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Undiagnosed Symptoms (Expert Forum)
Overheated and sweaty all the time
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin, M.D.
Boston - MA
Questions in the Undiagnosed Symptoms forum are answered by Dr. Kevin Pho. Topics covered include breathing difficulties, feeling cold, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, fever, indigestion, itching, nausea, numbness, pain (chronic), paralysis, rash, sweating, swelling, urination problems, and vomiting.
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Overheated and sweaty all the time
by sweatygirl, Apr 15, 2007 12:00AM
I sweat all the time. It doesn't matter if I am sitting still or moving. My face turns bright red, my hair gets soaking wet, my face, neck, torso, and crotch sweat profusely. I often change my clothes during the middle of the day. This affects me on a daily basis whether I am home in my office or at the mall, in a restaurant, or traveling. It's extrememly embarassing.
Several years ago, when the sweating wasn't as bad as it is now, I had lab work, a pelvic ultrasound and an appointment with an endrocrinologist who basically shook his head and said he didn't know what was wrong with me.
I am not in early menopause. I am 40 years old. I have had hypothyroidism for 18 years and have been on synthroid with normal lab values during this time.
I have researched hyperhydrosis but don't seems to have the appropriate symptoms for this. The endocrinologist agreed that I did not have this.
HELP!
Several years ago, when the sweating wasn't as bad as it is now, I had lab work, a pelvic ultrasound and an appointment with an endrocrinologist who basically shook his head and said he didn't know what was wrong with me.
I am not in early menopause. I am 40 years old. I have had hypothyroidism for 18 years and have been on synthroid with normal lab values during this time.
I have researched hyperhydrosis but don't seems to have the appropriate symptoms for this. The endocrinologist agreed that I did not have this.
HELP!
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 16, 2007 12:00AM
, Apr 16, 2007 12:00AM
There can be several reasons for excessive sweating.
Infectious causes like TB or endocarditis, cancers like lymphomas, and endocrine disorders like thyroid disease, pheochromocytomas, or carcinoid syndrome should all be considered.
These can be discussed with an endocrinologist for appropriate testing (i.e. blood tests for thyroid disease, urine tests looking for metabolites suggestive of pheochromocytomas).
A PPD and chest x-ray can be considered to look for TB, and blood cultures and an echocardiogram done to look for endocarditis.
If lymphoma is a concern, a chest and abdominal CT scan can be considered.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Infectious causes like TB or endocarditis, cancers like lymphomas, and endocrine disorders like thyroid disease, pheochromocytomas, or carcinoid syndrome should all be considered.
These can be discussed with an endocrinologist for appropriate testing (i.e. blood tests for thyroid disease, urine tests looking for metabolites suggestive of pheochromocytomas).
A PPD and chest x-ray can be considered to look for TB, and blood cultures and an echocardiogram done to look for endocarditis.
If lymphoma is a concern, a chest and abdominal CT scan can be considered.
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
I haven't gone to my doctor yet but I'm intrigued by the pheochromocytoma / adrenal gland suggestion.
I'm on a variety of meds but nothing that would cause this much sweating either. The last time I talked to my doctor about it I didn't get too specific and she mentioned that someone in her office was always warm. Not this warm!!!
This past weekend I was out of town and had a major sweat attack in front of people. It was horrible. My hair didn't dry for 3 hours and I eventually had to change clothes when I had a chance. It's so awful and it definitely affects your quality of life.
I've not had vomiting or nausea symptoms - that would definitely put me over the edge! I know what you mean about not wanting to go outside - it doesn't matter what the weather is like - I'm hot. If there isn't air circulation, I'm a goner. I've also felt like passing out - especially when I go from hot to cold (airconditioning to humidity).
And I have high blood pressure too - I'm only on one med and it seems to be working.
I did look into the adrenal gland idea and there is a simple 24 hour urine collection test to check for urinary catacholamines and metanephrines. Check out http://www.endocrineweb.com/pheo.html.
Let's both talk to our doctors and see if we can solve this. I'd love to have a day without sweating like a freak!
Hang in there!
The only thing I've come up with is that the sweating is my body's way of telling me I'm tired. I started testing this theory about a year ago. When I'm out running errands and I can feel the sweat begin at the back of my neck I have two choices. If I go home and rest then I can stave away the full blown sweat attack. If I keep going, do one more thing, then I'll be soaked and dizzy. Even 10 minutes of sitting still can make the difference if I'm away from home. My standard rule is that I have to rest until the sweat dries and then I can pick up my life. All these months of resting later the sweat is only occasional and now it's mostly my choice if I'm going to sweat. I hope this is helpful. It's not exciting but after years of embarassing sweat attacks I'm finally dry.