Night sweats and acupuncture
I have bed soaking night sweats from hormone meds. I have tried multiple meds but the side effects destroy my quality of life. I sometimes feel like giving up due to side effects of the cancer drugs as well as the side effects from the meds to help manage the side effects. Before trying any new meds that are out the oncologist would like me to try acupuncture. Has anyone tried this for night sweats?
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Hi @brutersmom,
We're so sorry you're experiencing this uncomfortable side effect of treatment. We're sure others will be by soon to weigh in with what's worked for them!
We do hear from others that acupuncture has worked for their hot flashes and night sweats — and there's evidence to back this up. As well, there is research about electroacupuncture that can help. Learn about other natural remedies for hot flashes you can try.
It also may help to understand the triggers that cause hot flashes so you can take steps to avoid them.
The North American Menopause Society also offers recommendations for non-hormonal treatments for hot flashes and night sweats.
As well, there are newer non-hormonal medications you might want to ask your doctor about that might help, as well as antidepressants to help.
We hope you find this information helpful and that you get relief soon!
—The Mods
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I get the same, but mine vary as to how bad it gets. I've read Celexa, acupuncture and just for some relief, a cooling mattress pad. I keep a towel on my sheets to sleep on so I can just take it off the bed.
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My problem is hot feet, possibly from mild neuropathy from chemo. I use a cooling gel (ultra freeze). Maybe that would provide some relief? I do like acupuncture and go occasionally for the sense of general well being it gives me.
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@ moderators I have been at this for years. Thanks for the links i will look again. I ended up stopping also early in 2015 one due to a dr who didnt believe me and 2nd because none of the natural and over the counter remedies worked. This time I have been on multiple different meds. My body hates drugs. If cancer doesn't kill me side effects from meds will. For example gabapentin worked great for hot flashes. By the end of a month I had burning in my feet and hands the developed pain in my calves.
@Hippmark i have a cooling mattress. I can't imagined sleeping on a towel. Need something soft. I also make the top sheet and my nightgown wet when it happens. Usually once a night. They are brutal. I have been the antidepressant route but they turn me into a zombie.
@tougholdcrow not sure how ulta freeze would help. One thing I find is the sweatscan be triggered be being to hot or two cold. Its like my body forgot how to regulate it temperature and goes crazy.
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I go to MD Anderson for a different cancer, but consulted with their Integrative Medicine team for treatment side effects. They offer therapies that have been clinically proven to work, and one that they were really excited about was acupuncture for hot flashes and nausea. I didn’t follow up with that since hot flashes aren’t too bad for me, but found it very interesting it has been clinically proven to help some. Why not give it a try, it can’t hurt!
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@waves2stars. I am waiting to get scheduled. I have tried so many different things. This is the first time it has been suggested. Most drs prescribed meds. I just wantbto know if it has helped. Google had mixed reviews.
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@Waves2stars I went for my consultation and treatment yesterday. I had one of the best nights sleep I have had since starting this journey. I won't really know about the night sweats because I am on Fulvestrant and they are worse the 2 weeks after the shots. Then less problematic prior to the shots. I get them again next Tuesday. By then, I will have two accupuncture session completed. One thing I do know is how much better I feel today then I have in a long time.
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@brutersmom That’s amazing? So did it just help sleep quality or was it a reduction in heat or sweating?
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Just sleep quality. To soon to tell about the night sweats because I am due for my fulvestrant shot next week and this week they have historically been minimal before the next shot.
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