Are Night Sweats a Sign of Menopause?

I have been having severe night sweats for the past few months. I am 46 years old and am wondering if this is a sign of menopause.

Many women report that they experience "hot flashes," feelings of extreme warmth concentrated in the head and chest, as they approach menopause. Hot flashes can be accompanied by flushing and sweating. Night sweats, including severe episodes that soak through sheets and bedclothes, can be related to hot flashes and also commonly occur during perimenopause.

However, there are many conditions which can cause night sweats. Talk to your doctor about these episodes and any other symptoms of menopause that you may be experiencing. He or she can help you decide if further testing is necessary to determine the cause of your night sweats.