that best remedies sometimes don’t involve a single pill. A groundbreaking study shows simple relaxation techniques could be your secret weapon against one of America’s deadliest health conditions. Best of all? It’s free, easy to start right away—and your results are bound to...

Read This

Trouble Hearing? Your Heart Could Be at Risk

With research exploding and data pouring in, scientists are uncovering some weird (and surprisingly helpful) health connections. Today’s odd couple? Hearing loss and heart failure. Turns out your ears and your ticker are more connected than you ever imagined. A major study published in the journal Heart looked at over 164,000 people for nearly a...

Read This

Stay Up Late? It Could Destroy Your Mental Health

If you dread mornings but come alive at night, there’s concerning new research you need to know about. A recent study found that “night owls” are at higher risk for depression. But before you rush to set your alarm to get up with the sun tomorrow, there’s more to the story… Chronotypes are essentially your...

Read This

Go from Flabby to Fit with this Common Vitamin

If you’re like many of us, you woke up one day, looked in the mirror, and realized you’re no spring chicken anymore. Even worse—when you weren’t paying attention—it seems you somehow misplaced the muscles of your youth and have gone from fit to flabby. Aging has a way of humbling us like that. But scientists...

Read This

Seasonal Allergy “Off Switch” Discovered in the GUT

“Doc, why am I suddenly suffering from seasonal allergies when I’ve never had them before?” It’s a question I get all the time—and my answer might surprise you. Stop looking up at the trees—and start looking down at your gut… Your sneezing fits, itchy eyes, and runny nose might have more to do with what’s...

Read This