Hypothyroidism and excessive sweating

[cris2009]

Hello All,

This is sort of gross but ever since my partial thyroidectomy in September 2007, I have been excessively sweating all the time, especially in my armpits. I have never had a problem with sweating before in my life. I am hypothyroid but seem to have symptoms of both hyper and hypo.
I have tests done and it's not menopause or adrenal issues. I am currently on .50 of Synthroid and I believe my last TSH was 2.9?? ( still confused how all THAT works).

Anyway, has anyone else noticed themselves sweating, a lot?  

Is it the Synthroid? Is it that my levels are not right?

Any info, help, same stories???

THANKS!!!

[Daisylovr21]

I fight with Head and Neck sweating every morning it seems.  As soon as I get out of the shower and dry my hair etc I am dripping in sweat....so frustrating because I literally just took a shower.  I hate that we are going through this and if you have any solutions I am all ears.  I am glad I am not alone however.

Let me know if you find anything out.  :)  

[Raddybell]

I have hypothyroidism and have problems with sweating as MapSkraps described.  It is very embarrassing. If anyone has found a solution, please post.  My GPS is stumped.  Guess I will go back to Endo.

[Puregold17]

I am having the same issue! Wondering if it is the meds or just the condition. Endo appt coming up next month. I would like to hear more feedback from others.

[MapSkraps]

Perfect!  Thanks.

[gimel]

Yes.  How's that?  LOL

[MapSkraps]

I was attracted to this string because of its title, "Hypothyroidism and excessive sweating."  While I appreciate all the time folks have taken commenting on this subject, I can't follow all that has been written.  Can/will anyone address, in simple language, the following: Most of the information regarding thyroid trouble indicates that sweating can accompany hyperthyroidism and sensitivity to cold goes with hypothyroidism.  I wish to know if excessive sweating of (mainly) the head, neck, and chest is ever associated with hypOthyroidism?  Thank you.

[gimel]

From just reading another of your posts,  I also suggest testing for the antibodies of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  Those tests are TPO ab and TG ab.  

[gimel]

Assuming that your T4 test you mentioned is Total T4, then your level is very low in the range.  In addition, both Total T4 and Total T3 are somewhat outdated and not nearly as revealing as Free T4 and Free T3, which are the biologically active thyroid hormones.  Free has actually been shown to correlate best with hypo symptoms, while Free T4 and TSH correlated poorly.

From a very  long list of symptoms that can be hypothyroid related, this is the section on body temperature.  Note the listing of excess perspiration.  

Body Temperature:

    Cold extremities
    Cold sweats
    Night sweats
    Heat intolerance
    Cold intolerance
    Internal shivering
    Hypothermia
    Cold hands
    Clammy palms
    Cold feet
    Excessive perspiration
    Little perspiration
    Low basal body temperature (below 97.8 degrees Fahrenheit)

A good thyroid doctor will treat a hypo patient clinically by testing and adjusting Free T4 and Free T3 as necessary to relieve symptoms, without being constrained by resultant TSH levels.  Symptom relief should be all important, not just test results.  You can get some good insight from this link written by a good thyroid doctor.

http://www.hormonerestoration.com/Thyroid.html

So you need to be tested for Free T4 and Free T3 every time you go in for tests.  Also, since hypo patients are frequently to low in the ranges for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin, those should be tested as well.  D should be about 55-60, B12 in the upper end of its range, and ferritin about 70 minimum.

If you get these tests done and would like our assessment, please post results and ranges shown on the lab report.  

[smilesalot80]

Yes from what i have read your t4 could be normal but your t3 off or vice virsa so when you get your levels checked ask for all both tests to be done becaz you need t4 and t3 to be at the right level in order for your body to function correctly... Lots of people get railroaded by their docs becaz the causal family doc doesnt know much about thyroid diseases

[smilesalot80]

Helllo there, yes yes yes i sweat like a man all day all night. I'm very thin and I'm an extreme athlete but i can't stop sweating even in 35 degrees while hiking mt Shasta in my home town i was pouring sweat.... My doc doesnt know anything about thyroid so I'm doing research on how to keep my levels steady. My t4 is currenty at 4.49 and its showing I'm low again..... Ugh i hate being fatigued all the time:(

[gimel]

TSH is totally inadequate as the sole diagnostic for thyroid issues.  TSH is a pituitary hormone, not a thyroid hortmone.  Supposedly TSH accurately reflects levels of thyroid hormones, but in reality it cannot be shown to correlate well with either of the biologically active thyroid hormones, Free T4 or Free T3, much less correlate well with symptoms, which should be the main concern.  

So, I highly recommend that you get tested for Free T4 and Free T3, along with TSH.  In addition, since hypo patients are frequently too low in the ranges for Vitamin D, B12 and ferritin, I also recommend testing those as well.  

When you have additional test results, please post them, along with reference ranges, and we will be glad to help interpret and advise further.  

[zach1977]

yes it was the only test done & If I recall correctly it was around 2.9; but I will have to double check.

[gimel]

What was your TSH level?  Was that the only thyroid test done/  

[zach1977]

you mentioned rubbing it on your face. Have you had any skin irritations and does it actually stop your face from being flush, red as well or just the sweat.

[zach1977]

I have been searching the internet for years and after two doctors suggestions of taking more showers and wearing thin clothing; I am about to give up. Just got a new doctor and my TSH levels were normal. I did not yet bring up the symptoms as my Testosterone levels were low and needed to focus on that issue first. He did attribute my exhaustion to possibly that. But after reading everyone's messages here I think I have found people who can relate.
I have always perspired but never attributed to any possible issue but as an adult I found this embarrassing and not common amongst people I met in life and it has affected career choices and other social interactions. The last +-5-8 years have been worse. Constantly tired, can never focus ( put that off as ADHD) and belly fat. If anyone can suggest a way to get a proper blood work up & does my PCP need to provide a script for that. I know this thread is old but hope to get some feedback.

Zach1977

[lisaaust]

i to suffer your problem and have had to start using an antipersant that i had aquired to help.it is a 48 hr clinical protect which comes in a stick. i rub it onto my hands,then i put it on my face neck and back as well as every where else you can think of,i know this is not a cure but it stops the embrassing moments. good luck hope this helps. regards lisa

[Bunkyc]

What did you find out? Im always hot, im miserable.

[Sweatyup]

I have the exact same problem.  I have hashimotos and rheumatoid arthritis.  High doses of prednisone and .187 of synthroid.  I sweat so bad all the time.  My body can't cool itself down.  Always my face, head and neck.  It drips and is so icky and embarrassing.  I can't hug people anymore (I was a big hugger).  I always have to carry a sweat towel with me.  It is just aweful.  I feel your pain and I am sorry :(.

[Healhtnut1959]

Research POTS Syndrome.  My nephew had the same issues and has received treatment by a cardiologist.

[Rosieblade]

I to sweat a lot it's so uncomfortable waddling around in wet clothes most of the time, I have been on thyroxine for about 20 years now and I just keep getting bigger and bigger, I have had 5 wedding rings because my fingers have grown so much, of course my doctor won't have it that it's the thyroid because my levels are normal, my mother has the opposite problem though she is always cold and she has lost around 5 stone yet we are both have an under active thyroid and take thyroxine.   Liz

[Barb135]

As has been noted above, you've attached to a very old thread... Your situation would get more/better attention if you start your own thread.  

Do you have a thyroid condition?  If so, which one?  Do you take a thyroid medication? If so, which one, what dosage and for how long have you been taking it?

If you can post your actual labs, we can better assess your situation.  Be sure to include reference ranges with any lab results, as ranges vary lab to lab and have to come from your own report.

[Summersville Girl]

I stay hot and sweaty most all the time.  If I do the slightest thing my head sweats profusely it's horrible and I'm so tired of it.  I'm 62 and so tired all the time, embarrassed by the sweating it can be 0 out and I have sweat dripping down my face and my hair gets soaking wet at my temples, under my hair line, top of my head, it's living hell and I'm so worn out from it.  I feel so miserable most all the time.Any suggestions please?

[Gin52]

I have the opposite. I can't/don't sweat so I can't tolerate the heat at all but I do get body odor.
It's not pleasant either. Makes it very difficult to be outside in the summer.

[Barb135]

It's okay that you don't type well.  We can work around typos.  Regular sentences and paragraphs works great.  Hope to see a new post.

[boston9zero]

Thank you, i type in all caps because i am not too good at typing.. i will try what you suggest...best wishes and health to you
boston 9zero