Q Recently I've suddenly started sweating a lot all over my body. I never had this before and it's new. Is it just hyperhidrosis?
A If whole-body hyperhidrosis appears suddenly, you should first check for the possibility of a secondary cause. Especially if it is accompanied by night sweats, weight loss, or fever, it is essential to rule out internal conditions such as tuberculosis or lymphoma, so please see an internal medicine physician first.
Detailed Answer
If generalized hyperhidrosis you never had before appears suddenly, it may be secondary hyperhidrosis caused by menopausal hormonal changes, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, tuberculosis, lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease), or certain medications (such as antidepressants or steroids). In particular, if night sweats are severe and accompanied by weight loss, fever, or swollen lymph nodes, evaluation by internal medicine or hematology is urgent. In such cases, treating the underlying condition takes priority.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Once internal medical causes have been ruled out, we often see cases where menopause, stress, or a frail constitution worsens yin deficiency with effulgent fire (eumheo-hwawang), causing whole-body night sweats. In these cases, we approach with formulas in the Dangui-yukhwang-tang and Saengmaek-san families that replenish yin and clear deficiency heat. Internal medicine evaluation comes first, after which we connect it to complementary Korean medicine treatment.
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