Sweating is a normal part of every human’s life. There’s no need to feel unpleasant or disgusted when you think of sweat – even our favorite celebrities and animals sweat. Basically- our body produces sweat when we are overheated or are stressed. And that’s how things get cool!
Did you know that in some cultures, sweat is thought of as a warrior’s essence? The more you sweat, the braver you are! But beware, sweating when overheated is normal, but excessive sweating could be a sign that something odd’s going on in your body. So if you are sweating without fever, these could be the possible causes.
7 Reasons why you could be over-sweating
1. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which excessive thyroid hormones are secreted by the thyroid gland. Excessive sweating, increased bowel movements, thinning skin and hair, fatigue are some of the common signs of hyperthyroidism.
Normally thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism of the cells, hence increased chemical processes result in increased sweating.
What to do: Check for thyroid levels with tests. Treatment options include iodine radiation, medication, and even surgery.
2. Peri-Menopause
Many women reported excessive sweating and hot flushes during menopause. In fact, a majority of pre-menopausal women have reported this condition which is caused by fluctuating hormonal levels.
What to do: Keep yourself cool, regular exercising and losing weight will help you overcome this problem.
3. Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is lowering blood sugar levels below normal. When the sugar is below 50mg/dL, you feel the effects of low sugar levels. Those with abnormal sugar levels due to Type 1, type 2 diabetes and hypoglycemia cause excessive sweating.
What to do: Low sugar is tackled by giving a readily absorbed source of sugar. Take a light snack before going to bed to keep sugar levels up.
4. Medication
Do you know that some types of medication cause excessive sweating? Not all, but drugs are taken for high blood pressure, depression, certain antibiotics, and supplements can cause you to sweat like never before.
What to do: Always speak to your doctor immediately for a solution. Never stop the medication without consulting a doctor.
5. Certain Cancers
Certain types of cancer like Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, carcinoid tumors, and leukemia and bone cancers are known to cause sweating. Doctors are trying to figure the connection between cancers and excessive sweating and feel it’s the body trying to fight off cancer. It could also be the body fighting off an infection due to cancer. However, take heart that most cases of excessive sweating are not life-threatening.
What to do: Treatment depends on the symptoms, stage, a location of disease, as well as other factors. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are some known treatments.
6. Osteomyelitis
Not common, but osteomyelitis or infection of the bone can cause you to sweat a lot. This can be caused by recent surgery, open wounds, those who have taken an injection near the bone etc. Fevers, chills and excessive sweating are some common symptoms.
What to do: Treatment usually involves antibiotics and pain medications. Consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
7. Psychiatric Problems
Last but not least, psychiatric problems can cause excessive sweating, palpitations etc. This is because conditions like anxiety cause the body temperature to rise.
Some drugs to treat psychiatric problems are also known to increase sweating.
What to do: Consult your doctor who will advise you what to do and never stop medication on your own
Other non-serious reasons for sweating could include sudden intake of spicy food, influenza, heat and humidity and when you are overly emotional. Whatever the reason, if you find it affects you long enough, just call your doctor.
