10 Embarrassing Symptoms of POTS You Shouldn't Ignore

March 26, 2025

If you’ve ever felt lightheaded when standing up or found yourself feeling unusually tired for no good reason, you might be dealing with something more than just a bad day. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, or POTS, is a condition that can lead to a range of embarrassing and uncomfortable symptoms. Here are 10 embarrassing symptoms of POTS that you shouldn’t overlook. Ignoring them could mean missing out on getting the help you need.

Key Takeaways

Dizziness can hit you unexpectedly, especially when you stand up too fast.
Feeling tired all the time is a common complaint, and it’s not just laziness.
Heart palpitations can be scary, making you feel like your heart is racing for no reason.
Nausea might sneak up on you, making it hard to enjoy meals or outings.
Brain fog can make simple tasks feel impossible, leaving you frustrated.

1. Dizziness

Dizziness is a pretty common symptom, but with POTS, it's not your run-of-the-mill lightheadedness. It's often triggered by standing up or even just sitting upright. I remember one time I stood up too fast after binge-watching a show, and the room started spinning like crazy. It's more than just a brief moment; it can last for a while and really throw you off.

It's important to pay attention to when and how often you're experiencing dizziness. Keeping a log can help you and your doctor figure out what might be triggering it. Is it after meals? After exercise? In the morning? The more information you have, the better.

Sudden changes in posture
Dehydration
Prolonged standing

Dizziness related to POTS isn't just an inconvenience; it can significantly impact your daily life. It can affect your ability to concentrate, work, or even just enjoy simple activities. That's why it's important to address it and find ways to manage it.

It's also worth noting that dizziness can sometimes be accompanied by other symptoms like blurred vision or feeling faint. If you're experiencing these along with dizziness, it's definitely something to discuss with your doctor. They might recommend things like increasing your salt intake or wearing compression stockings to help improve blood flow. Don't ignore it, because managing POTS is key to feeling better.

Dizziness is a hallmark symptom of POTS, often occurring when transitioning from a lying or sitting position to standing. It's caused by a drop in blood pressure and reduced blood flow to the brain.

2. Fatigue

Okay, so dizziness might be the headliner, but let's talk about the bone-crushing fatigue that comes with POTS. It's not just being tired after a long day; it's a whole different level of exhaustion that can hit you out of nowhere.

This fatigue can be so intense that it interferes with daily life.

It's like trying to run a marathon with lead weights strapped to your ankles. Some days are better than others, but the underlying tiredness is always there, lurking. I remember one time I tried to go grocery shopping, and I had to sit down on a bench halfway through because I was so drained. It's incredibly frustrating when your body just won't cooperate, no matter how much you want it to.

Living with POTS-related fatigue is like constantly battling an invisible force. It's not something you can just push through; it requires pacing, rest, and understanding from those around you.

Here's a little table showing how fatigue levels can vary throughout the day for someone with POTS:

Time of Day	Fatigue Level (1-10)	Activities Possible
Morning	6	Light chores
Mid-day	8	Rest needed
Afternoon	5	Short walk
Evening	9	Unable to do anything

Here are some things that might help:

Prioritize sleep, even if it's hard to come by.
Stay hydrated; it makes a difference.
Listen to your body and rest when you need to.

3. Heart Palpitations

Okay, so heart palpitations. It's more than just feeling your heart beat fast after a run. With POTS, it can feel like your heart is pounding, racing, or even skipping beats for seemingly no reason. It can be super unsettling, especially when it happens out of the blue. I remember one time I was just sitting on the couch watching TV, and suddenly my heart started going crazy. It felt like it was trying to escape my chest!

Heart palpitations are a common symptom of POTS, and they can be triggered by things like standing up, stress, or even just eating a meal. It's all tied to how your body is trying to regulate blood pressure and heart rate. If you're experiencing this, you're definitely not alone. It's one of those classic POTS symptoms that many of us deal with.

It's important to note that while heart palpitations are often harmless in the context of POTS, it's always a good idea to get them checked out by a doctor to rule out any other potential heart issues.

Here are some things that might make palpitations worse:

Dehydration
Caffeine
Stress

And here are some things that might help:

Staying hydrated
Managing stress
Eating smaller, more frequent meals

If you're dealing with heart palpitations, it's worth talking to your doctor about increased heart rate and potential management strategies.

4. Nausea

Nausea is another common and, let's face it, pretty awful symptom of POTS. It's not just a little queasiness; it can be intense and really interfere with your day. Sometimes it comes on suddenly, other times it's a constant, low-grade feeling. It's just another thing that makes living with POTS extra challenging.

It can be triggered by standing up.
It can be triggered by eating.
It can be triggered by heat.

Dealing with nausea can be tough. Some people find that eating small, frequent meals helps, while others swear by ginger or peppermint. Staying hydrated is also key, even though it might be the last thing you feel like doing when you're nauseous. Finding what works for you might take some trial and error.

The severity of nausea can vary greatly from person to person. Some might experience it mildly, while others find it completely debilitating. It's important to talk to your doctor about it, because there might be underlying causes or medications that can help. Don't just suffer in silence!

It's also worth noting that medications used to treat other POTS symptoms can sometimes contribute to nausea. So, it's a bit of a balancing act. If you're experiencing this, make sure your doctor knows so they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly. Remember, lifestyle changes can help manage the condition.

5. Brain Fog

Person with confused expression, holding their head in distress.

Okay, let's talk about brain fog. It's like your brain is wading through peanut butter. You know that feeling when you just can't quite grasp a thought, or you walk into a room and completely forget why you're there? Yeah, that's brain fog, and it's a real pain with POTS. It's not just being a little forgetful; it's a persistent cloudiness that affects your ability to concentrate, remember things, and even communicate effectively. It can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you're trying to work, study, or just have a normal conversation.

Brain fog can feel isolating because it's hard for others to understand unless they've experienced it themselves. It's more than just feeling tired; it's a cognitive impairment that can significantly impact your daily life.

It's one of those symptoms that's hard to explain, but if you're experiencing it, you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's like your brain is running at half speed, and everything feels just a little bit out of reach. Finding ways to manage it is key to improving your overall quality of life with POTS. Some people find that staying hydrated and eating regularly helps, while others benefit from cognitive exercises or brain retraining techniques. It's all about finding what works best for you.

Here are some common experiences:

Difficulty focusing on tasks
Trouble remembering recent events
Feeling mentally exhausted even after rest
Struggling to find the right words
A general sense of mental slowness

Brain fog can significantly impact your ability to perform daily tasks and maintain a normal routine. It's not just about being forgetful; it's a persistent cognitive impairment that can affect your work, relationships, and overall well-being. Managing this symptom is crucial for improving your quality of life with POTS.

6. Sweating Abnormalities

Okay, so this one can be super awkward. We're talking about your body's thermostat going haywire, and it shows in how you sweat (or don't!). It's not just about being a little sweaty after a workout; it's more like your body is playing a cruel joke on you.

Some people with POTS experience hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating, even when they're not hot or exerting themselves. Imagine sitting in a meeting and suddenly feeling sweat dripping down your back – not fun, right? On the flip side, others find they barely sweat at all, even when they should be. This can be dangerous because sweating is how your body cools down. Not being able to sweat properly can lead to overheating.

It's important to pay attention to these changes because they can really mess with your daily life. If you're constantly battling between being drenched in sweat or feeling like you're about to overheat, it's a sign something's off.

It's all part of that autonomic dysfunction that POTS brings to the table. Here's a quick rundown:

Unpredictable sweating patterns
Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) in strange situations
Reduced or absent sweating (anhidrosis), even during exercise

7. Shakiness

Okay, so shakiness. It's more than just feeling a little jittery after too much coffee. With POTS, it can be a whole different level of uncomfortable. It's like your body is vibrating on the inside, and sometimes it's visible to everyone else, which, yeah, can be pretty embarrassing.

It's easy to dismiss shakiness as just anxiety, but with POTS, it's often a direct result of your body struggling to regulate blood pressure and heart rate. It's a physical symptom with a physical cause, even if it feels like your nerves are just shot.

It can happen at any time, but I've noticed it's way worse when I'm standing for a while or after I've been active. It's like my body is saying, "Nope, that's enough for today!" It's not always a full-on tremor, sometimes it's just a subtle trembling, but it's definitely there. It can affect your hands, legs, or even your whole body.

Here's a few things that seem to make it worse for me:

Dehydration
Stress
Sudden changes in posture
Overexertion

It's just another fun symptom to add to the POTS party, right?

8. Temperature Regulation Issues

Okay, so this one is super annoying. It's like your body just can't decide if it wants to be a furnace or an ice cube. You might be freezing one minute and then sweating buckets the next, and there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason to it. It's not just about the weather either; it can happen anytime, anywhere.

I remember one time I was at the grocery store, and I suddenly felt like I was standing in the middle of the Sahara Desert. I was so hot and sweaty, and I had to run to the freezer section just to cool down. People were giving me the weirdest looks. It's just so unpredictable, and it can be really embarrassing when it happens in public.

This symptom can be particularly disruptive because it affects your comfort level and can make it hard to plan your day. Do you dress for summer or winter? Who knows! Here are some things that might help:

Layering clothing is your best friend. That way, you can add or remove layers as needed.
Staying hydrated is also key. Dehydration can make temperature regulation even worse.
Try to avoid extreme temperatures if you can. Easier said than done, I know, but it can make a difference.

It's all about finding what works for you and being prepared for anything. Listen to your body and don't be afraid to adjust your environment to stay comfortable. If you are dealing with seasonal challenges, you might want to consult with your doctor.

9. Sleep Disturbances

Frustrated person in bed struggling with sleep disturbances.

Sleep problems are super common with POTS. It's not just about feeling tired; it's about how POTS messes with your whole sleep cycle. I remember when my friend Sarah was dealing with this – she'd be exhausted all day, but as soon as she got into bed, her heart would start racing, and she couldn't fall asleep. It's a frustrating cycle.

Insomnia is a frequent complaint.
Fragmented sleep, where you wake up often during the night, is also common.
Some people experience night sweats, which can further disrupt sleep.

It's important to note that sleep disturbances can worsen other POTS symptoms. Lack of sleep can amplify dizziness, fatigue, and brain fog, making daily life even more challenging. Addressing sleep issues is often a key part of managing POTS overall. Keeping water nearby can help manage symptoms.

It's a real struggle, and it's something that doctors need to consider when treating POTS. Getting enough rest is vital for managing POTS symptoms.

10. Visual Disturbances

Okay, so this one can be a bit freaky. It's not just about needing glasses; we're talking about vision weirdness that comes and goes, often tied to how you're feeling overall. It's like your eyes are joining the POTS party, uninvited.

Blurred vision that seems to appear out of nowhere.
Tunnel vision, where your peripheral vision narrows.
Spots or floaters that weren't there before.

Sometimes, it feels like my eyes can't focus properly, especially when I stand up too fast. It's like everything goes a little fuzzy, and I have to wait for it to clear. It's not constant, which makes it even more annoying because I never know when it's going to happen.

These issues often stem from changes in blood flow and blood pressure affecting the optic nerve and the brain's visual processing centers. It's not always consistent, and that's part of what makes it so frustrating. It can be hard to explain to someone who hasn't experienced it. If you are experiencing taste disturbances lack of papillae, it's important to consult with your doctor.

Wrapping It Up

So there you have it—ten symptoms of POTS that you really shouldn’t brush off. If you’re dealing with any of these, it might be time to chat with a doctor. Ignoring them won’t make them go away, and getting help can really change your day-to-day life. Remember, you’re not alone in this. Many people are in the same boat, and there’s support out there. Take care of yourself, listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to seek out answers. Your health is worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is POTS?

POTS stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. It's a condition that affects blood flow and can cause symptoms like dizziness and fatigue.