hypothyroidism
Although doctors associate hypothyroidism with feeling cold and hyperthyroidism with feeling hot, it is possible that having low levels of thyroid hormone may cause general difficulty regulating body temperature. This may mean that some people with hypothyroidism experience sweating because thyroid hormones help regulate body temperature, so a lack of them causes instability. However, there is little scientific evidence to support this.
However, there are other, more likely explanations for these symptoms.
For example, a medication for hypothyroidism called levothyroxine can also cause sweating as a side effect if someone is taking more than they need. Other factors, such as menopause, can also cause sweating and may occur alongside hypothyroidism. Overuse of levothyroxine replaces thyroid substances that the body does not produce enough of, leading to the following:
- sweating
- headaches
- a racing heartbeat
- anxiety or agitation
- difficulty sleeping
- chest pain
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
Thyroid hormone levels also influence the levels of other hormones in the body and vice versa. This is especially relevant for females, who are five to eight times more likely to have hypothyroidism than males.
Most females enter the first stage of menopause in their mid-to-late 40sTrusted Source. At this time, levels of estrogen and progesterone start to decrease. This can cause symptoms, with hot flashes and night sweats among the most common. Doctors believe that estrogen levels may also affect thyroid function.
Hypothyroidism and menopause share some similar symptoms, and each condition may aggravate the other. This may mean that some people with hypothyroidism experience both thyroid- and menopause-related symptoms at the same time.
Estrogen affects how much triiodothyronine and thyroxine the thyroid makes, and during menopause, the thyroid may struggle to meet the body’s needs. A 2011 studyTrusted Source noted that estrogen has a direct effect on human thyroid cells.
An earlier study from 2007Trusted Source looked at females with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and severe menopause symptoms. The researchers found that treating thyroid dysfunction significantly improved their menopause symptoms, including night sweats.
What helps with sweating and night sweats?
People who experience regular sweating and night sweats should discuss their symptoms with a doctor. They may require testing for thyroid disease. Or, if they already have a diagnosis, they may require changes to their medication dosage.
To reduce the discomfort of sweating, it may help to:
- Sleep in a cool bedroom: Turning the thermostat down and using less or lighter bedding can help reduce heat around the body as someone sleeps. Try to use bedding made from breathable, natural fabrics, such as cotton.
- Choose breathable clothing: Choose lightweight, loose clothing made with natural fibers wherever possible. This can help keep the body cool and wick away moisture. Wearing light layers can give someone the option to take clothing off or put it back on again as their body temperature changes.
- Reduce sweat triggers: Spicy foods, cigarettes, and alcohol may worsen night sweats, so avoiding these may reduce this symptom.
- Use a cooling pillow or ice pack: Some pillows have a gel filling that stays cool during the night. Alternatively, a person can keep a cool pack under the pillow. Flipping the pillow to the cool side during the night can help a person cool down when they have night sweats.
References
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-to-know-about-hypothyroidism-sweating-and-night-sweats#:~:text=Hypothyroidism%20may%20cause%20night%20sweats,in%20general%2C%20including%20at%20night.
