Hot flashes are not only caused by low estrogens of menopause or perimenopause, they may also be caused by non disease or condition reasons such as anti-cancer drugs. Tamozifen and osteoporosis prevention drugs such as raloxifene which act as anti-estrogens can also promote hot flashes and night sweats. If you’re experiencing Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) or hot flashes more then a few times in a seven day period, it’s a good idea to take measures to lessen them.
Men undergoing prostate cancer treatment by way of anti-testosterone therapy, thermal blankets or other measures can experience menopause like symptoms, commonly referred to as male menopause (male hot flashes).
Estrogen and testosterone are believed to help protect the body against night sweats and hot flashes. When these hormones are no longer provided, the body may have a tendency to dilate blood vessels randomly which causes rapid increases in skin temperature -leading to excessive sweating.
A very common cause of hot flashes and night sweats is hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.
Hot Flash – What is it?
Commonly referred to as blushing (facial blushing for example), a hot flash is the sudden feeling of warmth and a sudden increase in upper body excessive sweating. An intense feeling of heat, especially in the face and neck area, is experienced accompanied with redness.
These hot flashes are commonly mistaken for mild fevers such as those found with a urinary tract infection and sometimes with tuberculosis or cancer. The way you can tell a ‘hot flash’ or ‘night sweat’ is by the fact they come and go lasting only for a few minutes or even seconds.
There is not a definitive answer for the cause of ‘hot flashes’ which is often attributed to ‘male menopause’ or menopause in general, but it is known that our brain regulates our body temperature; if it senses the body temperature rising, the brain will release chemicals to help dilate the blood vessels to help remove the increased heat. The presence of estrogens estrogens and testosterone permit the body to tolerate greater changes in your core body temperature. For example, your body may normally tolerate a change in body temp of say 2 degrees before reacting. Without the estrogens, your body may start reacting at .5 degrees creating a hot flash, hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating), night sweats and more.
Woman who are menopausal, male menopause and others suffering from night sweats commonly forget one of the best kept secrets to reducing night sweating – Temperature! In fact, studies show that a woman in menopause can eliminate between 40 and 55 % of the night sweats by simply lowering the temperature by a few degrees. Other studies point out that because heat escapes from the head and foot region, simply wearing sandals may dramatically reduce the number of day sweats or hot flashes.
Eating the right types of food can also help reduce hot flashes. Most people are aware that hot peppers can contribute to excessive sweating, but did you know that many of the additives in food, not hot at all, can contribute to hot flashes? Health foods can not only help deal with the hot flash, but have profound impacts on all functions of the body.
Hot Flashes causes other than menopausal
Many systemic, but rare conditions can also produce flushing such as carcinoid syndrome, systemic mast cell disease, pheochromocytoma, medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, pancreatic islet-cell tumors, renal cell carcinoma and hyperthyroidism. These conditions are thought to inject chemicals into the blood stream that can agitate nerves and blood vessels within the brain. Make your doctor aware of any symptoms other than hot flashes including rapid or irregular heart rate and blood pressure.
Stress is by far the most common cause of hot flashes causing epinephrine and norepinephrine to be released into the blood stream. The body reacts by increasing blood flow and heat. The hot flash is the body’s way of expelling the excess heat.
Night sweats are commonly mistaken for male menopause when in fact it’s simply the days event triggering sweating at night. Female or male, stressful events that occurred during the day will be processed by the brain at night. Too much stress and the brain will actually start the process of hyperhydrosis during deep REM sleep
Stop Hot Flashes or Night Sweats without Hormonal treatment
If you experience a hot flash and it’s been less then a month, you may want to consider waiting to make sure it’s not a short term problem. They are necessary harmful and at that frequency, they do not usually represent a disease process. For the more frequent hot flash, you may want to try the following:
For daytime hot flashes:
* Try to avoid contributing factors such as strong emotions, caffeine, alcohol, cayenne, heavy clothing, etc.
* Use fans during the day.
* Wear natural material such as cotton.
* Practice deep, slow breathing techniques in the morning and evening, and use this technique when you feel a ‘hot flash’ about to happen.
* Exercise, walk, swim ride your bike every day for at least 30 minutes
If hot flashes and male menopause is still an issue after using these techniques, you should see your doctor for other treatments.
Lawrence Nwanne says
I have read a lot about this issue, hot flash and heavy sweating at night. This is my problem. I am happy it is not a serious health issue. Hope to apply some suggestions found here.
Lawrence
Deborah says
My only son died after experiencing sweats and then he went from hot to cold sweats. I tried taking him to hospital to no avail. He wouldn’t go. he died at 23 years old. I m heart broken. Never to heal
Mary Ann says
Hi my name is Mary Ann, I was wondering if any of you can give me any advice,,,,I got a full Hysterectemy in 2008 after I had my daughter, I had her at 41yrs old, now 7yrs later I’d like to know why I literelly get drenched every hour on the hour, I mean the sweat actually pours down my face and I can feel my head so hot and in the morning my pillow is soak and wet along with the rest of my body…..this goes on day and night every hour on the hour, what do I do? I definetly have an enormous amount of stress in my life and when it happens I feel fatuged and just so tired, it just drains me. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know. One more thing it does, it makes my heart race and at times I get pains in my chest, I went to the Dr.s today so she.s sending me for blood work so I’ll let you guys know how it turns out, I think she said Monday or Tuesday. Thank u for listening and see u sometime this week coming!
brett z says
About a year ago I started sweating out of nowhere. I would wake up in the morning and start sweating from the top of my head first then back, chest, shoulders. I did think much of it at first but it kept getting worse it was accompanied by hot flashes then I would sweat even more. I was changing shirts three times a day at work. I noticed that when I was in stressful situations I would also get hot flash and sweating. I thought it might be anxiety even though I did not feel anxious or stress my Dr. put me on Lexapro and then on Cymbalta neither of them stopped my symptoms. I had blood work done by two different doctors on thyroid and lipids and basic CBC blood work which all came back perfect. The primary doctor is not much help and getting into an endocrinologist is a long wait and while I’m waiting this really is ruining my life.
Any info would be much appreciated. Also hot weather makes it 1000 times worse and I don’t have night sweats at all.
I was put on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) I’m 43 years old the TRT did not help the problem. I stayed on TRT for about a year. With my Testosterone level at 800 and my E2 level was at 20-25. So that did not help the problem. I workout 4-5 days a week weight training and I’m in good shape not overweight not underweight.
Maria says
Hello everyone,
I hit menopause at around 52 when I finally went off the birth control pill (if I’d known what I was going to go through, I would still be on it!). Long story short, get yourselves to the nearest health food store and pick up a container of pills called Maca. This product literally saved my life. In less than two weeks I went from being bed-ridden (yes it was that bad), to having 85% less hot flashes. This is an organic product made from Maca root which is grown in the Andes. All the people at the health store were on it, including the very young. Your doctor won’t know about it (it’s a female problem, what do they care?). I guarantee you will love this. I run a hospitality business and even my male guests went on it.
Good luck to all of you.
Maria
Tara says
I am 36yrs old and have been tested for perimenopause, thyroid issues…with no or minimal confirmation(thyroid variance too low to be medicated in Canada). I’m at my wits end with this, I can’t enjoy anything from mid-spring til late fall due to this heat intolerance or these hot flashes I suffer from.
I do not own an air conditioner. Temperatures as low as 17C with mild activity with or without humidity are causing me to overheat and sweat profusely. It’s horribly embarrassing. I can’t stand to move, be dressed or even be touched by loved ones in anything over 24C with or without humidity.
The only times I get even mild variations in these temperature intolerances is when there are cool breezes to be had, and then only in the shade. I don’t know what else to do…
Brenda says
Hello All,
I am a 47yo female and have been experiencing extreme hot/cold flashes that last 5-10 minutes and happen every 20-30 minutes. I continue to have very cold hands and tingling and numbness in my hands from the cold. I am going to try acupuncture and Chinese herbal teas in combination with the Rife Machine at frequencies 537 660 690 727.5 787 880 and 10000 for 3 minutes each every other day for a month. If this all works to reduce any of my symptoms I will post back after a month.
God Bless you all, you’re not alone, you’re not crazy– we’re all seeking out a cure for these terrible symptoms.
Brenda
Joshua says
On saturday the 17th of January 2015 i was with a woman,the next day, 18th,a sunday i was out drinking with friends(my drink was richot n i tasted a guiness from a friend) then i went home straight to bed.at around five monday morning i woke up and i was surprised that i was still high from the previous night’s drinking so i decided to take a glass of water then went back to sleep.roughly ten minutes later my body was sweating profusely, my pyjamas were drenched with sweat! Its like the water triggered a hot flash and the sweating though im not sure.im 20years of age.i havent seen a Doc yet.in freaking out, i would really like some help please.
Thank you.
Ethel Mott says
At age 87, early one morning 9 months ago I had an experience of body flashing starting in stomach area up to head, lasted about 30 seconds. What was that. And it occurred the entire day every one to two hours. It has occurred every 28 to 30 days since, same pattern. After each episode I notice a deterioration in mental and physical health. I took Klonopin for about 25 years and stopped it about 6 months before first episode. Cannot take any more.
Karina says
Im just about to turn 20 and suddenly i get hot flashes very bad, and especially at night i cant even sleep wich causes me to stress out. is this normal?? I mean technically im only 19, are hot flashes normal,??? Im a little scared
Deborah Oxner says
I am 49 years-old and I have just started menopause and I have been having a problem for the past three or four months where I am without warning sweating profusely just sitting. I have no explanation for it and I had my air conditioner checked and it seems to be me. I don’t have night sweats, I just seem to sweat during the day and at first I just thought it was menopause, but I think it is more than that.
I have some medical problems and doing physical exercise is a very difficult thing for me at this time. I have gained substantial weight and really need to find some way to get rid of some of the weight I have gained. It sucks when I start sweating just after I took a shower. I just want it to stop. How long does menopause last? I’m so ready for it to be over. It is so uncomfortable when I get hot, I feel like I need to jump in a tub of cold water. It happens off and on all day long. So it’s not like a once a day episode. Any advice would be nice.
Sophia Hamilton says
I understand there is a drug called Methyltestosterone that takes away hot flashes completely! Increases your totally zero libido which you have after a complete hysterectomy. I took it for years but now I cant get it because the Federal Drug Administration wants to regulate it now.
I was living a wonderful normal life and now I’m back to hot flashes, at least 80 a day! Sweating like a hog all night, cover off, then on again cause then I get cold cause the covers are wet with sweat! Moody, irritable. But men can get the drug because its a male hormone, testosterone. When mixed with estrogen, the female hormone, its called methyltestosterone. But now, FDA says you cant mix female and male hormones. So now, we all have to suffer for no reason!
Beth says
This is for Sandy Schwenn
Stop eating meat, pork, beef etc. start making yourself fruit smoothis and green smoothies, you can find recipes online. You need to take a beginner meditation using the Silva method, this method really got me there and I had a hard time with meditation… Try to go on a health kick, (you may be on one already but) you can find Vegetarian and vegan recipes online, Since you are so hot and sweaty try swimming for exercise. Please be careful with pills, they may junk up your liver and cause horrible side affects which you are experiencing. Find a Yoga center in your town and join, try alternative things, fresh herbs, fresh foods and eastern philosophy exercises and diet, this will help you! Don’t take medications prescribed only to increase the doctor’s bonus at year end (many receive bonuses based on the number of prescriptions given out per year!). Lastly, I hope you will be OK, it is hard getting older but you will find other cool people at a Yoga center or a meditation center…. good luck!! and please, stay away from prescription drugs if possible!! Stay away from alcohol too, volunteer at a no-kill shelter.. etc. thrive in nature….
Sandy Schwenn says
I am 58 years old and went from being a “10” to a 2 or 3 because 8years ago I had breast cancer caused from hormone replacement therapy… I stopped taking them of course but have been living a strangers life. I don’t know who I am anymore because my personality traits have died and I am nothing like I used to be.
I sweat on my face and my hair gets soaked just crossing the room. I have to tell my husband of 29 years not to kiss me for I am dripping wet from going to the door to welcome him home from work… I am so sick to death of being a sweat hog when everybody dismisses my dilemma as unimportant. I am ashamed to even be seen by my kids and grand-kids. I had a complete hysterectomy at age 27. After breast cancer I had two back surgeries, both my lungs were filled with blood clots a year later. I had two separate episodes of mini strokes all on my left side. I almost died from a prescription drug lithium that had built up in my system. I had my fourth bladder surgery then 3 months later I had a heart attack.
I went from weighing 125 to 101 then after 6 years went up to 165 from meds. I am bi-polar and hypothyroidism is supposed to make me cold…. I am burning up all the time! People will ask me while shopping if I need help or the paramedics!!! I am so embarrassed ALL the time I panic about being alive. My face is always wet so I can’t use anti wrinkle cream, make-up or powder. My long blonde hair is dripping within 30 minutes and that is while I have been sitting down, praying I can love on my husband without sweat dripping from my face or hair. I am constantly in a state of embarrassment and none of my doctors take me seriously.
I miss out on everything my family does and I CANNOT even go for a walk with my husband whom I am crazy in love with!!! Does anybody know how I can stop living like this? Nights are so bad I am changing pillows monthly because of sweat stains! Nothing has an odor just always looking like someone hosed me down. Sick of it. I know I used to be prideful about my looks but boy the Bible says pride cometh before a fall and I have fallen alright.
My ankles swelled so much a few months ago and left me with about 40 spider veins on top of my feet all around my ankles going up my calves. It is ridiculous to the point I almost have to laugh or cry increasingly…..
please someone help me. I don’t want to lose my husband. Not doing things together can cause trouble…
Patty says
I fill a hot water bottle with cold water and put close to my feet. When I feel a flash starting I touch my toes to the cold bottle. If the heat reaches my upper body, I hug the bottle. I can usually get back to sleep after my body temp comes down.
amanda says
hi iv recently started avin hot sweats about a month nw even wen im at work an its hot enuff as it is I was wounderin I was takin antidepressants for 19yrs on an off and came off them myself I wounder if it is a side effect of nt takin them I find these hot sweats not pleasant
itzmetb829 says
This is no way to live. My quality of life is zilch! I am a 52 year old woman who prided herself on being in shape – healthy – outgoing – smart – charismatic – independent and gainfully employed. After my medical problems with gyno & kidney I find myself to be overstressed, emotionally wrecked & physically overweight by 30 lbs.
If a male doctor or high-powered man experienced these symptoms – you could bet there would be a disability clause for them to get relief and stay home from work. Unfortunately it takes a large community to get things done.
After my complete hysterectomy last year I can now say I am living a daily nightmare of sleeplessness, electric shock, ringing ears, weight gain, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, bloating, body order change, depression, excessive sweating, low energy, dryness, mood swings, itching, hot flashes. I think that covers it all. This is a debilitating disease & women should not have to endure all the stress related factors of working a full time job & maintaining a household under this duress. Congress needs to put a bill into action for change to our health insurance & to employment rights regarding women in full blown bad menopause. We need to gather together and petition this to the top! Our quality of life as we know it is gone – perhaps forever!
Let’s do something! Let’s ACT!
Emily says
I am 53 and had a hysterectomy in 2002. My hot flashes started about a week after surgery and have been debilitating for over 11 years. I have 20-40 “flashes” every day and easily double those numbers in the summer. I’ve tried every treatment and drug out there and nothing has worked. I don’t sleep which makes my mind feel like mush. I was the director of a health care facility and had to resign because I couldn’t make good decisions as a result of sleep deprivation. I also experience a strong need to empty my bladder during each hot flash so I can’t be too far away from a restroom. My life is forever changed and I am really struggling. My husband gets frustrated because even sleeping close to him triggers a hot flash and my clothes get soaked. He’s tired of the blankets being thrown to his side of the bed 2o times a night and my constant need to get up to use the bathroom after each hot flash. I have reluctantly accepted the fact that this could go on for many, many more years. I can’t fight it so I try to stay busy and do things for other people. It takes my mind off of this god-awful condition if only for a short time. Hopefully there is medical research going on to help the millions of women and men who are afflicted with hot flashes and an effective remedy will be available in the near future. Until then I suppose we have no other choice but to just live with it. Good luck to all.
Mari says
Some helpful tips: If menopause is on time…
Think menopause as a phase ‘all’ women go through from ‘eve’. Accept it as a ‘normal’ thing. Say yourself-it is going to be ok-it is not a dis-ease but an unease-y condition.
This may go on for years-so accept, have a plan, ignore/distract
Have a plan – when you get it/or know it is coming – deep breaths, cold water splash, drink water, or do nothing-wait for it to go away like the labor contraction. Yoga/meditate/walks/cool couch/just deal only the hot flash and put everything else down…may be just for several minutes -nobody will notice.
Identify the time you get it -AM/PM/more in afternoon etc.
Get Vitamin D mega dose, Calcium, Fish (Krill) oil, Vit C, E and B complex. If heavy bleeding then Iron. Reduce sugar and fat intake.
Invest in Layers/cooling fan/ac/cold weather/warm socks/smile/be positive/all that helps.
Do not mention/complain about to anyone-people may treat unkindly including at work. They expect you as an adult to be able to handle it, little do they know the flush/sweat/heart racing/heat is like being in a furnace two minutes… Hot-hell is on earth.
Take breaks from routine/stressors- try to take a vacation ‘within’ yourself from all pending matters.
The menopause is a definite indication that things are changing- so evolve. Lose weight (for gain is possible now), get a new haircut (for thinning), looser clothes in layers (sweat strategy), new shoes (feet shrink), dental and ENT visits (bad breath, ringing in ears, snoring increase), whole body deodorants, panty liners, pads (urinary stress incontinence), plan finances for future (save save save before spending for anyone else), mammograms (the start of breast issues with hormone changes), gyn visits (again age related issues), join a support group/online, talk to others with it too.
Until there is some sort of an ovarian transplant… the hrt pills, soy milk and cohosh do not cure it and may just add more issues to breast etc. Finally ignore the Female doctors/gyn who laugh it off and refuse to acknowledge it. Hope there is a brilliant cure discovered soon!
Pattie says
Hello, this is Pattie again. I do remember about 2 years ago, I did not have a hot flash for 1 full week. Then they came back.
Go figure. I had a non cancerous breast lump 25 yrs ago so can not and will not try HRT.
Pattie says
Hello, I am 51 and had a total hysterectomy 8 yrs. ago. I had fibroid tumors.
I have been having hot flashes for 8 yrs. They are worse in the summer and when I am stressed out. I am unemployed and trying to find work. My concern is that when I go into stores, I, at some point, start getting a hot flash and sweat profusely. I need a desk job but can not find one.
My question is this; does anyone know if hot flashes like the degree I get them are dangerous if I am working and can not stop working to go cool off somewhere. I will admit that I really panic if I am in a store and get a really bad one. I go to the stores and try to just wait it out but then a little while later I get another one. What scares me the most is when I get a severe hot flash, sweating, very red in the face and the check out woman looks at you in a panic and asks if you are alright. I am overweight but am losing weight by watching my diet. I was glad to know that there are so many of you out there that are going thru the same things.
I will start a better meal plan, exercise and try to stop the stress in my life.
About a year ago, it was a cold winter day (usually I am warm, even in the winter, with hot flashes) It was raining a little so I put my sweat shirt on. When I got into the store, the heater was on. (of course) but I ended up going thru the whole store with the sweat shirt on and actually felt cozy. Then I realized that after an hour or so, I had not had a hot flash or sweating the whole time. I was so grateful for that one hour. I almost started crying because when you have hot flashes and sweats for so long (8 yrs now) you forget what it feels like to have a normal body temperature. My friend just stopped having them after 9 yrs. She says she avoids stress at all costs. I am so happy for her.
I would like to know if it is dangerous to work in a store environment and not stop to cool off. I know this sounds crazy but not knowing makes me nervous and is keeping me from going out and finding a job where you are on your feet all day long as apposed to a desk job with a fan.
Thank you all for listening
Judy says
In 1975, I was 20, I had a miscarriage at home and never went to the doctor, as I had no insurance or a job, My mom nursed me back to health, in a few days, I was ok and resumed my quest to go to college at a nearby town. I moved into the dorm and was losing wt from 316 down to 136lbs. In May , I was pulled down a flight of steps and had to go to the ER. The doc ask if I was Pregnant,, i replied NO I had a miscarriage 3 months prior to this accident.
He took x-rays and freaked out at me,,, I was still pregnant with the twin of the baby I had lost , but the amb. sack from that twin I had lost was still inside me. I had my son in July, and by 4 months later, I was still 20, I had to have a hysterectomy, they put me on premarin, but I ended up stopping them when I heard they cause alot of cancers and side effects..
I never had any problems, no over growth of hair on my toes or hot flashes or anything,, UNTIL I had back surgery 4 yrs ago when I was 53, my hair is very long but has thinned, My head sweats like a furnace worker, and I wake up freezing and then hot again at night, I cant sleep. I need some advice on how to stop this,, I feel like a balding, old sweat box…HELP!!!! thanks, Judy
Debbie says
I am now in menopause and am struggling with no sleep & hot flashes and sweat, sweat, SWEAT. But the sweat running down my face was driving me the craziest. I tried soy & used so much I developed allergy to soy & nuts. Can’t do HRT as mom had breast cancer. So I decided to live with it an treat symptoms… I use anti-persperant (invisible secret) around hair line and upper lip – doesn’t stop sweat completely but HUGE improvement. Also use soft and dry deo spray as body spray front & back AND powder w Gold Bond powder (green can) during day & before bed at night. I even powder my sheets. GREAT help! Exercise is also great help – 1 hour daily VERY brisk walking helps reduce flashes and sweating. I occasionally use melatonin for sleep when really exhausted. Even use the synthetic frozen ‘ice’ packs (for tratment of swelling) wrapped in LIGHTWEIGHT towel under my head at night. Must store them in freezer for best results. They stay soft AND cool for couple hours so can get a little DEEP sleep before hot flash wakes me up! None of this ends the problem but is MUCH more liveable! God Bless you all. Hope this helps!
jo says
I am 57 and have been suffering with hot flashes and night sweats since I was 42. I used a patch, estrogel, homeopathy, vitamins, herbs, minerals and nothing has worked. The estrogel helped but I did not want to take progersterone because of the adverse side effects. I gained weight with the patch and the gel distorted the thighs and arms where I was rubbing it. They became lumpy and full of cellulite. I stopped taking everything about four months ago. Since then I have hot flashes every 30 to 60 minutes and night sweats about four to six times a night. I feel a swooshing in my brain at night and the body feels as if it is on fire only to freeze and shiver immediately thereafter. I am dripping sweat during office hours and I have a very hectic and high level managerial job. I am not depressed but I do feel pretty miserable with all of these symptoms. It was great to read comments from others since I feel less alone. My secretary has never experienced a hot flash and she is 61! Thanks for listening. Jo
Claudette Williams says
Blessings to everyone on this site! My prayer and wish is that someone will come up with a cure for hot flashes (Not another smart phone) they are so uncomfortable and I have tried everything…right now I’m trying I-Cool and I am still flashing but calling on the name of Jesus while I am dripping sweat gives me some relief…
rita says
after completing lumpectomy/axilliarynode clearance as a seperate op then 5 mths of chemo onto 3 wks radiotherapy presently trying tamoxifan my sweats are terrible day and night from head to toe! I am obviously having anxieties and some depression but i kept going all through treatment i had to nurse my very sick husband on catheter and oxygen i just wish i could get a good nights sleep and respite from sweats it as been a grueling yr, and we lost our eldest daughter the yr before! Any suggestions would be welcome for relief to these sweats
rita barnes says
i have suffered with the dripping sweats for many yrs hot and cold my head and neck ears mainly but i do get the allover since breast cancer treament started the sleeping sweats sometimes i wake freezing cold yet drenched i used to get the hot sensations i never took hrt and had hysterectomy 26yr ago im sick and tired out with it going to try eliminating hot beverages and try ice cold water lol to all who are suffering
Becky says
Everybody is different when going through hot flashes….When I get on some of these web sites that talk about the symptoms I can’t help but laugh at some…. No one …..no one knows how you feel unless you’ve been there… I have been going through these hot flashes for the past two years…. I am 50 years old now and have been going through hell….Changed my eating ….exercise ….. All the right things but I still get these hot flashes….I get brain fog….extremely tired from lack of sleep….my body just doesn’t feel the same anymore….I work 40 hours a week and wonder how I do that sometimes……Went to the doctor they tried everything on me but the patch broke me out…..the pills made me worse…. So I am trying this cold turkey now… My heart goes out to all of you that are going through this….I wish I could tell you the secret ….but I can’t…..my sister went through it and she is 70 now and still gets a hot flash every now and then…..you would think with all the technology now a days they would now why we even get them …but it’s a mystery to them also….I do know that for me almost All foods trigger mine…..So just remember your not alone….you are Not going crazy….As for me I pray alot and have people pray for me and I am hopeful that I will be finally free from this ….my thoughts and prayers are with you all…….
Debra says
Hi, My name is Debra,
These night and day sweats have been plaguing with me for about 2 years and getting worse. I wake up 50 time a night throwing the covers off, and then putting them back off. My head and body are so full of sweat, that i need a towel to wipe the sweat off.. My husband tries holding me at night and i cant even let him do that, cuz a soon as he touches me or has his leg on me for 1 minute here come the sweats….Lord its awful…My own son said to me yesterday when i picked him up from school.;whats wrong mom?; i said i don’t know son, I think I’m dying….Its awful every 10 mins, it seems like….Is there any hope for us women, cause I’m losing weight just laying in the bed, and i’m skinny enough….I need to gain weight considering all the fat that Ive sweated out just not even moving……..please help….I think i’m dying, if not i am getting so damn mad that I don’t know what to do….Help me….
Carm says
I used to readily blush and have low-level flashes. I don’t have many now. Maybe it is hormonal (I’m 57) or emotional but I also know that moisturising helps me avoid them. I live in a dry air city and I also work in a high-rise air-conditioned building. My face gets tight and I blush more readily unless I use moisturiser 3 or 4 times a day. May be useful information for someone. All the best
Kelli says
I am 53 and went through menopause in my early 40’s with all the symptoms. I haven’t had hot flahes in a couple of years but just started on the lowest dose of Prempro because of very low estrogen levels which may be contributing to insomnia and anxiety. I have been on Prempro 3 weeks and have been experiencing hot flashes as extreme and often as I did at my worst time in menopause. I thought HRT was supposed to help hot flases not cause them.
Sue says
Now I am 70. Natural menopause probably 20 years ago. My body has always been overly warm. Even when I was a kid. Of course, growing up in Texas with no air-conditioning didn’t help.
I’ve noticed that in the winter I am much more comfortable than in the winter. Now that we are spending our winters in FL, I get practically no relief. I think I will spend more time in the pool and sitting in front of a fan!!!
On second thought, maybe I can just move to the Arctic!
oasis says
Everyone, please check out maca for hot flashes & sweating in general, you can find small packets of the powder at health food stores. cal talbot please have your adrenals, thyroid t3&4 and cortisol levels checked and stop ingesting artificial sweeteners esp nutrasweet etc and don’t take stevia or agave for subs, try switching type of milk too many hormones in our food
scramble our own.
naila research shows atenolol is known to cause heart attacks i tried it, caused chest band pain etc sx of cardiac arrest and felt like pulmonary embolism, Earlene’s blood clots were more likely caused by the coumadin being in the therapeutic range doesn’t prevent this.
when we neglect our bodies symptoms it overflows to other organs eventually the heart pancreas etc. one must start with diet, cleansing most easily via intestinal care, etc And Kara, sounds like your body is trying to regulate your doctor denies any relation? I’d get a 2 nd opinion. hopefully you are taking vitamin supplements to help your body make precursors for hormones. if body is gunked up with years of artificials, and digestion no longer able to absorb anything good you put into it….you wont get far. start taking easily digestible vits, try extracts, tinctures research items that may benefit like bladderwrack, tonic/tinctures to cleanse liver, adrenals etc.
if unable to purchase and only have foodstamps purchase dandelion root tea, women hormone tea companies like yogi tea or traditional medicinals i find are the best for me. good luck everyone my prayers are with you all although i didn’t get through many also i found Chinese too strong for me and there has been concern about purity so research ayuvedic remedies
Sandi says
I am a six year survivor of hormone induced breast cancer. I am 70 years old. I suffer extreme hot flashes all day and night. Supposedly I am not to use estrogen at all. But I am concernced about the quality of my life being 70 years old. Not sure I want to suffer from these flashes. I would almost rather be comfortable. They depress me and stress me out. Please what can I do??????
tony says
i get hot flashes ‘flushing’ on my neck face and ears randomly i dont understand it stared in june /11 only late after noon now feb/12 it comes and goes 3 or 4 times a day lasting 1 to 2 hrs i get hot like its a sun burn blood press good no temp i dont get it do you???????????????
Debi says
I wonder if anyone has had their vitamin D levels checked.
This is also a hormone. Levels should be in healthy people 60-170.
Perhaps if levels are low taking the vitamin D3 would solve some of those hot sweats.
Just a thought.
Lindsey c says
Hi I’m Lindsey and my husband is 23 years old and for the past week or two he has been sweating very badly at night only at night and it’s enough sweet that if I put my leg on his mine slides right off and it lasts all night not off and on, its a solid straight through thing and I’m kind of worried about it because this has never happened before; Both of us are in the military coast guard and is not on any medication or taking any for fun he smokes cigarets that’s all if anyone has any ideas that would be nice thanks.
adele robinson says
I’m 65 years old and have had a hysterectomy when I was in my 30’s.
I have constant hot flashes and have seen a doctor for them.
She put me on Zoloft and black cohos but nothing seems to work.
Could some one please give me some advise or help.
Meenu says
i am 23 years old woman. i have developed these hot flashes some 3-4 months ago.. whenever i get conscious.. i get them.. its really uncomfortable to handle the situation.. please help..!!
kay says
i had to have a hysterectomy eight years ago because of a huge fibroid and had to have three monthly injections beforehand to bring on early menopause which brought on horrendous hot flashes. After over this past week or so I’ve been experiencing hot flushes again!. Not quite as bad as eight years ago but still extremely uncomfortable ..i cried a lot with them the last time and i didn’t think i would ever have to go through this ever again! Could it be that this would have been the age i would have naturally gone through the menopause and maybe this is just my body still reacting to that? (I’m now 52yrs old)
Eric says
I am a 15yr old boy and for the last week i have gone to my classes in school and i have gotten sweaty and felt hot flashes through my face and upper body and i haven’t gone to school since and i don’t know what to do and my parents don’t think its a problem but for me it is i cant go anywhere because i fear i may start sweating and smell bad i don’t know what to do can someone PLEASE HELP ME!
Kara says
I was reading what Tiffany said, I also have cold flashes followed by hot flashes which occur every 20 minutes, Or when I roll over in bed! I find it weird and people think I’m lying or something about this. It just does not sound real to them. I am not lying!
I am extremely cold, with cold feet, hands, nose and visible goose bumps, then the hot flash comes with all over sweat and difficult breathing, racing heart. Extreme thirst and dehydration. I also have hashimoto disease (or chronic lymphocytic , an autoimmune disease related to the thyroid gland) and my endocrine doc says my symptoms are not from my thyroid. He says it would for hyperthyroid. So, I cant find out why I am so extreme!
I tried every over the counter medications, herbs, vitamins, and progesterone cream and estrogen patches. Nothing works!
lorraine says
hi, i was suffering the same badly, until i start having 4 pints of water a day and high fiber diet, jacket potato salads, cut all caffeine and hot drinks, its worked perfect for me, i also take magnesium and zinc supplements at bed time.
Good luck if you too give this a try. make sure to leave that chocolate bars alone. i have no more night sweats at all and only the odd day flush.
kind regards to you all.
Lucy says
Hi everyone
I feel so sorry for us all because its a living nightmare when you cannot sleep for days/weeks/years like some of you. I’ve been living with this horrible hot flashes all day and all night for a several weeks now and they come about every half hour. I sleep about 2 hours per night broken in the middle of hot flashes and spend the night turning the covers on and off.
I guess its all menopausal related, I’m 47 and strange things have been occurring for some time now vis a vis peri menopause. I’m so tired. I went to the Chinese doctor for some acupuncture. At the very least, it has reduced my anxiety and my stress. I am taking Chinese herbs to reduce “fire” in the body. I still get the flashes despite the pills and acupuncture but will continue this treatment.
They say women in china do much better than western women with meno so I’m hoping its their medicine which works. If in a few weeks it works… I will come back and post, if not.. you can assume it didn’t work. All the other regular stuff recommended doesn’t seem to work for me either, the usual dong quai, black cohosh, etc.
I’ve spent a lot of money trying to find a cure. I’m mega dosing on vitamin C hoping this might help. I’m resisting the HRT as my mother was on premarin most of her life (pregnant horse uring) ugh! and developed strokes and clots. Despite docs insisting that the patches and sprays are lower risk, I still don’t like the risk. Its a very hard choice..
living like this will kill me too. Hugs to all.
Update 4/10/2012 – I just wanted to come back and tell you guys that acupuncture and chinese herbal medicine as well as liver flushes have helped me. I am completely free of hot flashes at the moment and have been so for about 4 weeks. Its such a relief.
Kelly Desvoyault says
Hi I’m Kelly I am 33 years old , 6 years ago I had my little girl ,however during this I had major gynological problems, I was told I couldn’t even carry a child, so when I found out that I was having a child ,no matter the risk I knew I had a small miracle.
My doctor and I talked about all of my options and I was lucky and had her at 7 and a half months pregnant.
She was healthy, However as my doctor expected I was having a lot of complications which led to 15 surgeries in total………the last resulting in a total Hystorectomy.
3 days after the surgery I was thrown Into Menopause……………………!!!!!!!!
Its been a year now of being on birth control to try to help with my hot flashes,they weren’t so bad at the beginning, but now a year later oh my lord………My hot flashes are my hot demons, I have them about every 10 mins in the day, and ALL NIGHT LONG to the point my bed is soaked, my clothes , my pillow and now it is affecting my husband and our sleep,I get them so bad I break down crying!!!
Now I realize ok I need HORMONES…………….Its a terrible feeling and I feel like I’m going out of my mind is this NORMAL!!!!
Espie says
Hello Cal,
I really don’t have any advice either and would like to let you know you are in my prayers as well. Don’t be embarrassed. Forget what people may say or say. Ride your bike when it is warm enough to do so that you won’t be cold. During the time it is cold, get you a stand and turn your bike into a stationary one and put a mat under it to catch the sweat. I cannot help you, but you have helped me. My sweat problem is not as severe as yours, however, the fact that it is not, and after reading your story, I won’t complain again. Bless you and I wish you well!
InJesusName says
I know that God is a HEALER, and not just for hot flases. I’ve already prayed for you and I am believing that he will let his will be done in your life. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Naila Dossa says
I have suffered for hot flushes for 15 years I had tried every remedy available, but the problem was not solved
Eventually my GP suggested taking Atenolol which has helped me greatly, I still suffer, but I have been able to manage the symptoms.
john says
I am 27 years old, I am suffering from nightly hot flashes. I believe it could be a steroid withdrawal, but i used steroid cream like 2 years ago (some of it might have gotten in my mouth). but something is definitely weird, whenever i sit and concentrate and play my online shooting game, or feel stressed, my face turns red and i start having a huge hot flash. it feels like a fever , then chills. i dont sweat though, i wouldnt mind sweating instead of turning red. Maybe i have something wrong with my adrenal glands.
Earlene says
I am a 68 years of age. I had partial hysterectomy when age 40. Still have ovaries. In May of this year I had a lumpectomy. I have hypothyroidism, chronic high blood pressure, have tried the lap band procedure for being overweight; however, had to have four surgeries due to complications from that and finally had to the band removed. I am on blood thinners, take Lexapro, Atenolol, coumadin (had 3 blood clots in lungs from lapband), take Zanax .25 mg, take diltiazem for hbp, pravastatin for choles., wellbutrin, and have started having numerous hot flashes (day and night), have trouble sleeping, had back radiofrequency treatment, have 3 herniated disks, and take lasix for water retention., I am very depressed and had to quit my job after 49.5 yrs. as an Exec. Secretary, raising three children on my own. I want to exercise but can’t due to exhaustion from 33 radiation treatments, lower back pain, take knee injections, am so obese. I cry a lot. Help. What can I do? Also, I recently learned my blood sugar numbers are higher than normal. I watch my diet like a hawk but can’t exercise. I am in water aerobic therapy but hot flashes at my age?? Thanks for responding. I need help and encouragement.
Pamela says
I to have had hot flashes 20 years it started when I was 30 I’m now 50 and it’s worse I’m high risk for breast cancer my mom had it, so I can’t take anything. I’m trying herbs, change my diet,exercise, but no change yet. It’s a shame we all have this problem and we can’t solve it. Good luck
InMyPrayers says
Hey Cal,
I don’t have any advice, but you have my prayer, I’m pausing right now to say one for you…I hope this helps!
Cal Talbot says
I must fix a mistake in my story. My Rent is paid for. My phone, power, cable, internet and food have to come out of that $300. I did not explain that properly.
Thanks;
Cal Talbot
Cal Talbot says
Hi everyone; I am a 52 yr old male who started having trouble with hyperhydrosis at around 48. Since then it has just gotten worse and worse and worse. I don’t go out any more, I used to love to ride my bike all over the place, I don’t do that any longer either.
My sweating is so bad (thankfully it’s not a stinky sweat) that I have to carry face cloths and towels with me everywhere. I have a fan in every room and I have to have 2 fans on blowing on me at night in bed. I go through anywhere’s between 6 and 12 shirts a day, 8 to 10 pair of underwear, 4 or more pair of pants, a dozen pair of socks. I have Fibromyalgia/Myofascial Pain Syndromes, Hep C, both Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis’s, Chronic Insomnia, Depression, SAD, Anxiety Disorders. The only meds that I am on are Nortriptyline, Methadone and a stomach med called Tecta.
I am at the point where I am almost ready to blow my brains out. I am embarrassed everywhere I go cause the sweat is just dripping off of me, which gets my anxiety going and then I get really exhausted and moody. I have even almost stopped going to Church, if I were not the drummer in the Worship Group Band, I likely would stop going there as well.
I have gone from 165 lbs to 225 lbs because I don’t exercise any longer. By the time I get dressed and down stairs and on my bike, I am by then “totally soaked right through to the bone” so, I get on the bike anyway and by the time I am half a mile down the road I am shivering and shaking and freezing to death and have to go home. This even happens in 20 degree “c” temp’s. The only time I don’t get cold and have to go home is when the temp is 28 degrees or above, then I am fine but there is a big puddle of sweat all around me and you could ring my clothing out, it’s that soaked.
The doctor told me it was male menopause??? I don’t believe her. She prescribed some Testosterone for me but Social Services won’t cover it so I am out of luck there as well. I am told that , that is the only thing other than Botox injections that will help my sweating and you might know, I can’t get it. So I sympathize with all of you who have trouble with sweating and hot flashes. Try being in a PERMANENT HOT FLASH ALL DAY LONG and then when you try to cool off, you FREEZE to death and have to put something on. It’s like a seesaw Up and Down.
Does anyone have any advice before I blow my brains out??? No, I would not do that but I feel like it. I’ll just stay at home and continue to get fatter and fatter and more and more depressed. I can’t eat properly because I only get $300 a month to live on not inc, power, phone and cable and internet. I live on about $170 per month for food, so you know what I eat. KD and Bologna, Beans and Soup and to drink, juice crystals and pop cause they are all cheap.
Anyway, that’s my story. I need Prayer, please Pray for me.
Cal Talbot
Rayna says
I have intense hot flashes and sweating that comes and goes all day long. I am 54 years old and have not had a period in over 15 years so how could this be menopause. I thought you go into menopause after not having a period for at least 12 months. I have not had one in over 15 years so how can the doctors say it is menopause or is this normal to have hot flashes and severe sweating still. Also, this may sound funny but I don’t suffer from night sweats and never have just these dreadful hot flashes and sudden sweats all day long. I’m beginning to think it is more than menopause and it truly is destroying my life. I can relate to the one person that said she lost her entire summer because she had to stay in bed. I live in florida and it is hell. I, too had to stay inside all the time and can’t enjoy life anymore. I have tried all medications and NOTHING helps actually some of it made all of this worse. Does anyone have any advice for me or any insight. Any tips?
SweatHelp says
Thanks Amber – I’ve added that information!
Amber says
This article fails to list one very common cause of hot flashes and night sweats: hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle.
Kelly says
I am a 54 year old female who has been on HRT for almost 3 years. Last summer which was unbelievably hot here in NC was when the misery of my HEAVY facial,scalp and all over sweating began. As others above have stated, it will start with any physical exertion, break out in the tub in which I use alot cooler water than before (although I have always used medium hot water) I felt there was something wrong and my body is not regulating it’s temperature.
I sought out an endocrinoligist who looked at me and said “Most likely it’s menopause, I burst into tears and said So I have to hope to dry up and become an old lady to have an end to my misery? That’s just great. I didn’t WANT to have something wrong, I just hoped it was something they could treat. I thought HRT helped to lessen or minimize this problem. I also suffered from drenching night sweats from age 42 through 50. Now night sweats are occasional. All my labs came back fine although they DX me as having Metabolic syndrome which means alot of factors point to me developing diabetes eventually.
I also suffered from Poly Cystic Ovarian syndrome which no gyno ever mentioned to me though I always went annually. I’m researching herbs, the main ones that are supposed to help are Dong-Quai with black cohosh, but I have also found many sites that claim an herb that seems to come mainly as a homeopathic tincture or a tea called”Pasque Flower” can end the sweats fast. I lost my whole summer last year and could do nothing but lay in my cold AC bedroom. I also feel so frustrated, miserable and that I can’t live the rest of my life this way. It is absolutely unbearable, and no DR seems to care.
I sweat buckets now the chest of a t-shirt just becomes drenched by the giant beads of sweat puddle up. And once I break the sweat barrier for the day, it does not stop unless I’m in cool AC, if I go to a warmer room I just start dripping again. I’m glad I found your site, I’m not alone and I’m not crazy,
how can a hot flash be constant? I’m going to try to find this Pasque Flower ASAP, I hope it helps.
Good luck to us all.
Charles says
Michael: did you find out yet what it was? I went to Mexico in December and came back with all those symptoms. My doctor has run test after test and says I’m fine, but it is a radical change for me. I walk a block uphill and have sweaty armpits. Effectively, I’m sweating a lot easier now, and the swollen gland bundles certainly doesn’t help.
Best wishes to all as we unravel these mysteries. Although our doctors may not believe us, our bodies are telling us something.
Charles
Michael says
I have been experiencing night sweats, day sweats, palpitations, brain fog, manic episodes of energy and fatigue, very cold hands and feet, tingling in hands and feet. I don’t normally get sick, but when I do, I get hit. My lymphs under my arms get swollen, my sides of my neck get swollen. Then it clears up after a week or so. My body temp. is usually 97.6 – 99.3 throughout the day everyday. Plus much more. What is going on?? BTW. I am 26 years old. This started when I was 13.
Tiffany says
I am a 30 yr old mother of 4. I have several medical issues but now have this issue with sweating for no reason. I am always in front of the fans and still I sweat. I have the feeling come on about 20 or more times a day. I told my doctors and they do not listen. Many times just shine it on. I have been to so many doctors and all say or do the same thing.
I have researched all my symptoms of my disease and this is not one of them. Then of the medical problems that stem off my disease still none have this as a symptom. I am at a loss, reading everything I can about everything pretty much. It’s strange how it comes on as well. I could either be in the shower and the water is warm never to hot and I start sweating while I am in the shower and I end up light headed seeing stars. Now I can’t walk very well so I don’t stand in the shower so getting light headed while sitting down is strange I think. Then its while I am sitting in my wheel chair I get it I just start sweating. Funny thing is I am not running a fever.
It happens while I am in bed and all. I have told my doctor many of times and same thing, they don’t think its a concern. I lay with fans on me and I get the chills but at the same time I am sweating. I will fall asleep for like 2 or so hours and wake to go to the bathroom like I do many times a night and I will be so covered in sweat that my husband awakes and has to take the sheets off the bed and change them and put towels down for me.
We have read that maybe it could be Pre menopause, or Thyroid, and more. I decided to research my own medical records. I have all my blood tests and so on from over the years, even my CT scans and MRI and X-ray reports. So I looked up some things and found that my doctors never over a 16 yr period of me having a serious disease they have never in the last 5 yrs tested my Thyroid. I made sure I went through many many pages and looked for that specific test and nothing. I brought this to my doctors attention and well guess what I got the same response as always, that it most likely did get tested and that couldn’t be the problem.
I have read more into my disease and well there is a disorder called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis that is involved with persons who have Polymyositis and I told this to my doctor. He and a few others have told me that I should not be looking online for anything and that it will only worry me or not be an updated site about the disease or disorder. I was in AWWWS that my doctors could be shining me on. Pretty much saying besides what I have that there could not be anything else wrong.
I don’t know what to do now. I am at my whits end and want to find a new doctor but I don’t have the money or means or insurance that covers new doctors. I don’t know what to do. I just wanted to post on here to tell people that if your having a issue with something like this (Excessive sweating or hot and cold flashes) not to take what your doctor says in vein. Always take it one step further. Look online and research your current issues and look over your own medical records and research all your tests and stuff cause doctors don’t explain that stuff to you anyways. Then try to see a new doctor if you can.
I am still seeking one that will take my case without good medical insurance but if you have the means and you have a problem take it to whomever you can. You don’t need to suffer like I do. I have for 1 full year now been dealing with this sweating and hot and cold flashes issue. If I had a good doctor that stood by my side I most likely wouldn’t be having this issue. You don’t have to deal with it. You don’t have to deal with doctors that are not on your side and are not into looking into your case further.
Push issues that are bothering you with whatever doctor you have to. For me it don’t work but for others it can.
Thanks for reading.
Tiffany
Arizona
Dennis T says
I am 57 years old and started having these really bad hot flashes. Sometimes 6-8 per day and they really take a lot out of me. I was hoping to find someone that had tried some things out of a health food store that might have helped to calm the sweats and heat flashes down a bit.
The labs just took enough blood and urine to run approx. 30 different test, so maybe they will find something that can be controlled. All those dealing with hot flashes have my sympathy, I now know what they are dealing with.
Good luck to everybody in finding something that will give them some kind of relief.
Dennis T.
Summer Jones says
I started menopause in my early 40s. I’m 48 now and have not had a period for over a year. Hot flashes started two years ago and have proved to be a living hell. I’ve been on BHRT for the last year and a half, but to no avail. I’ve taken HUGE amounts of estrogen, so much that my uterus and ovaries ache, but the hot flashes persist.
Progesterone has absolutely no effect on them, but does cause me severe brain fog. I’ve learned to live with the hot flashes during the day, but waking up every 45 minutes at night for the last two years has turned me into a zombie. Have seen five different doctors, all of whom tut tut, shake their heads, look concerned, and usher me out the door.
One suggested that I seek counseling while another recommended that I have a neurologist test me for early-onset Alzheimer’s (because I complained of brain fog). No one, NO ONE, takes this very seriously. It’s considered a “natural” part of life so the subtext of the advice I’ve been given is, essentially, to suck it up and stop my whining.
I addition to BHRT, I’ve tried the “natural”, herbal remedies: Remifemin, pycnogenol, glutathione; as well as the man-made route: Zoloft. NOTHING works! I feel like bashing my brains against a brick wall just to make the hot flashes stop. All I want is one good night’s sleep. That’s it.
HELP!
THERESA says
Susan i have tried all that–natural and drinking plenty of water! the severe sweats are still a coming! every twenty minutes day and night. going back on the hrt. totally against it but quality of life is null and void at this point. i am so very tired now and gaining weight back. i have three masses right breast not cancer and a high risk factor–but– low low dosage really worked.
fyi i do believe in gods pharmacy. have a great list and explanation!! very interesting
jill eaton says
I had hysterectomy at the age of 40 keep my ovaries. know at the age of 68 started getting hot flushing in top half of my body and effects my breathing when it comes on. Mrs Jill Eaton
Sophie says
I am 38, female, correct weight, no illness, regular periods, typical blood pressure, in good shape etc.. etc.. but over the past 8 months, I’ve been sweating whenever I walk (I walk to and from work everyday, approx 30 mins each way)
I noticed that even on the coldest, snowy days, I was walking to work with no jacket and feeling like I was in the tropics (if only I was!) dripping with sweat and hot as anything. I’ve walked to work every day for 2 years prior to this with no sweating at all. I don’t sweat during the day at work, but I do get really hot/cold at night. Does this sound like the beginning of menopause?
I think I could cope with the normal sweating, as I take wet wipes, deodorant, and a change of top with me so I can freshen up, but I sweat a lot all over, so my panties get soaked through too, which makes me smelly “down there” and its mortifying and is effecting my relationship with my man. Some doctor on another site suggested using talc, but really, its not very effective for me, and certainly is not a solution – I tried it : )
I will go see my doctor, but thought I’d share my woes with you, just in case someone can give me some specific advise (or send a virtual hug). No matter what, it’s good to see that there are a lot of people out there with similar-ish problems, thank you for sharing, i don’t feel so alone anymore : )
Anoli says
I am also 68 and have gone through menapause 13 years ago and been off HRT for 5 years. I have hot flashes at work for no particular reason that I can tell and night sweats. I do take Lexapro, and bp meds and Parvostatin. I know I don’t drink enough water, but besides is this supposed to continue forever? It doesn’t last long and I don’t think I get red in the face like my grandmother used to.
alex says
what susan said is 100% right on and nothing else needs to be asked or answered here regarding sweats or health issue. eat well, exercise well. end of story.
it is true. i found this to be true on my own as well. that the sweats are the body protecting you, telling you when you are out of alignment from not eating well, not exercising, not being outdoors enough. . if you eat well, exercise well, are outdoors a lot you are fine. god speaks to you through your body. if you choose not to listen you suffer. get in alignment and all is well. listen to god, listen to your body.
ken says
54 yr old , hot flushes ,start in the chest heart palpations as well ,some are minor and some severe, go from chest and like a wave go to the head,then down wards like a flushing effect, feel drained after wards,happen more when i rest,a clammy feeling as well,some times 4 a day, have had every test , but adrenalyn is 1.7 instead of .08 of testing thats the only gland thats abnormal, are seeking a specialist in this area,but have to wait for a appointment,its very annoying and have stopped working full time,any one out there the same , cheers , Ken
Paul C says
I am a 25 year old male who has been experiencing “hot flashes” and excessive sweating 3-5 times a day. I have a office job and I walk for 30 mins a day, but that is all. I am overweight about 25 lbs, and I am on a few medications, ie (dexadrine, Oxycontin and celexa (citalopram). I am also a smoker but I do not drink alchole or recreational drugs. Usually the sweating occurs during the day lastly roughly 10 min each time. Its embarrassing at work because I don’t know what people are thinking. When I do physical activity its so much worse and lasts a lot longer. WHATS WRONG WITH ME???? PLEASE HELP
Rhonda says
I am 50 years old and I have been having bladder infections quite frequently, I sweat during the day very bad it makes my face feel like I just got out of the shower and didn’t dry it off off, then I will cool down and at different times during the day sweat again. At night I will get very cold and when I put cover over me a minute later I feel like I am Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace. I quit having periods years ago. Do you think the sweating is due to my uniary tract infections or am I going through menopause? Please help, and Thank you.
micki nagel says
I am 68 years old,went thru menopause i5 years ago, and when I reduced my ET, my night sweats started all over again. I eat right, work with a trainer 4 times a week, am the proper weight, generally very healthy, but these night sweats are depriving me of sleep. I got along fine until my ET was cut in half. Does anyone else have night sweats at my age, and should I go back to my old dose of estrogen?
Shelley says
I am a 48-year-old female who underwent a total thyoidectomy a few months ago. Because papillary and follicular cancer was found in my thyroid gland after it was removed, I underwent a radioactive iodine treatment, and my endocrinologist has put me on and intentionally high dose of Synthroid for the purpose of suppressing any thyroid cancer cells that might still be lurking in my body. I have been experiencing side effects of frequent hot flashes (about every 20 minutes, day and night), rapid heartbeat, and a lot of trouble getting to sleep and staying asleep (the hot flashes keep waking me up). These are known side-effects of Synthroid-induced hyperthyroidism; however, my doctor doesn’t want to reduce my Synthroid dose. Is there anyone out there who has experienced this and found a safe, effective way to reduce the intensity and/or frequency of the hot flashes? They’ve become quite disruptive to my life.
Heather says
My husband had a radical prostectomy and has also had medical castration for prostate cancer. He is really suffering with hot flushes both day and night continually and mood swings big time. What can he do. I have suggested that he contact his Urologist but will not. Can you give any natural remedy advice.
Thanks.
Lex says
I started to feel hot flashes and anxiety attacks lately. I am a Male age 45 diagnosed with Mild CAD. I take medicines for my High BP and Diabetes. Do I need to take more medicines for my hot flashes and anxiety as they are becoming very uncomfortable.
Thanks
Larry says
I finally found some other men who were experiencing the same constant day and night sweating.I wear short sleeve shirts 365 days a year when I go out.I go bare chested and wear shorts while in the house which I keep cool.I also have a fan right at my head for when I slip into one of my many attacks daily.I sleep with a fan operating every night and the window is open even during the winter.
I have noticed recently that when I have to go to medical appointments,that I sweat with the flashed even more and towards the end of the day I can smell a moldy body odor..I know I am getting old at 68 and partially disabled but I am not in the ground yet so I shouldn’t smell like that.
I take caution to launder my clothing and bedding daily and I disinfect the wash with bleach.This gets old fast but thanks to everybody for some ideas to present to my VA doctor the next time I go for an appointment.
tori says
I’m a 20 year old woman, I’ve been having hot flashes since I was about 15 years old. I get them every time I’m in a stressful situation or when I get mad or cry. I don’t know what to do anymore, I’m starting to think there’s something wrong with me. Should I consider seeing a psychologist? Please help!!!
Susan says
I also have the “most severe form” of hot flashes and night and daytime sweating and at 54. I am well past the menopause but it just hasn’t stopped.
I am more than ever convinced that these flashes are actually a blessing in disguise and that taking hormone replacements of any kind actually make it worse in the longer term. I have no evidence but I think these sweats are the body’s effort to remove toxins and the body’s physiological wastes and actually serve to protect us against things like cancer, and that by trying to suppress the sweating we actually make our physical condition more vulnerable to cancer and other diseases like osteoporosis.
I am of Irish stock and I notice that I have least problem with my sweats when I am working outdoors in my garden or biking or doing anything which involves physical effort outdoors. My ancestors (the ones who survived) did so because they were built for hard physical labor working in the fields growing potatoes – but what do we do? We sit in offices and in our cars and wonder why we feel so bad!
I too have a desk job and I have a fan on my desk summer and winter to deal with the discomfort of the sweats but it is when I am outdoors that I have the least trouble with it. I even thought of getting a job where I could be outdoors all day.
My biggest tip to all sufferers is – drink more water… not coffee or tea or soda, but honest to goodness plain (filtered) water. Also only eat natural food (nothing processed), i.e. meat, fish, eggs, fresh vegetables and fruit but no bread, pasta, cookies, cakes, buns, sauces, milk (which is only intended for baby cows), yogurt (which has sugar or sweeteners added). In short, nothing which is processed before or during cooking or with any kind of additive.
All you need is vegetable oil for cooking, salt and pepper and garden herbs for flavor. Reduce sugar and sweeteners and try to get off them completely (difficult in our sugar-addicted society but it does have great health benefits). No thickening or sweetening of any kind and no hot spices or stimulants.
Eating out can be a problem, but I pretend that I am diabetic and on a strict diet and then they are more than willing to accommodate you. These are the things which work best for me. Good luck everyone and try to see your “curse” as a blessing in disguise. Perhaps you will live longer if you can learn to live with the momentary discomfort…
Mark says
I’m getting hot flashes, I sweat for no reason. As soon as I do something physical or get upset, they come hard. I’ve been using Larazopam for a long time .05 mg. I started with 2 a month to one a day and now 2 day, am I addicted to Adivan?
I also just started Martial Arts class and they have intense workouts, I’m 55 years old, but in good shape, would it be my muscles flaring up??? I don’t know! I also sweat at night.
Vee says
Hey guys,
I have a 10,000 btu air conditioner that I use. It works wonders {;~) I crank that baby up and keep my bedroom very cool at night. I’m not trying to make light of everything I have read here but I highly recommend air conditioners for keeping cooler; even if it seems inappropriate to others temperature wise. I’ve had a hot temperature since I went through menopause and I use my air conditioner freely.
Chris Gallagher says
Carolyn….sorry for your suffering. I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2003. The whole year of 2002 I was plagued with night sweats. Then came chills, then finally, fevers over the period of 1 or more years.
If they had done an x-ray of my chest, chances are they would have seen the cancer. It was finally diagnosed by the sudden arrival of a lump under my arm. Swollen lymph gland.
I was told I had Stage 2B Hodgkins. The B was significant because it described all my symptoms that no one related to cancer.
I am sure you don’t have cancer but as a fellow sufferer and survivor, I wanted you to know.
Chris
Carolyn Duncan says
Rusty,
Sounds like your sweats could be medication related. The pain medications often do this. Hope you find relief.
Rusty says
I am 47 years old with a back injury which has cause me to live a pretty non active life. Last year I was forced onto disability by my doctors and the severe pain I was experiencing. I got hurt in 2000 since then have taken a regiment of medications for pain control. I started having day and night sweats recently I am currently on Lexapro for anxiety and depression and Oxycodone for pain and Soma for spasm or pain.
My question is can one of these medications cause my sweats or could it be male menopause / male hot flashes? They are becoming more frequent and I really sweat, they were only happening at night now I’m having them occur 2 to 3 times a day.
dina says
my hot flash started at age 45 after my periods stopped, since then i have very bad sweating in the day time, I should say very very bad sweating! I do not want to take hormone replacements, I was trying other pills my doctor gave to me, but it doesn’t work. How do I naturally put a stop to this miserable sweating?
Stephanie Reynolds says
I have had a hysterectomy and I have had non-invasive breast cancer and I had a mastectomy. They will not put me on hormones because of the breast cancer and I am dying with night sweats and hot flashes. I have about 20 occurrences at night and I am so tired.
I have been looking into natural herbs to help my problem but so far nothing has helped.
I also have migraines and a loss of sexual desire. Is there any help out there?
tina says
I have hot flashes all day and night. Mood swings and often headaches too. This is all because I had a hysterectomy!
Susana Arbonies says
Tengo Hiperhidrosis secundaria,nadie me lo dijo, pero por lo que lei en este articulo,esesto lo que tengo
Susana Arbonies says
Sufro de Hiperhidrosis secundaria,ya que sudo muchisimo la cabeza, la frente, las piernas y todo el cuerpo,me siento toda mojada,ya no se que hacer, vivo, duermo, trabajo con 2 ventiladores,constantemente tengo calor,odio el verano ya que paso muchisimo calor y no se que hacer, no se si tiene solucion. Tengo diabetes porque tengo El Sindrome de Cushing,me operaron de la suprarrenal, tenia un Adenoma,creo que me lo sacaron, digo creo, no soy gorda,pero tengo mucho abdomen y puede ser que el tumor este creciendo. No se si sera esto lo que me produce tanto calor,hace 18 años que no tengo menstruacion o sea que estoy con la menopausia desde los 44 años en que se me retiro y ahora tengo 62. Gracias por lo que puedan hacer por mi. Susana
Jim says
Hello Carolyn,
I started this site as an information resource and a place where people could share their experiences.
What you are asking for is medical advice, which I can’t provide. I’m nowhere near the medical field and far over on the technology side.
I can however, provide you with a place to share your story so that others experiencing what you’re going through can benefit from your comments.
Your situation sounds most complicated and my heart goes out to you; life can be difficult enough without all these complications. You sound like a strong person, stay strong and trust that there is a reason for everything!
Best Regards,
Jim
Carolyn Duncan says
Menopause began in 1987 and hs estrogen eliminated the night sweats and hot flashes. Later on I changed to FS estrogen with no problems. I had stage 1 non invasive breast cancer in 2006 and had to stop all hormones. I had a lumpectomy. I have taken thyroid (synthroid) since 1980 with regular checkups. It was normal in December ’08.
The night sweats returned during cancer treatment and gradually reduced to mild flare ups. For the past 6 months, a wild change has attacked my body. I have had to change clothes 2 or 3 times a night and often that much during the day. Any exertion during the day leaves me drenched with perspiration. I wake up every hour. I have eliminated medications with night sweat side effects. I have taken 600 mg of lithium for 14 years. I take Ativan (1mg) for 8 years. I have taken Altace for blood pressure for about 10 years. I have gained 40 pounds since completing radiation. I walk, swim, or bike most every day.
My gynecologist told me to try prozac, then cohash. My family doctor patted me on the head and told me to learn to live with it. My oncologist said there was nothing to be done. I am an emotional wreck and nearly suicidal. If the estrogen helps….I took it from ’87 to 2006 before cancer was detected.
Can I risk some hormones now and have a few good years left with my family? This is living hell and I really would like some help.
Thank you.
Carolyn