Night Sweats & PMS?

For awhile now I'll wake up at night drenched in sweat. I finally figured out that it usually only happens for the whole week before I'm supposed to start my period - PMS week. Then I'm fine. I usually sleep with a fan on and at first thought I was getting cold and bundling up more under the covers, causing excessive sweating. But I've tried turning the fan off, using less covers, turning the fan up, etc, but nothing seems to help. Luckily my boyfriend says he hasn't noticed, but I'm disgusted! Has anyone else had this problem and figured out what to do? I'm only 34, so I don't think it's menopause yet!  ;)  Thanks!!

When this happened to me my OB/GYN told me that A) it's a sign of Peri-menopause (go to WebMD.com or another med. site for more info) and B) it means that you are not getting enough calcium and are experiencing bone loss right then. Not future tense, but now. 

What you can do is watch your calcium (check w/ your doc to see if he/she recommends 1,000 or 1,200 mg/day for you) and make sure you are getting vitamin D with your calcium. If you do this and still get night sweats, you may have to switch calcium supplements. I saw a trick on TV to be able to tell whether or not your calcium tablets are truly working or not but I don't recall how to do it. It had something to do w/putting them in a cup of water w/ a little bit of vinegar (to simulate stomach acid) and waiting (don't recall how long- 30 mins.? 45 mins.?) to see if the tablets actually dissolve or not. Of course if they don't dissolve they aren't doing you any good.

If you get enough calcium & D, and you're sure your supplements are good, make sure you aren't getting too much vitamin A. Too much once in awhile isn't a big deal, but over time it can soften your bones. Another thing I'd avoid is carbonated drinks, esp. the colas. You remember the old science class trick of watching one tooth be preserved in milk while another disintegrates in cola? Teeth are bones that you can see! Some consider that an old wive's tale, but I say it's better to be safe than sorry. And of course, absolutely, see your doctor. I hope this helps you.

Thanks for the info, bubbasgirl! I do take calcium supplements every day, so I'm not sure if that's the cause.... although I'm curious if they aren't working! I hope it's not peri-menopause. I AM going to the dr in a few weeks, so hopefully she can clue me in to what's going on.