Investigating secondary hyperhidrosis
BMJ 2010; 341 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.c4475 (Published 09 September 2010) Cite this as: BMJ 2010;341:c4475
- A N Paisley, specialist registrar,
- H M Buckler, consultant
- 1Department of Endocrinology, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford M6 8HD
- Correspondence to: H M Buckler helen.buckler{at}srft.nhs.uk
Learning points
Hyperhidrosis can result from underlying medical conditions, menopause, or drugs
Clinicians should not immediately conclude that sweating in a woman of menopausal age is due to menopausal hot flushes
Patients can present with menopausal symptoms some time after they have completed the menopause
Initial investigations should include gonadotrophin and oestradiol concentrations to confirm menopausal status, thyroid function tests looking for evidence of hyperthyroidism, and full blood count to help exclude an underlying haematological disorder
A 52 year old woman presented to her general practitioner with a three month history of excessive and distressing chest and facial sweating. This occurred both day and night (often requiring changes of the bed clothes), and at times was associated with facial flushing. She was otherwise well, her weight was stable, and there was no important medical history. Her menstrual cycle had been regular until three years previously but since then had become more erratic, and she had not had a period for 12 months.
What is the next investigation?
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) affects 2.8% of the population.1 Secondary hyperhidrosis tends to present in adulthood and occurs both during waking and sleeping, unlike primary (idiopathic, essential) hyperhidrosis. Although hyperhidrosis can be due to menopause or drugs, it can also result from underlying medical conditions. The …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £173 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£38 / $45 / €42 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.