Cold Sweats in Women: Understand the Symptoms and Find Relief

Sweat is a vital bodily function that plays a key role in regulating your temperature and keeping you comfortable. Made up of water, salts, and other natural substances, sweat helps cool your body when it overheats. Your body uses two main types of sweat glands to manage this process: eccrine glands and apocrine glands.

 

Eccrine glands 

Eccrine glands are found all over your body, especially on your palms, soles, and forehead. These glands produce a clear, odorless sweat that helps cool your body through evaporation. Whether it’s a hot day or you’re engaged in physical activity, eccrine glands step in to regulate your body temperature and prevent overheating.

 

Apocrine glands 

Apocrine glands are located in areas with hair follicles, such as the armpits and groin. They produce a thicker, milky sweat that becomes noticeable when it interacts with bacteria on your skin, leading to body odor. Unlike eccrine glands, apocrine glands are often triggered by stress or hormonal changes, making this type of sweat more apparent during times of heightened emotions or physical tension.

 

Cold sweats occur when you suddenly break out in a sweat without any apparent reason, like exercise or heat. Unlike typical sweating, cold sweats are often accompanied by a clammy or chilly feeling rather than warmth. They can happen anytime—day or night—and are often linked to stress, anxiety, illness, or pain.

 

Cold sweats vs. night sweats 

Although cold sweats and night sweats may seem similar, they are quite different. Cold sweats can strike at any time and are often triggered by stress, low blood sugar, or medical conditions. Night sweats, however, happen exclusively during sleep and can drench your bedding and clothes, usually as a result of menopause, infections, hormonal imbalances, or certain medications. 

While cold sweats leave you feeling clammy and cool, night sweats are more likely to be accompanied by a sensation of overheating. Understanding these differences can help you pinpoint the underlying cause and find the right approach to manage them.

 

Cold sweats can happen for so many reasons and understanding what’s behind them can help you figure out the best way to feel better. Here are some common causes of cold sweats in women:

 

Menopause 

Menopause brings a whole range of changes, and cold sweats are often one of them. Hormonal fluctuations during this time can trigger sudden sweating episodes, especially at night.

 

Anxiety and stress 

When you're feeling anxious or stressed, your body goes into "fight-or-flight" mode, which can lead to cold sweats. It’s your body’s way of preparing for a perceived threat—even if there’s no real danger.

 

Low blood sugar 

If your blood sugar drops too low (a condition called hypoglycemia), your body may react with cold sweats as it works to bring your blood sugar back up. This can happen if you haven’t eaten for a while or if you have diabetes and your levels drop unexpectedly.

 

Infections 

Infections, like the flu or a cold, can cause cold sweats as your body fights off the illness. You might also notice other symptoms like fever, chills, and fatigue during this time.

 

Hormonal imbalances 

Hormonal imbalances (caused by thyroid, disorders, for example) can affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature, which might lead to cold sweats.

 

Medications 

Some medications, including antidepressants and pain relievers, can cause cold sweats as a side effect. If you think your medication is to blame, it’s worth talking to your doctor about possible alternatives.

 

If you're wondering how to stop cold sweats, there are a few simple lifestyle changes that can make a big difference:

 

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps regulate your body temperature and can reduce the chances of experiencing cold sweats.

 

Manage stress 

Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help manage stress and anxiety. 

 

Maintain a healthy diet 

Eating balanced meals and avoiding too much sugar can help keep your blood sugar levels steady, preventing drops that can lead to cold sweats.

 

Exercise regularly

Exercise is great for your overall health and can also help regulate your body's stress response, reducing the likelihood of cold sweats.

 

Reach for deodorants 

Deodorants can help manage sweating and reduce odor. For those moments when cold sweats strike, try SheaMoisture’s whole body deodorant. It’s designed for use on any sweat-prone areas and is formulated with skin-loving ingredients that offer both odor protection and comfort during unexpected sweating episodes.

When to see a doctor 

While cold sweats can usually be managed with lifestyle changes, there are times when it’s important to seek medical advice. If you experience cold sweats along with other worrying symptoms—like chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe dizziness—it’s crucial to see a doctor. These could be signs of a more serious underlying condition that needs prompt attention.

 

Cold sweats can be uncomfortable, but understanding their causes and finding the right solutions can help you manage them more effectively. By staying informed and taking a proactive approach, you can reduce their impact and feel more in control of your health and well-being.