Having Consistently Low Body Temperature, Over-heating And Extreme Sweating. What Could Be The Cause?

Posted on Sat, 16 Nov 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 16 Nov 2013 Answered on

Mon, 9 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a consistently low body temperture (96 degrees), and my internist ruled out thyroid problems and diabetes by running blood tests. I had a htstorectomy many years ago and am not on hormonal replacement therapy. I have constant problems of over-heating and extreme sweating. What else could be causing this?

Answered by Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku (12 hours later)

Brief Answer: hypothermia Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXX, There are many reasons to have a very low body temperature. I don't know why you underwent hysterectomy. The first cause I can attribute to is hormonal imbalance which can give rise to this condition and possibly hormone replacement therapy should help you. You had early induced menopause due to hysterectomy and flushing and sweating which you are getting are pre menopausal symptoms which according to me should have started now if your uterus was not removed. I hope you are not alcoholic. consuming alcohol also gives rise to this problem. Low blood sugar is also the cause. If these parameters are normal please take things easy. this problem will wane with the passage of time. Dr. J. Ticku

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku (40 minutes later)

In 1998, I had the full hysterectomy due to having pre-cancerous cells and heavy bleeding throughout each month. I was initially started on HRT, then slowly tapered off. Going back on hormones did not relieve my over-heating that has gotten increasingly worse over time. The sweating is to the point now that it drips from my hair, wets my clothes, and strangers stop me to ask if I need them to call for a doctor (I get red-faced, and white around the mouth in addition to the sweating). I have a glass of white wine with dinner once or twice per month. Blood sugar was ruled out as a cause through blood testing by my internist. I no longer drink hot beverages. Instead, I drink plenty of ice water. Even in freezing weather, I sweat - a lot. It is disrupting my life and I need to know what kind of doctor would best be able to identify the cause of this problem.

Answered by Dr. dr. Jawahar Ticku (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: hypothermia Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXX, Thank you for reverting. One answer you have given yourself about your low body temperature i.e taking of lot of ice water though ruled out other causes of your flushing and sweating I am confident that it is a hormonal phenomenon and as per your age you are in perimenopausal group. Lot of women have this problem around this age. I think you should still consider use of progestrogen and atropine salt in consultation with your doctor. I have seen that not 100 percent patients get relief of the symptoms you are describing but appreciable number of people do get relief. Even not considering any active measure your problem will settle with the passage of time by reassuring yourself and consuming low fat and low calorific diet, keeping your B.P under control and checking of minerals and salts. Truly, Dr. J. Ticku

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D