Why Do I Sweat So Much? 9 Reasons

We all sweat. But for some of us, we may sweat a little too much.

That can lead to embarrassing moments where our underarms, hands and other parts of our bodies are visibly sweaty.

So, why do I sweat so much? If you wonder this often, you may have hyperhidrosis, a condition where your body’s sweat glands are overactive. It can cause you to perspire in spots where others don't and at inconvenient times.

About 2% to 5% of people in the U.S. have hyperhidrosis. But that number could be higher, as many don’t talk about their symptoms even though they have trouble managing their sweat.

Nurse practitioner Melissa Holtz, CNP, discusses what it means when you sweat a lot and what you can do to help manage excessive sweating.

How much sweat is too much?

It can be hard to measure your sweat and know exactly how much you sweat each day. It’s estimated that the average person may sweat around 500 milliliters per day.

When your body’s temperature gets too high, your sweat glands start working to cool your body down. Ideally, you want to keep your body at 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius).

“Sweating actually assists with your body’s thermal regulation, skin hydration and helps balance our fluids and electrolytes,” explains Holtz.

So, why do some sweat more than others?

When you have hyperhidrosis, your sweat glands work too hard, producing sweat you don’t need.

“When we’re sweating too much, it’s thought to be an abnormal or an exaggerated central response to normal emotional or physical stimuli,” she says. “Usually, the glands themselves are normal. You’re just having an exaggerated response to normal stimuli.”

So, while you may not be able to measure how much you sweat, if you feel self-conscious about the amount you’re sweating, frequently sweat through your clothing or find your sweating is interfering with your life, don’t hesitate to talk to a healthcare provider.

Why do I sweat so easily?

It’s a valid question and one that can have many possible answers. Here are some common reasons you might be sweating a lot.

Exercise

When you work out and elevate your heart rate, your body’s temperature increases. That kickstarts your sweat glands and you start to perspire. On average, you may lose about 2 liters of fluid while exercising. Drinking water before, during and after your workout is key to replacing lost fluids and cooling your body down. It can also help prevent dehydration.

Weather

We can all relate to hot, humid summer days where just a short trip outside can make you a sweaty mess. When temperatures soar, the chance of sweating increases. Also, hot, humid air makes it harder for sweat to evaporate off your body.

Alcohol

Consuming alcohol, even just one drink, can increase your heart rate and widen blood vessels in your skin. This can make you sweaty. If you’re going through alcohol withdrawal, you can have excessive sweating and even night sweats.

“Alcohol consumption disrupts the communication between the nervous and endocrine systems,” shares Holtz. “This causes hormonal disturbances, which can lead to sweating.”

Certain medical conditions

In some cases, excessive sweating may be caused by a medical condition like hyperthyroidism, diabetes, Graves’ disease, Parkinson’s disease or spinal cord injuries. If you think your excessive sweating is the result of a specific medical condition, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider who can provide more information.

Medications

Certain medications like antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), blood pressure medications and diabetes medicines can make you sweat. If you think this may be the cause, you can discuss options with your doctor.

Anxiety

Stress hormones can trigger your sweat glands. They raise your heart rate and blood pressure, leading to an increase in your body’s temperature. Emotional stress can lead to sweating on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet, too.

Hormones

You’ve heard of hot flashes — or may have experienced them yourself. During menopause, your estrogen levels go up and down. This makes it difficult for your hypothalamus (an area in your brain that controls temperature) to know if it needs to cool your body down or not. Hot flashes are the result — your body thinks it’s overheating, so your sweat glands go into overdrive. You may feel hot, clammy and sweaty.

Fevers

If you’re sick, your body raises its temperature a few degrees. You may experience chills at first as your body tries to fight off whatever bug you may have. Then, as your fever breaks, you’ll feel hot and sweaty as your body works to regulate its temperature back to normal.

Caffeine and spicy foods

What you eat and drink can affect how much you sweat. Drinking coffee or anything with caffeine activates your central nervous system, which controls your sweat glands. Even spicy foods like hot sauce and jalapenos can trigger your sweat glands.

“If you’re drinking two cups of coffee, you should drink two glasses of water to balance it out and stay hydrated,” advises Holtz.

Tips for managing excessive sweating

Excessive sweating typically begins to show during childhood. To be diagnosed with hyperhidrosis, you must experience excessive sweating for at least six months and rule out any other medical reasons.

To help manage your extra sweat, Holtz suggests trying out these methods:

• Drink water. It may sound like a no-brainer, but staying hydrated can help regulate your body’s temperature.
• Wear light, breathable clothing. “People who are layering and wearing tight clothing are going to be more apt to sweating,” says Holtz. Opt for items made out of cotton that are loose and allow for good airflow.
• Use clinical-strength antiperspirant. “These are available over-the-counter, so they’re easy to get and you don’t need a prescription,” she notes. “Look for products with 15% to 20% aluminum chloride.” She also says it’s best to use these products at night, giving the ingredients time to work and absorb into your body.
• Consider Botox®. Your doctor may recommend injects of botulinum toxin to help manage your sweating. Common areas that can be treated by Botox® include your armpits and scalp. The treatment can last anywhere from three to nine months.
• Ask about additional treatments. If you’ve tried other methods and nothing seems to work, you can ask your doctor about topical glycopyrronium wipes, which are prescribed to treat hyperhidrosis. They can irritate your skin and are costly, so they usually aren’t the first line of defense against excessive sweating.

Bottom line?

Why am I always sweating? There can be a variety of reasons why you’re sweating more than usual. But the biggest takeaway? You don’t have to suffer in silence, says Holtz.

Those with hyperhidrosis struggle in many social situations due to their excessive sweating, making it an emotional topic for them. But if you’ve tried multiple ways to manage your excessive sweat, consider seeing a doctor.

And there’s no need to be embarrassed.

“Don’t be worried that you’re not doing something right,” reassures Holtz. “Excessive sweating happens and there’s nothing you did that caused this.”