PMR and Sweating

[fairy100]

I have had PMR diagnosed since late October and am still on 10mg of steroids. The problem I have is that whenever I get stressed I get hot flushes. I am too old for these to be menopause related. Anybody else suffer like this and how have you dealt with them?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Personally no - fortunately. But it does come up regularly - have a look at related posts whilst waiting for others to answer.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

They are a common side effect of pred but they can also be part of PMR. In the 5 years I had PMR before I was put on pred I had random sweats, especially at night, but I also had sweats in various stressful situations - difficult phone calls and other things.

[Telian]

Definitely- they come on with the slightest exursion, plus middle of the night - anytime really - it just rules the roost. I get very coldi in between - as soon as I put my fleece back on my thermostat rises and forgets to switch off - temperature continuing to rise to explosion point - and it all starts again. Think I need a plumber!

[SnazzyD in reply to Telian]

I’ve had terrible hot flushes after my ovaries were removed and they continued for 13 years, increasing in severity after reducing after 10 years. The worst trigger was change temperature difference perceived through the skin. Walking in from cold outside to warm inside. For this reason when a flush starts I resist the temptation to strip off to bare skin because the sweat evaporating from the skin causes chilling. Once cold, covering up makes a swing in temp in the opposite direction, triggering another flush, so off come the clothes and it becomes a loop. Duvet on duvet off is classic, but more easily avoided with covering the whole body in light cotton so less chilling occurs. I avoid any man made fibre next to the skin and try to dress as a compromise in temp rather than boom or bust.

My sweats were getting worse after all those years and I now know it was symptomatic of runaway inflammation. It was worse at night. However, when Pred at high doses was started they stopped dramatically but I got them again about a week or two later. My belief is that it was the hormone imbalance caused by the Pred (increase in androgens) that set it off. With reducing dose they have gone and now at 2.5mg I hardly notice it for the first time in 15 years, other than my 11pm go, which I’ve always had and never lost.

[Telian in reply to SnazzyD]

I had a total hysterectomy age 31 and can’t say I suffered that much with sweats until now with the pred. Suppose the confusion with me is I’m on a cancer drug suppressing my hormones (cancer was hormone fuelled) - only 5 months apart diagnosis of GCA/PMR then breast cancer, 4 + years ago now and although I’ve had some respite last year it’s started again. I know the doctors have difficulty when there’s more than one illness to contend with. I wonder if it’s adrenals making a move! All in all there seems to be no rhyme or reason does there? Pleased yours are getting better and hope it continues for you. I’m on 4.5mg. Thank you Snazzy.

[SnazzyD in reply to Telian]

Is that the aromatase inhibitor type or Tamoxifen? Have you changed from one to the other recently? Actually I did sweat a fair bit around 4.5mg but just keep an eye on things just in case it’s betting too low. I do think the chemo I had for breast cancer introduced my body to the idea that all was not well with my blood vessels judging by the reaction I had. I then had Tamoxifen which gave me raging phlebitis and I could feel a large swollen vessel in my abdomen. The oncologists didn’t care but my GP raised a worried eyebrow. I went against advice and stopped it and it receded. With hindsight I think I’ve been struggling with inflammation for years but major stress upon major stress just fanned the flames. Then 13 years later ping! GCA.

[Telian in reply to SnazzyD]

No recent change - taking Letrozole -have spoken to Rheumy and they said to discuss it at next appointment in April! So worried they’re not!

Continued stress doesn’t help at all, sounds like you’ve had a lot to contend with - what a shame it took it’s toll. You’re doing well though.

[fairy100 in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks for this. I had to go to an important function with my husband and got the flushes big time. Luckily unlike him I did not have to take part in a receiving line. I think the fact I was wearing manmade fibres did not help as when I took my jacket off which had a polyester lining it subsided a bit but did not consider it could have also been because it was very cold outside and hot inside. Need to consider more carefully what to wear next time. The flushes during the day only occurred when on Pred but my Rheumy just shrugged his shoulders and said that it was all part of PMR and its treatment.

[Cyclegirl54 in reply to Telian]

Agree about the thermostat! Mine has gone ! I’m getting repetitive strain injury from taking my jumper off and on so much! 😂

[Telian]

Sorry about the spelling - should be ‘exertion’....f100

[Cyclegirl54]

I get very hot and sweaty when stressed too. You’re not alone! I have PMR and GCA. Currently on 30mg.

[Marcy47]

Yes, I have been getting these at age 71 since being on Pred. I have to wear layers now so I can lose a few when I get the "hotties". Carry a fan in my bag as well.

Marcia 71

PMR since Aug 2015

Started 20mg Pred now 6.5 - 6mg with a few ups and downs in between.