Description

Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition or an isolated issue. This blood panel evaluates common causes of abnormal sweating, including endocrine disorders, infections, metabolic imbalances, and autonomic dysfunction.

When to Consider This Test

This panel may be helpful for individuals experiencing:

  • Persistent or unexplained excessive sweating (especially at rest or during sleep)
  • Night sweats
  • Weight loss or fatigue
  • Anxiety or palpitations
  • Heat intolerance or cold sweats

Included Biomarkers and Clinical Relevance

1. Complete Blood Count (CBC)

  • What it measures: Red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets
  • Why it matters: Helps detect anemia, infection, or blood disorders that may contribute to systemic symptoms like sweating, fatigue, or fever.

2. Free T4 (Free Thyroxine)

  • What it measures: The active, unbound form of thyroid hormone
  • Why it matters: Elevated levels can suggest hyperthyroidism, a common cause of excessive sweating, nervousness, and heat intolerance.

3. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

  • What it measures: Pituitary hormone that regulates thyroid function
  • Why it matters: Suppressed TSH with high Free T4 confirms hyperthyroidism, which often causes increased sweating.

4. HIV 1/2 Antigen and Antibody with Reflex to Confirmation

  • What it measures: Initial screening and confirmation of HIV infection
  • Why it matters: HIV infection can cause chronic night sweats, fever, and immune system activation.

5. C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

  • What it measures: Inflammatory marker produced by the liver
  • Why it matters: Elevated CRP indicates systemic inflammation or infection, which can be associated with fever and night sweats.

6. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)

  • What it measures: Kidney and liver function, electrolytes, glucose, and calcium
  • Why it matters: Identifies metabolic imbalances, liver disease, or blood sugar abnormalities that may contribute to sweating or overall poor health.

7. Plasma Metanephrines

  • What it measures: Byproducts of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine)
  • Why it matters: Elevated levels may suggest pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal tumor that causes episodic sweating, hypertension, palpitations, and anxiety.

Fasting not required.