Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Night Sweats In An Elderly Person?
Question: Wondering what causes night sweats in a 73 year old female
Brief Answer:
Hormones
Detailed Answer:
There are a few hormone related possibilities:
1 An over active thyroid
A simple non-fasting blood test called TSH can rule out this condition
2 Acromegaly
This is a rare problem. A blood test called IGF1 can be useful in screening for this condition. This does not require fasting either and can be done at any time of the day or night
3 Menopause
I know you are way past it but hot flashes and sweats can occur at any age after menopause
So when I see someone like you in my practice, I order the following tests in addition to a thorough physical examination:
CBC
CMP
TSH
Free T4
IGF1
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
HbA1c
Hormones
Detailed Answer:
There are a few hormone related possibilities:
1 An over active thyroid
A simple non-fasting blood test called TSH can rule out this condition
2 Acromegaly
This is a rare problem. A blood test called IGF1 can be useful in screening for this condition. This does not require fasting either and can be done at any time of the day or night
3 Menopause
I know you are way past it but hot flashes and sweats can occur at any age after menopause
So when I see someone like you in my practice, I order the following tests in addition to a thorough physical examination:
CBC
CMP
TSH
Free T4
IGF1
25 hydroxy Vitamin D
HbA1c
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
No more questions. Just want to thank you so much for taking the time to answer. Thanks again
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome. Best wishes
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
You are welcome. Best wishes
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
