COLD SWEATS: CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
Cold sweats can catch you off guard. Unlike the usual sweat from a workout or a hot day, cold sweats are triggered by your body’s ‘fight or flight’ response. This natural reaction is designed to protect you in stressful situations, but if cold sweats become a regular occurrence, it might be time to dig a little deeper into what’s really going on.
WHAT ARE COLD SWEATS A SYMPTOM OF?
Cold sweats are a sudden onset of perspiration that isn't related to heat or exertion. Instead, they’re linked to your body’s stress response. Imagine watching a thriller where the suspense has you on the edge of your seat—that adrenaline rush can lead to cold sweats. But beyond the thrill, if these sweats become frequent, they could be signaling underlying health issues.
WHAT CAUSES COLD SWEATS?
Anxiety and Stress
Life can be a rollercoaster, and sometimes anxiety or stress can push your body into overdrive.1 When you’re anxious, your heart races, your breathing quickens, and your sweat glands kick into gear. If you’re dealing with anxiety attacks or PTSD, cold sweats might be more common for you.
Low blood sugar
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor will have made you well aware of this already. A cold sweat is one of the early warning signals of hypoglycemia, which requires immediate medical attention.2 Far less vital, but low blood sugar is also what can give us ‘the sweats’ after a night of heavy drinking.
Thyroid problems
Your thyroid is like the conductor of your body’s orchestra, and when it’s out of tune, it can lead to hyperthyroidism.3 This condition speeds up your metabolism and puts your body in a constant state of ‘fight or flight’. This results in symptoms like anxiety, shaky hands, and—you guessed it—cold sweats.
Fever and infections
When your body is battling an infection, your temperature rises to fight off the invader. This can sometimes lead to cold sweats as your body tries to regulate itself. If it’s the flu or something more serious, it’s important to keep a close eye on the symptoms.
Certain medications
Sometimes, the meds you’re taking might be the culprit behind cold sweats. Pain medications, blood pressure drugs, and even some antibiotics can list cold sweats as a side effect. If you suspect your medication is causing issues, it’s worth discussing this with your doctor.
Serious health conditions
In some cases, cold sweats can be a symptom of more serious conditions like certain types of cancer, including lymphoma and leukemia. If you experience persistent cold sweats along with other symptoms like dizziness or difficulty breathing, it’s important to seek medical advice.
HOW TO GET RID OF COLD SWEATS
If cold sweats are cramping your style, there are ways to manage them:
1. Stay cool and calm: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to help manage stress and anxiety.
2. Monitor your health: Keep an eye on your blood sugar levels if you’re diabetic and make sure you’re following your treatment plan.
3. Check your meds: Review your medications with your doctor to see if they might be contributing to your symptoms.
4. Use deodorant: Degree deodorants and antiperspirants deliver nonstop protection, keeping you fresh and confident even when cold sweats strike.
Seek medical advice: If cold sweats are frequent and accompanied by other symptoms, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional.
WHAT CAUSES SWEATS AND CHILLS WITHOUT A FEVER?
Sweats and chills without a fever can be puzzling. They might be linked to anxiety, hormonal changes, or even certain medications. It’s your body’s way of responding to stress or imbalances, so keep track of when these symptoms happen to help identify triggers.
While cold sweats can be unsettling, understanding what causes them and how to manage them can help you stay in control. Remember, your body is a work-in-progress, and it’s all about pushing through challenges and breaking limits. With the right tools and knowledge, you can tackle cold sweats head-on and keep moving confidently.
References
1. Banner Health. Cold and Clammy? 10 Causes of Cold Sweats and How to Treat Them. 2024
2. Medical News Today. How Does Diabetes Cause Unusual Sweating? 2023.
3. Healthline. Does Hypothyroidism Cause Excessive Sweating? 2025.
