As a fibro sufferer, I am sure you are familiar with the chronic pain and fatigue that comes with this condition. However, pain and exhaustion are not the only symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Today we are going to start a series of posts that reveal the other symptoms of fibro that aren’t talked about a lot. The bizaare Fibro Symptoms!

Today’s Bizarre Symptom:

Excessive Sweating

Do you find yourself dripping with sweat at odd times, for no apparent reason?  This is one of those bizarre, confusing symptoms of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome that you don’t see on those inadequate little symptoms lists.

• “I have a problem — unexplained excessive sweating, like just stepping out of the shower, hair dripping wet, clothes soaked! … It has put a big damper on my lifestyle.”

• “My limbs get so cold and painful … and yet my face will be sweating from the heat inside.”

• “What exactly causes the excessive sweating? … I don’t bother to wear makeup in the summer because there is no point – it just melts off.”

These are all comments made by people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Some people with fibromyalgia perspire heavily and some may even tend to think they are running a fever. This is due to what’s called an autonomic dysfunction within the hypothalamus, the almond-sized area in the brain that controls sleep and regulates sweating, bowel movements, and other automatic body functions. “The autonomic dysfunction causes the increase in sweating,” Teitelbaum says. Some medications and lifestyle changes that can keep you cool and dry may help with this fibromyalgia symptom.

What is the Cause?

Several factors could be responsible for our sweating, either on their own or in combination. They include:

• Autonomic nervous system dysfunction
• Heat sensitivity
• Side effect of certain antidepressants
• Anxiety

What can I do?

• One of the important things is to stay hydrated – make sure you replace both the water and the electrolytes you sweat out.

• Taking cooler baths or showers, or running cooler water over your body before you get out, may also help.

• Your doctor may have ideas for medications to help with excessive sweating.

Some Comments around the web about sweating and fibro

” I didn’t know that fibro causes excessive sweating — that finally explains it! Most of my sweating is head and neck, and seems to be caused primarily by using my muscles to chew, walk, etc. I think it has to do with the exertion needed to push through the fatigue and pain. Black kohosh didn’t work for me, because although I have heat waves, they are not hormonal hot flashes. I recently discovered Mission towels and bandanas (you can find them at Lowe’s hardware stores and elsewhere). You get them wet, wring them out, and snap them once and they stay chilly for two hours. You just get them wet to make them cold again. I wrap it around my neck and tie it in front like a scarf, and it keeps me cool plus absorbs sweat! I wear a wide, soft headband at night to keep sweat from rolling in my ears and waking me up. Note that high blood pressure can cause excessive sweating too.” —ebezebe

” Yup. I sweat way more than I used to. Mainly at night though. I wake up and the back of my pjs are damp. Never ever used to happen. ” —Carrie_Hurts

” I have delt with fibro for almost 30 years along with hotflashes due to a hystectomy. After getting scared off of hormones due to breast cancer in the family, I had nothing but soaked clothes in the morning. About ten years ago I got into herbology in an attempt to get a life. I have yet to meet a Dr that cares enough to really help. In my searches for pain relief, I stumbled onto a treatment for hotflashes and nightsweats. Black Kohosh, 540 Mg twice a day. You can get it in just about any herb section of your local stores. Try it. It has worked wonders for me and has kept my husband alive. Good Luck ” —dootndoot

” Like all of you, I sweat excessively. It’s been a major problem for me for many years – especially living in Texas. My doctor prescribed a topical antipersperant (mp?) that seems to help! I have tried all other options, short of Botox, with no luck and usually a rash-like reaction. The prescription can be used on the forehead and other sensitive areas of the body. The name is Hypercare 20%. Hope this helps somebody. Also checking out Robinul – thanks! ” — nancyjean

Many people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome have periods of excessive sweating. How has this symptom impacted your life? Have you found anything that helps? Tell us about it in the comments below. Share Your Experience!