What Causes Cold Sweats? MDs Share 7 Common Culprits

Ever been drenched in sweat and freezing cold all at the same time? Cold sweats are the bizarre phenomenon proving you don’t need heat to sweat through your clothes. The experience can leave you feeling anxious, clammy, and generally unwell, but the good news is, cold sweats aren’t entirely uncommon. To learn more about what causes cold sweats, we asked doctors what makes you start sweating in the first place.

Cold sweats as we know them — the kind of sweat you get when you’re sick or stressed — can actually happen for a wide variety of reasons. While they’re not always indicative of a major health issue, cold sweats could be related to things like hormonal changes, dips in blood sugar, or certain medications. Read on to find out more, plus what you can do to prevent these specific kinds of sweats from happening again (according to experts).

Experts Featured in This Article:

Shoshana Ungerleider, MD, is a board-certified internal medicine physician and the host of the “TED Health” Podcast.

Jill Purdie, MD, is a board-certified ob-gyn and medical director at Pediatrix.

What Are Cold Sweats?

Cold sweats are categorized by a sudden onset of clammy, cool perspiration, usually unrelated to external temperatures or activity levels, explains Shoshana Ungerleider, MD. “They might make the skin feel moist, chilled, and sticky,” she says. “As for the appearance, the skin may seem pale and damp, with droplets of sweat visible, especially on the forehead, palms, or underarms.” Depending on the underlying cause, Dr. Ungerleider says cold sweats are often accompanied by symptoms such as:

Dizziness Nausea Rapid heartbeat Lightheadedness What Causes Cold Sweats?

Cold sweats can be a confusing and worrisome symptom, but they aren’t always a cause for concern. The duration, timing, and accompanying symptoms can tell you a lot about what’s causing them — as well as when to see a doctor. Cold sweats “often result from the body’s response to stress, fear, pain, or other forms of physical or emotional distress,” Dr. Ungerleider says. It’s also worth noting that anyone and everyone can experience cold sweats. “They’re a universal physiological response, meaning people of all ages, genders, and health backgrounds can have them,” she explains. To help you understand what might be causing your cold sweats, here are seven of the most common culprits.

Anxiety: Anxiety can trigger a fight-or-flight response, releasing adrenaline and causing symptoms like cold sweats, Dr. Ungerleider explains. If you’re experiencing fear or distress in the absence of any real danger, like before an important interview or test, there’s a decent chance your cold sweats could be caused by anxiety, she says. Relaxation techniques like yoga, exercise, journaling, and meditation can help soothe anxiety, but therapy and medication can also be used to manage symptoms, Dr. Ungerleider says. If your anxiety impacts your daily functioning or you have frequent panic attacks, check with a healthcare provider for the best personalized medical advice. Menopause: When a person goes through menopause, the ovaries make less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. “[This] drop in hormone levels disrupts the body’s ability to regulate temperature,” says Jill Purdie, MD. “This disruption in the brain is what causes hot flashes, which can be followed by cold sweats.” In this case, cold sweats can be addressed with lifestyle modifications like wearing light layers you can remove throughout the day, or adjusting the temperature in your home. However, if symptoms become severe or disrupt your daily life, your doctor may recommend over-the counter-supplements, hormone replacement therapy, or certain antidepressants to treat menopausal-related night sweats. Low Blood Sugar: Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, refers to a low level of glucose in the bloodstream, Dr. Ungerleider says. “When blood sugar drops, the body releases adrenaline, leading to symptoms like cold sweats, shakiness, and anxiety.” Hypoglycemia is rare in a person without diabetes, but consuming a quick source of sugar, followed by a complex carbohydrate like quinoa, potatoes, oatmeal, and whole-wheat bread, often helps, Dr. Ungerleider says. Just note that the underlying cause of hypoglycemia needs to be addressed ASAP. Menstruation: Around the the luteal phase of one’s menstrual cycle, there’s a drop in estrogen levels, which may trigger cold sweats, Dr. Purdie says. “These sweats will typically last for a few days and then resolve as the hormone levels increase again for the next reproductive cycle,” she explains. Treatment is typically unnecessary, but if your discomfort becomes disruptive or severe, talk with your doctor. Fever: A fever is the body’s response to infection or inflammation. As a fever breaks or fluctuates, the body can produce cold sweats to cool down, Dr. Ungerleider says. Depending on the underlying cause, treatments can range from antibiotics to rest and hydration, but if your fever is high, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms (such as vomiting, extreme abdominal pain, or confusion), visit a healthcare provider. Medication: Certain medications may have side effects that induce sweating, Dr. Ungerleider says. “Medications can alter the body’s hormonal balance or affect the central nervous system, leading to cold sweats,” she explains. In particular, Lupron — a medication used to treat endometriosis and fibroids — and infertility medications like Clomid may trigger cold sweats, Dr. Purdie says. If you recently started a new medication and experience cold sweats, talk with the prescribing doctor to see if they can adjust the dosage or even switch your medication, Dr. Ungerleider says. If cold sweats are severe or accompanied by other adverse side effects, talk with a doctor immediately. Birth: If you recently gave birth, your estrogen levels significantly drop, which may induce cold sweats, especially at night, Dr. Purdie says. “This will often occur for a few weeks and then resolve once the hormone levels stabilize,” she explains. These types of sweats generally do not require treatment but talk with your ob-gyn if your post-birth symptoms persist and/or become worrisome. How to Treat Cold Sweats

To properly treat your cold sweats, you have to first understand the root cause. If your cold sweats are triggered by anxiety, Dr. Ungerleider suggests adding techniques like yoga and journaling to your nighttime routine. Medication and therapy can also be viable options if your anxiety impacts daily functioning, she says. If your sweats are triggered by menopause, birth, or menstruation, talk with your ob-gyn to come up with the best treatment plan. Lifestyle modifications like turning down the temperature and wearing loose clothing can help reduce discomfort, but medications and hormone therapy may also be prescribed by a healthcare professional, Dr. Purdie says.

Rest and hydration can help treat cold sweats caused by illness or fever, but if you have an infection, antibiotics may also be necessary, Dr. Ungerleider says. Ultimately, always talk with your doctor if your cold sweats become persistent or problematic, because it’s important to address underlying health issues and concerns. Healthcare professionals can help you stay dry, and come up with some sweatproof strategies — no matter what’s causing your cold sweats.

— Additional reporting by Chandler Plante

Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate from Emory University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in PS, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere.

Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for PS Health and Fitness. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. In her free time, she enjoys finding new ways to rock her 18(!) different eye patches, and making videos about chronic illness, beauty, and disability.