Causes of Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating affects millions of people worldwide. Learn and understand what are the most common causes of excessive sweating.

In the study of excessive sweating, also medically known as hyperhidrosis, there are various discoveries of significance. Medical experts believe that there are several factors involved with excessive sweating causes that seem to aggravate the condition. From obesity to genetics, menopause and as well as physical abnormalities.

Some of the common causes of excessive sweating are:

Heredity

A good number of doctors believe that genetics plays a key role in determining an individual's perspiration pattern. In simple terms, it means that if your parents sweat excessively, then you may very well have the same symptoms, particularly when you grow older.

Menopause and Puberty

Multiple studies have shown that another possible reason for the cause of excessive sweating could be psychological, due to changes in our bodies, especially during menopause or puberty. In most cases, this means that teenagers or women experiencing such hormone changes quite often sweat more during these years.

Obesity

Sweat glands work very hard when the person is obese, to release any extra minerals that the body does not want. This causes a person who is overweight to sweat excessively more so than anyone else with a normal body size. A people who is obese is also more likely to suffer from body odor at the same time.

Hot Weather

Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure this one out. Hot weather can cause you to sweat excessively. This is due to our body needing to cool down when it reaches its maximum body temperature.

Reaction to Certain Types of Food

Foods that are hot and spicy has been known to be able to cause a person to sweat excessively. To prevent excessive sweating, try to lessen or avoid the intake of such foods and verify if this is the root cause for your sweating problems.

Strenuous Labor and Vigorous Activities

If you are a physically active person, be it on the job or at the gym, you will tend to sweat a lot. This is normal. However if you experience constant perspiration without doing any strenuous activity, you may be suffering from hyperhidrosis and you should consider consulting a doctor.

Abnormal Functions of the Brain

A part of our brain called the hypothalamus helps the body maintain body temperature and control sweating.

Certain medical conditions such as cardiac issues, cancerous growths, abnormal glucose levels, tuberculosis, stroke, lung diseases, spinal cord injuries, encephalitis and Parkinson's disease can cause the brain to have a tainted sensory response, triggering heavy sweating.

Certain emotional factors can also be a major contributor to excessive sweating. If you're experiencing fear, anxiety or depression, your brain may trigger the body to response with hot flashes and excessive sweating.

Nerve Abnormalities

Keep in mind that nerves are also all over our body acting as brain receptors. Nerves are responsible for sending messages to the brain.

Any past injuries to the nervous system or any neurological disorders can cause the nerves to fail to work properly, sending the wrong signals to the brain. In some cases, these can lead to hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating due to the wrong stimuli receive by the brain from the nerves.

Abnormal Functions of the Spinal Cord

Another possible cause for excessive sweating can be due to a past history of spinal cord injuries or the abnormal functions of the spinal cord. Being a major part of the nervous system, this area of the body also controls the sweaty mechanism of your body. If you experience unusual heavy sweating due to a problem with your spinal cord, you should consult with your doctor for advice, particularly since tumours and lesions in this spinal cord can also be cause for excessive sweating.