Have you ever experienced profuse sweating despite feeling cold? This phenomenon is known as cold sweats.
It can be a bizarre and unsettling feeling, but it’s actually pretty common. According to Shoshana Ungerleider, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician and founder of End Well Foundation, cold sweats are usually characterized by a sudden onset of clammy and cool perspiration, unrelated to external temperatures or activity levels.
They may make the skin feel moist, chilled, and sticky, and as for the appearance, the skin may seem pale and damp, with droplets of sweat visible, especially on the forehead, palms, or underarms.
Cold sweats are also often accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, or lightheadedness, depending on the underlying cause. In this article, we’ll discuss the seven most common causes of cold sweats and how to treat them.
What Are Cold Sweats?
Cold sweats refer to sudden sweating that doesn’t come from heat orphysical exertion. Instead, they often result from the body’s response to stress, fear, pain, or other forms of physical or emotional distress.
Anyone and everyone can experience cold sweats, regardless of age, gender, or health status.
What Causes Cold Sweats?
There are various reasons why a person may experience cold sweats. Here are the seven most common causes:
1. Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural response to stress. However, when anxiety becomes excessive, it can lead to various physical symptoms, including cold sweats.
The body’s reaction to anxiety triggers the release of adrenaline, which in turn causes the body to produce sweat. Anxiety-induced cold sweats may occur during panic attacks, social situations, or moments of extreme stress.
Treatment
- Practice deep breathing exercises
- Try progressive muscle relaxation
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Consider therapy or counseling
2. Menopause
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier or later. During menopause, the body undergoes hormonal changes that can cause various symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and cold sweats.
“During this time, the ovaries make less of the typical female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, and the drop in the hormone levels disrupts the body’s ability to regulate temperature,” says Jill Purdie, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group in Atlanta
Treatment
- Dress in layers to adjust to temperature changes
- Use cooling pillows or fans
- Consider hormone therapy under a doctor’s guidance
3. Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, occurs when blood sugar levels drop below normal levels. This condition can be caused by certain medications, skipping meals, or excessive exercise. Symptoms of low blood sugar include shakiness, confusion, sweating, and cold sweats.
Treatment
- Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day
- Monitor blood sugar levels regularly
- Avoid skipping meals
- Talk to a healthcare provider about adjusting medication dosages
4. Menstruation
Menstruation is a monthly cycle that women experience during their reproductive years. Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation can cause various symptoms, including cramps, bloating, and cold sweats.
Treatment
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers for cramps
- Apply heat to the affected area
- Practice stress-reducing techniques
- Maintain a balanced diet
5. Fever
Fever is a common symptom of many illnesses, including the flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19. A fever occurs when the body’s temperature rises above its normal range, usually in response to an infection.
When the body tries to lower its temperature, it may produce sweat, which can result in cold sweats.
Treatment
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids
- Take over-the-counter fever reducers
- Consult with a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen
6. Medication
Certain medications, such as antidepressants and blood pressure drugs, can cause cold sweats as a side effect. If you experience cold sweats after starting a new medication, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
Treatment
- Talk to a healthcare provider about adjusting medication dosages
- Consider alternative medications under the guidance of a professional
7. Birth
Giving birth is a physically and emotionally demanding process that can result in various symptoms, including cold sweats. It’s not uncommon for women to experience cold sweats during labor or after delivery.
Treatment
- Rest and stay hydrated
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Practice stress-reducing techniques
- Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen
How to Treat Cold Sweats?
The treatment for cold sweats depends on the underlying cause. Here are some general tips to help manage cold sweats:
- Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly
- Dress appropriately for the temperature and environment
- Use a fan or air conditioning to regulate body temperature
- Practice stress-reducing techniques, suchas follow:
- as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Get enough rest and sleep
If cold sweats are severe or persistent, it’s important to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Conclusion
Cold sweats can be a symptom of various conditions, ranging from anxiety to illness. It’s essential to understand the underlying cause of cold sweats to receive proper treatment. If you experience cold sweats frequently or if they are severe, speak to your doctor.
By taking steps to manage stress, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and treat underlying medical conditions, you can reduce the frequency and severity of cold sweats.
In summary, cold sweats can be unsettling, but they are usually not a cause for concern. By understanding what causes cold sweats and how to treat them, you can manage this symptom and improve your overall wellbeing.
