This is my first attempt at using the forum, so I hope I'm going to get it right!

Over the last year or so (and it isn't the menopause - been there, done that), I've been sweating excessively, sometimes for no obvious reason, but always when exercising. I walk a dog regularly, and whether the weather is hot or cold and whether I'm dressed in shorts and a tea-shirt or full wet weather gear or anything in between, within minutes of setting out, my back, shoulders and chest are wet with perspiration. I'm not (except in hot weather, of course) actually hot, but it really spoils any enjoyment in walking, and I have to strip off and change as soon as I get in.

It's getting worse and worse, so I started doing some online research and have read that it can be a symptom of RA. Has anyone else experienced this and if so, do you have any suggestions on how to control it? I'd be really grateful if so!

Hi Susan, and welcome to the forum
The only time I have sweating is when I take co codamol, I think it is the paracetamol in it.
I tend to be at the other extreme when my ra is worse I feel very cold.
It is something you could discuss with your rheumatology nurse if you have a helpline number.
It must be a real nuisance and uncomfortable.
Hopefully someone else will be able to suggest something to help.
May be worth talking to your G.P. if all else fails.
Hope you get sorted soon,
Zena x

Well, evidently I'm not alone with this problem, so it does sound as if it's the RA. I'm lucky in that I'm currently in remission. I haven't had the crippling pain for some time, and apart from Sjogren's and foot problems and poor sleep (and of course the horrible sweating), my RA doesn't limit me too much at present. I'm on Methotrexate, and sweating is one of the few possible side effects that ISN'T on the mind-boggling list, so I doubt if that's the reason. I'll certainly raise it with my wonderful rheumatoid nurse or the consultant when I next see one of them. Meanwhile I'll keep watching this space to see if anyone else has any bright ideas.

Thanks folks!

Been a member of nras for several years but never posted on this site. Diagnosed approximately 5 years ago now and currently taking methotrexate, though I've had to switch to injection and reduce the dose due to gastric problems. I do have some underlying signs and symptoms but compared with how I felt before diagnosis I feel so much better so don't complain. The brilliant team at Derby always tell me I should get in touch as the better the RA is controlled the better the long term outcome. The only thing that really gets me down are the sweats and flushes. Mainly at night, though can occur any time. I am post menopausal so my GP always links the sweats to this. I'm beginning to think its exacerbated by the RA and reading these posts has suggested it might well be. They haven't improved with the reduction in methotrexate so don't think it's that. I'm due an appointment soon so will make a note to ask. I'll certainly be checking out the forum again in the future. All the best to my fellow sufferers. Christine

Well it's definitely not a woman thing. I too get the occasional unexplained sweat. Now I know what it is so thanks for starting this thread. I would never have made the connection otherwise.