Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Much Is Too Much?SymptomsCausesManaging SweatingWhen to Call a Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Much Is Too Much?
Symptoms
Causes
Managing Sweating
When to Call a Provider
Sweating is essential. Sweat glands in your skin produce the salty liquid that helps cool off your body, so you don’t get overheated. You likely sweat more in warm weather or when you’re physically active. Menopause, fever, and moments of anxiety can also make you sweat more. The main areas of sweating are the underarms, palms, and feet, though you can sweat all over.
Most of the time, sweating stops when you’re sufficiently cooled off. But sometimes, you can sweat too much or sweat even though you don’t need cooling. This is calledhyperhidrosis. This article covers the reasons you may sweat a lot, how to tell if you’re sweating too much, and when to see a healthcare provider.
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How Much Sweat Is Too Much?
You may wonder how much sweat per day is “normal.” There’s no true normal because everyone sweats at their own rate.
Sweating a lot when you’re out in the hot sun or exercising is normal and healthy. Continuing to pour sweat even when you’re resting in a cool environment is not. So, if you frequently ask why you sweat so much for no apparent reason, you may have hyperhidrosis.
How to Tell If You’re Sweating Too Much
Signs and symptomsof excessive sweating may include:
When excessive sweating is the result of another condition, it’s called secondary hyperhidrosis ordiaphoresis. This type generally starts in adulthood and is more likely to involve whole-body sweat and sweat during sleep.
What Causes Excessive Sweating?
In primary hyperhidrosis, there’s a family history of the condition 30% to 50% of the time, which suggests there may be a genetic component.It’s not always possible to determine the cause of secondary hyperhidrosis, though it’s usually related to a drug or systemic condition.
Excessive sweating can be a symptom ofhyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Treatment for hyperthyroidism can include drugs such as anti-thyroid medicines or beta-blockers, radioiodine therapy, and surgery.
Sudden, excessive perspiration can also be a sign ofhypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Low blood sugar can happen because you skipped a meal and need to eat. But it’s also a symptom ofdiabetes.
Diabetes is a serious condition that requires monitoring and managing blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol.Treatment may include taking insulin or other medications.
Hot flashesandnight sweatsare common inmenopause. You don’t necessarily need treatment for menopause. But when symptoms are a problem, a healthcare provider can prescribe hormone-based and nonhormonal medications that may help with hot flashes.
Excessive sweating can be a side effect of medications such as:
Speak with your healthcare provider if you think your hyperhidrosis is due to one or more medications. They may be able to adjust your medications or help you manage excessive sweating.
Other potentialcauses of hyperhidrosisare:
What Causes You to Start Sweating Blood (Hematridosis)?
How to Stop Sweating So Much
Tips for staying a bit drier include:
Try keeping a sweat journal to find out if there are triggers you can avoid. Common sweat triggers include heat, anxiety, and foods and drinks that contain:
Tips for managing sweaty feet include:
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Contact a healthcare provider if sweating is excessive or prolonged for no obvious reason. Or if you also have signs and symptoms such as:
Excessive perspiration can have a profound effect on quality of life. Research suggests that it can lead to decreased sense of well-being and increased anxiety and depression.Seeing a healthcare provider can help you identify the cause. This may involve:
A healthcare provider can prescribe stronger antiperspirants than you can get over the counter. Treatment can also include topical and systemic therapies.
In some cases, your provider might recommend a medical procedure, such asiontophoresis(a weak electric current in water is applied to the hands or feet) or radiofrequency (a device is applied to destroy sweat glands). If nothing else works, there’s also a surgical option.
A Word From Verywell
—WILLIAM TRUSWELL, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
Sweating is the body’s way of preventing overheating. Most people sweat more in certain situations, such as physical activity or hot weather. Sweating profusely when conditions don’t call for it can be distressing.
In some cases, treating an underlying condition may resolve the sweating. But sometimes, there’s no obvious cause. There are some things you can do that might help decrease sweating. If they don’t work or if you have other symptoms, it’s best to see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Does Sweating Burn Calories?
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
National Institute of Digestive and Diabetes and Kidney Disorders.Managing diabetes.
National Institute of Digestive and Diabetes and Kidney Diseases.Insulin, medicines & other diabetes treatments.
National Institute on Aging.Hot flashes: what can I do?
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Johns Hopkins Medicine.Hyperhidrosis.
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