You always read stories of people witnessing some kind of a terror, and breaking out in a cold sweat. What exactly is a cold sweat? This is sweating while you have the chills, or sweating when the air temperature is cold. A majority of the population that ends up with them are, unfortunately, women. This is not to say that it is always women, but just that - most often - the reason behind such cold sweats is, of course, menopause. Because menopause is when a woman's menses (period) ceases at a certain age, they come and go as the woman's estrogen level rises and falls.
One must be careful, however, because the other two main causes of them happen to be a bit more health threatening. These would be a heart attack victim breaking out in cold sweats, and someone going into anaphylaxis shock. The only time I have ever actually understood what a it was, happened to be the last time I was stung by a yellow jacket. Not only did I have to go to the hospital, but - on the way there - I suddenly broke out into a sweat, and started shivering. I was honest to goodness cold, not hot. I was also feeling a bit lightheaded, as if there was a small buzzing noise in the back of my mind.
These are truly a surreal experience, and it is difficult to describe them. However, if there is a constant cold sweat, whether it be every night at a certain time, or sporadically throughout the day, this means that cold sweats have gone from what can be construed as 'normal', to something more. Some people have described them as sweating with the chills. This can mean that you are wrapped up tightly in a blanket or heavy robe, you are sweating, and yet, you are still chilly.
Getting the chills on and off is just a ways for your body to help regulate your inner temperature. Much like the purr of a cat, your blood vessels are expanding and contracting - trying to get you warm. This is why chills may also be symptomatic to something more problematic. Chills happen to symptomatic of many, many diseases - mostly because it is a defensive mechanism in your body. Even some of the more strange and unusual diseases such as typhoid fever, rabies, and kidney stones can set off a reaction that leads to chills and cold sweats.
Whatever the reason may be, it is best to consult a physician if these symptoms continue on a regular basis. Trying more non-invasive ways to alleviate the problem may cost you less than trying to treat the symptom without ever truly ridding yourself of the dilemma. your best bet would be - if you feel like there may be an issue - go get it taken care of sooner rather than later. your life may honestly depend upon it!.