Why Do I Sweat So Much? Here's the Answer

Have you ever wondered, “Why do I sweat so much?” I mean, everybody sweats, right? It is our body’s way of cooling off. So when the weather is hot, when we exert ourselves, and even when we eat spicy food, our body responds by producing sweat.

However, sweating more than usual, especially without provocation, can dramatically affect every aspect of life. In this article, we delve deeper into the reasons why people sweat, what causes excess sweating, and when to talk with your doctor.

Why Do We Sweat?

You may wonder, “Why do I sweat so easily?” The answer is both simple and complex. Sweating involves a complicated system that includes your metabolism, hormone levels, level of blood flow, temperature regulation, and other factors. Sweating can also be as a result of emotional or medical issues, and lifestyle choices.

Some of the emotional issues that may cause sweating include nervousness, anxiety, depression, embarrassment, anger, fear, and stress. When a person feels any of these emotions, the body tends to go into overdrive and produce extra sweat.

Sometimes sweating results from an underlying medical condition or as a side effect from certain medications.

Spicy foods, foods containing caffeine, highly processed foods, and alcohol can also make you sweat.

What Causes Excessive Sweating?

So, what does it mean when you sweat a lot? As we mentioned earlier, the causes of excessive sweating are numerous. They may even point to an underlying health condition. Some of the most common causes of excess sweating include:

Hormonal Changes

Many women who are pregnant or going through menopause experience hot flashes and night sweats due to changes in their hormones. Hormonal imbalances can also cause the body to produce more sweat than usual.

Infections

Some infections can cause the body to overheat and produce too much sweat. Infections like endocarditis (inflammation of the heart’s inner lining) can cause profuse sweating. Other causes of excess sweating are osteomyelitis and tuberculosis.

Anxiety

Anxiety cannot be overlooked when discussing what causes excessive sweating. This is because the body’s automatic response to panic or anxiety is sweat production. That is why the palms of your hands get sweaty when you are nervous.

Other possible causes of excessive sweating are diabetes, low blood sugar, gout, alcoholism, heart attack, thyroid issues, and hyperhidrosis.

How Much Sweat is Too Much?

In all honesty, there is no universal quantitative way to determine when a person sweats too much. This is because the amount of sweat produced by the body differs for everyone. So, why do some people sweat more than others?

Our bodies are unique and our daily activities differ. Typically how much you sweat depends on what you do, where you work, what you eat, and your health condition.

You may wonder, “Why Do I Sweat So Much?” The answer is both simple and complex.

For example, it is normal for a person to sweat a lot while doing manual labor outside on a hot day. On the other hand, it is not expected for someone to sweat profusely while working at a desk in an air-conditioned office.

However, since sweating is a natural phenomenon and is unique to each individual, it is quite easy for a person to know when they are sweating too much. You may want to consider:

• Have you started sweating more frequently from one part of your body?
• Do you sweat for no reason at all?
• Do you have to change pieces of clothing more often because they become wet from sweat?
• Has your life been negatively impacted because you sweat so much?
• Do you sweat through your shirts even with antiperspirant?
• Do you sweat when everyone else around you appears to be comfortable?

• Do you have trouble gripping a doorknob because your hands are too wet?

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, you likely produce more sweat than the average person. Luckily there are many home remedies and lifestyle changes that can help reduce and even stop excessive sweating.

When to Speak with a Doctor

If you can manage your excessive sweating through lifestyle changes or home remedies, that’s great!

However, if you are still struggling to manage it, you should talk to your doctor about other treatment options. In addition to the scenarios listed above, there are more serious symptoms that likely require a doctor’s attention, such as:

• Lingering wetness in certain areas leading to white spots and peeling skin.
• Emotional distress, anxiety, and constant embarrassment due to excessive sweating.
• Random, unexplained symptoms of ill health.

In the meantime, start paying attention to your sweat patterns. Some people find it useful to keep a journal or log of their symptoms and sweat triggers. A daily account of your sweating can be helpful when discussing your symptoms and/or triggers with your doctor.

The Basics of Hyperhidrosis

Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, falls into two categories: primary focal hyperhidrosis and secondary generalized hyperhidrosis (also known as diaphoresis).

• Primary focal hyperhidrosis is when a person excessively sweats from focal areas of their body, like the hands, underarms, head, or feet. It causes equal sweating on both sides of their body. It is believed to be hereditary.
• Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is when a person sweats all over their entire body, and may even experience night sweats. It typically occurs when there is an underlying health condition or as a side effect of certain medications.

There are medical treatments for hyperhidrosis, including prescription antiperspirants and creams, anticholinergic drugs, antidepressants, and Botox injections. More invasive or surgical options include miraDry, sweat gland removal, ETS surgery, and iontophoresis. The course of treatment will likely be determined by your symptoms and the area where the sweating occurs.

Now that you know more about excessive sweating, you can start working to manage your symptoms. In the meantime, protect your clothing from sweat and odor by wearing Ejis sweat proof boxer briefs and undershirts (available from our shop or on Amazon). Our undergarments have an ultra-thin waterproof protective layer and anti-odor technology. Our men's collection also includes Ejis dress socks to combat smelly and/or sweaty feet.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider.