Unexpected Perspiration
Height: 5’5"; Weight: 158 lbs; Temperature: 50°F. Currently prescribed medications include estradiol gel, progesterone capsules, azstarys, zepbound, and lisinopril. My health metrics reveal excellent glucose levels and A1C readings, with a positive ANA test. I also experience dry skin, along with dryness in my eyes and mouth, as well as pain in the lumbar region and sacroiliac joint, and hair thinning. I maintain a routine that involves regular weight lifting and walking. Having undergone menopause naturally, I've experienced very little sweating for nearly thirty years—no perspiration, no dewiness, not even during intense heat or strenuous physical activity. This lack of sweating causes me to overheat quickly, often leading to facial redness. Yet, in the past month, I've noticed a peculiar change; I find that I’m sweating considerably from the area between my buttocks, waking up to find this area completely damp. This occurs regardless of whether I sleep in the nude or in a light cotton nightgown and without any underwear. Additionally, I experience similar sweating when seated for extended periods. What might be the underlying reason for this sudden onset of perspiration?
Answers (1)
3/17/2025, 1:20:30 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with some unexpected changes in your body, particularly regarding perspiration, which can be concerning. To summarize, you've experienced a long history of minimal sweating due to menopause, but recently noted excessive sweating in specific areas, especially while seated or at night, along with other symptoms like dry skin, joint pain, and hair thinning.
Explanation:
The sudden onset of sweating, particularly localized in the area you've described, can be influenced by several factors:
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Autonomic Nervous System Changes: After menopause and with hormone treatments, fluctuations in the autonomic nervous system can lead to changes in how your body regulates temperature and sweat production.
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Medications: Some medications, including those for mental health and hypertension, can sometimes lead to increased sweating as a side effect. It's worth reviewing the packages or discussing with a professional what effects your current medications may have.
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Hormonal Fluctuations: Even on hormone replacement therapy, your individual response can vary. This can include periods of irregular sweating despite overall dryness due to hormonal changes.
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Other Factors: Stress, anxiety, and even certain underlying conditions (like thyroid issues) can affect sweating and overall body temperature regulation.
Next Steps:
Here are specific, prioritized actions you can take to address your concerns:
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Track Symptoms: Keep a journal of your sweating episodes, noting when they occur, their duration, and any associated activities or environmental factors (like temperature or stress levels). This may help identify patterns.
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Mind Your Medications: Review your medications with a healthcare provider. They can help determine if any might be contributing to your symptoms and discuss possible adjustments or alternatives.
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Hydration & Environment: Ensure you are staying hydrated and consider your sleep environment. Use lightweight bedding and consider cooling options like fans to help manage overheated feelings during the night.
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Consult a Specialist: Consider seeing a healthcare provider who specializes in hormonal health or an endocrinologist. They can assess your hormonal balance and overall health, including the implications of your positive ANA test and symptoms.
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Support for Joint Pain: Since you also mentioned pain in your lower back and joints, consider discussing management strategies for that as well—physical therapy or regular stretching might help.
Maintain open communication with your healthcare provider to explore these changes, especially since they could relate to your overall health and medication effects. Your well-being is important, and gathering comprehensive insights will help tailor the best care approach for you. If things worsen or become more troubling, don't hesitate to seek immediate advice.
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7 Months Old) - **Weight:** 9 kg (good growth rate in spite of condition) - **Jaundice:** Continues to be present (yellow skin) - **Stools:** Remain pale/clay-colored - **Development:** Achieving appropriate milestones - **Energy:** Appears to have a good energy level - **Feeding:** Normal appetite --- ## QUESTIONS FOR r/AskDocs We have been informed this is **Type 2 Abernethy malformation** (portal vein present). **Three treatment avenues have been proposed:** ### Option 1: **Endovascular Coil Embolization** (minimally invasive approach) - A catheter is inserted via the leg vein to access the shunt and deploy coils/plugs to close the abnormal vessels - Pros: No surgical incision, minimal discomfort, short hospital stay (2-4 days), no scars, enhanced safety - Duration: 1-2 hours - Recovery: 2-4 weeks for jaundice to show improvement ### Option 2: **Open Surgical Intervention** - An incision in the abdomen to ligate abnormal vessels and redirect blood to the liver - Pros: Direct visualization, effective results - Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.