Excessive sweating: 8 main causes (and what to do)

Excessive sweating is usually caused by strong emotions, such as stress, fear, pain or anxiety, but it can also be caused by the use of some medications, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics. In more serious cases, it can also indicate serious problems such as tuberculosis and even cancer.

Excessive sweat production, also called hyperhidrosis, can affect the palms, feet, armpits, face and neck, but it can also happen in any other part of the body. Furthermore, depending on its cause, it may occur with other symptoms such as hand tremors, fever and diarrhea, for example.

If excessive sweating occurs frequently or is associated with other symptoms, it is important to consult a general practitioner. Identifying the cause is essential to recommend appropriate treatment, which may involve measures to reduce anxiety, medication and even surgery.

Main causes of excessive sweating

The main causes of excessive sweating are:

1. Strong emotions

Strong emotions such as stress, fear or pain stimulate the production of hormones that lead to excessive sweating.

In addition, other symptoms such as a racing heart, rapid breathing and dilated pupils may occur.

What to do: Excessive sweating due to strong emotions is not normally considered a problem and tends to decrease as the situation that caused it passes.

2. Anxiety

Excessive sweating is a relatively common situation in anxious people. In these cases, other symptoms may occur such as body tremors, a feeling of restlessness and difficulty concentrating or even sleeping. Learn how to identify symptoms of anxiety.

What to do: In case of anxiety, it is important to find ways to relax and distract yourself, through relaxation techniques or regular exercise, for example. Furthermore, undergoing psychotherapy can be useful in learning to deal with problems. Sometimes, treatment with antidepressant medications is also indicated.

3. Use of medicines

The use of some medications, especially antidepressants, antipsychotics and insulin, can cause excessive sweating. The risk of this effect is greater when medications are used without medical indication and in doses above those recommended. Discover the main antidepressants and their side effects.

What to do: Excessive sweating usually improves after stopping the medication or adjusting the dose. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor, preferably the one who prescribed the medication, for an evaluation.

4. Alcohol withdrawal

When there is frequent and large consumption of alcoholic beverages, withdrawal can cause excessive sweating, which tends to occur within 24 hours after the last alcohol intake. Typically, other symptoms such as body tremors, anxiety, difficulty sleeping and a racing heart also occur.

What to do: Excessive sweating tends to improve within a week of reducing or stopping alcohol consumption. In case of suspected dependence, it is important to seek help from a psychiatrist for adequate assessment and guidance. Find out what treatment for alcohol dependence is like.

5. Menopause

Excessive sweating caused by menopause usually occurs at night and is associated with feelings of intense heat. Menopause can also cause other typical symptoms such as mood changes and decreased sexual desire.

What to do: If menopause is suspected, it is important to consult a gynecologist for an evaluation and start appropriate treatment, which may involve hormone replacement and antidepressant medications. Understand better how menopause is treated.

6. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is usually caused by abnormal functioning of the thyroid, which produces a greater amount of hormones, which can result in excessive sweating. Other symptoms such as increased appetite, body tremors and diarrhea may also occur. See how to identify the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

What to do: It is important to consult an endocrinologist or general practitioner if hyperthyroidism is suspected to confirm the diagnosis, identify the cause and initiate appropriate treatment. Treatment can range from the use of beta-blocker medications to radioactive iodine therapy and thyroidectomy.

7. Tuberculosis

Excessive sweating caused by tuberculosis typically happens at night and may be associated with other symptoms such as fever, weight loss and coughing. In addition, sometimes the presence of blood in the phlegm can be noticed. Know the main symptoms of tuberculosis.

What to do: Excessive sweating tends to improve with tuberculosis treatment. Therefore, in case of suspicion, it is important to consult an infectious disease specialist, pulmonologist or general practitioner to confirm the diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment, which is usually done with antibiotics.

8. Cancer

Although rare, some types of cancer, such as lymphoma, leukemia, or pheochromocytoma, can cause excessive sweating. In these cases, other symptoms such as fever and weight loss may also be present.

What to do: If cancer is suspected, it is important to consult a general practitioner for a detailed evaluation, which may involve tests, such as lymph node biopsy and computed tomography. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment depends on the type of cancer identified and may involve anything from chemotherapy to surgery.