What Causes Nocturnal Itching On The Soles Of Feet And On Palms?

Posted on Tue, 15 Apr 2014

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

Tue, 15 Apr 2014 Answered on

Tue, 6 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I am trying to conceive and am in my two week wait, day 9 after IUI and HCG trigger shot, and I took Clomid. This month, I'm experiencing itching at night on the soles of my feet and palms, and sometimes night sweats. I've heard that estrogen fluctuations can cause these (mostly in menopausal women?) and was wondering if it might be a symptom of falling HCG from trigger, the progesterone from Clomid, or possibly a symptom of pregnancy? I'm asking in case I need to tell my RE about Rx dosing issues for next month.

Answered by Dr. Kulsoom Qureshi (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer: There could be many causes behind these symptoms Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for consulting us. There could be many causes of this itching like your seasonal allergy, any skin disease ( as suggested by your nose itching problem), any psychological upset like related to the stress of fertility treatment. Some women develop itching in palms & soles when they are exposed to high estrogen levels as in pregnancy or while on pills. So, in that case it may be a potential sign of pregnancy. Clomid & falling hCG levels may have a role in your night sweats. There is no progesterone in Clomid! Just check your Liver function tests & if these are normal then perhaps there is nothing much to worry about. You should report this to your doctor as this may represent an allergic reaction to one of the drugs used. Wish you good luck. Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kulsoom Qureshi (1 hour later)

Thank you. Just a follow-up regarding the progesterone: I meant that before Clomid, my prog was only 17, and now on Clomid--after ov multiples--it is 79. I'm wondering if this level may be very high and could be causing hormonal imbalances/symptoms?

Answered by Dr. Kulsoom Qureshi (15 hours later)

Brief Answer: No, this is not a likely cause. Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Welcome back. A rise in progesterone after clomid is a good sign. This means you had ovulation. You have not mentioned the units in which your progesterone levels were tested that is ng/ml or nmol/L, as the normal ranges were different for both the units. I don't thick this could be the cause of your symptoms. Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar