What could be causing my excessive sweating?

I have had Fibromyalgia since 1998, but until 2008 I didn’t have problems with excessive sweating. I am very tired all the time, and my sleep is very disordered. I suffer from pain, all the time, but my big problem is excessive sweating. When I walk for 5 to 10 minutes, I get a hot flash, and sweat as if I am getting out from the shower. (My sweat is with physical effort, not in bed or at night!) From my head down to my back, and my arms and legs ... it is disabling for me. Please help me, Dr. Teitelbaum. I am taking now Lyrica 200mg per day and Milnacipran 50mg twice a day (but I started the Milnacipran two weeks ago). Is my sweat caused by Fibromyalgia, or my treatments? I stopped treatments for two months, but the sweat problem didn’t disappear; it continued. (I bought your book From Fatigued to Fantastic! It is very helpful.)

Thanks.

Answer

This is common is Fibromyalgia and more common from the illness than the treatments. Usually it is from excess sympathetic (adrenaline) autonomic nervous system response, though it is often accentuated by high thyroid, candida, and other infections, low adrenal with low blood sugar, other hormonal deficiencies, and acid reflux. Treating the whole Fibromyalgia process with the SHINE protocol is helpful, and aluminum salts or beta-blocker medications may be needed in severe cases. You may want to consider a phone consultation (or in person), so we can treat your overall Fibromyalgia (contact Denise at office@endfatigue.com for more information or to schedule an appointment).

L&B,

Dr. T