Are you in perimenopause, menopause or post-meno and suffer from excess sweating ONLY behind your knees overnight?
You frequently awaken in the middle of the night to find that behind your knees is warm and very clammy from excess sweat, but oddly, you’re not sweating much elsewhere.
So the question becomes, “Can menopause, peri or post-menopause cause a hot flash to occur only behind the knees – a kind of very localized night sweat?
“Any new or different sweating patterns should be evaluated by and discussed with your physician, as sweating can be a symptom of a more serious condition that requires medical attention,” says registered nurse and emergency medical technician Angela Ballard, RN, EMT, with the International Hyperhidrosis Society (SweatHelp.org).
Some people just happen to sweat more behind the knees — day or night — and don’t think too much of it.
It’s easy for sweat to get trapped behind the knees if the legs are very bent while the sweating is in progress, and this can easily occur overnight
But there are those who awaken in the middle of the night (for whatever reason) and realize that it’s outright wet behind their knees, while the rest of their body is either dry or not sweating nearly as much.
Yes, an innocent hot flash due to perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause can cause this. But to be sure, tell your doctor about this annoying symptom.
Treatment #1 for Excess Sweating Only Behind the Knees
Ballard explains, “IF, however, your doctor rules out an underlying medical condition, there are options to help manage such localized sweating.
“Antiperspirants (either over-the-counter ‘clinical strength’ products, hyperhidrosis-formulated brands like Certain Dri, Durer, Carpe lotion, Klima, SweatBlock, SweatStop or prescription antiperspirants from your physician) may be tried.
“Talk to your doctor about this use of antiperspirants and test the product on a very small location first to make sure there is no irritation.”
Treatment #2 for Excess Sweating Only Behind the Knees
Ballard explains, “Botox injections may be an option as well, to temporarily halt sweating in the area — effects usually last for months.
“This would be an off-label use of Botox and would need to be discussed with and administered by your physician, if he or she deems it appropriate.”
Additional Treatment Options for Excess Sweating Behind the Knees
“Additionally, bedding and pajama choices can help to manage the symptoms — look for moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics (SweatHelp.org has sheets and PJ options for extreme sweating).
“There are also moisture-trapping underarm shields (disposable or reusable) available — think maxi-pads for sweat — these could certainly be adapted for behind the knees with some ingenuity.”
Always Been vs. New-Onset Symptom
“Again, don’t ignore any new sweating patterns that seem unusual,” says Ballard. “Discuss them with a doctor before considering home-management.”
For more information visit SweatHelp.org.
Angela Ballard
