I'm female, aged 57 and have been in menopause for 9 years. Sometimes I experience hot flashes, but this problem is separate from that. Since childhood I have tended to become easily overheated, even with only minimal movement or activity. Perspiration dampens me from head to toe, but the most severe symptoms are on my head: my face flushes bright red and radiates heat like severe sunburn, and perspiration drips from my face and hair. Anyone observing this thinks I'm going to pass out. If I can't rinse the sweat off my face, it burns my skin to the point where it flakes like chapped skin within a day or two. Wearing sunscreen or makeup is fruitless, soon wiped off along with the sweat. Often I'm sweating before I can even apply antiperspirant after a shower. If the outdoor temp is over 75 degrees, I hibernate in the A/C; my ideal comfort zone is 65-68 degrees, wearing shorts and a tank top. To avoid physical discomfort and embarrassment, I tend to avoid most summer activities and many in spring and fall as well. (I live in the Toledo, OH area)
This is increasingly affecting my quality of life -- just wish I had a "normal" thermostat! Do you have any ideas about what causes this or how to change it?
Thanks for your consideration,
N. Schreiber
posted on
Fri, 24 May 2013

Mon, 27 May 2013
Answered on

Tue, 28 May 2013
Last reviewed on