Sweating for No Reason? Here's Why

There’s nothing wrong with a little sweat. It’s how your body keeps cool and prevents overheating. But there’s a difference between feeling “a little dewy” and struggling with excessive sweat daily. If you’ve ever asked, “Why am I sweating for no reason?” there may be a medical explanation.

In this post, we’ll cover eight explanations as to why you might sweat for no reason:

  1. Hyperhidrosis
  2. Pregnancy
  3. Menopause & perimenopause
  4. Anxiety
  5. Hyperthyroidism
  6. Diabetes
  7. Weight gain
  8. Medications

1. Hyperhidrosis

It’s easy to assume you sweat for no reason if you experience excessive perspiration in everyday situations. However, you may have a medical condition known as hyperhidrosis.

Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, affects nearly 5 percent of Americans but thousands more live undiagnosed. People with hyperhidrosis experience sudden, unexpected sweat that is usually limited to one area of the body.

If you have any of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor or dermatologist about hyperhidrosis.

  • You experience at least one episode of sudden sweat in a six-month period
  • You only sweat excessively on one part of your body, like your head, armpits or feet
  • Managing sweat stains (changing clothes, wiping, drying) is a part of your daily routine
  • You avoid social situations because you’re afraid of sweating in public
  • You’ve struggled with sweat since childhood
  • Other members of your family sweat heavily or have been diagnosed with hyperhidrosis.

Primary Hyperhidrosis

Chronic sweating concentrated in one area of your body is known as primary focal hyperhidrosis.

If intense bouts of sweat on your feet, hands, armpits, head or face affect your daily life, you’re not “sweating for no reason.” You may have primary hyperhidrosis.

While primary hyperhidrosis isn’t curable, it is treatable. Prescription-strength antiperspirants, Botox injections, medications and surgery are just a few treatment options.

Check out our complete list of hyperhidrosis treatments for more information.

Secondary Hyperhidrosis

Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis is a type of sweating that affects the entire body. Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by an underlying medical condition or as a side effect to taking certain medications. Once the condition is cured or the drug stopped, your excessive sweating halts also. Secondary hyperhidrosis can be a side effect of the following conditions.

2. Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women experience hormone changes, increased blood flow and higher metabolism levels. These result in increased sweat production during pregnancy and immediately afterward. However, once the postpartum period has passed, sweat levels usually return to normal.

3. Perimenopause & Menopause

Perimenopause causes decreases in estrogen levels before the ovaries stop producing eggs during menopause. Both conditions affect women in their 40s and beyond, causing heat flashes and night sweats.

4. Anxiety

he body’s fight or flight response can trigger your nervous system to ready the body for taking action against a perceived threat, PTSD and even general anxiety. In addition, chronic nervousness, apprehension and worrying can cause an increase in sweat levels.

5. Hyperthyroidism

Overactive thyroid hormones can kick the body into overdrive, increasing sweat production. Hyperthyroidism is also accompanied by fatigue, rapid heartbeat and weight loss.

6. Diabetes

Low blood sugar levels can trigger excessive sweating in people with diabetes. In addition, diabetics sometimes experience a rare form of sweating called “gustatory sweating,” in which sweating around the head and neck occurs when eating or even thinking about food.

7. Weight Gain

Fat insulates the body, raising your core temperature. Higher body temperatures mean your body needs to sweat more to cool you down. So if you’ve recently gained weight, you may start sweating more profusely. Keeping your body weight within normal ranges will help you stay drier and cooler.

8. Medications

Some medications can cause secondary hyperhidrosis. These include:

  • Antidepressants
  • Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Antibiotics
  • Blood pressure medications
  • Cancer treatments
  • Diabetes medications
  • Hormone treatments
  • Pain medications

Important note: If you suspect a medication you’re taking is causing you to sweat, do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor first. Forgoing essential medicines can pose significant health risks.

Is Excessive Sweating Hazardous to Your Health?

“When should I be concerned about sweating,” you ask? In many cases, excessive sweating isn’t dangerous, but it can indicate a serious health problem.

Seek medical attention immediately if:

  • Excessive sweat is causing weight loss
  • Excessive sweat is accompanied by fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness or seizures.

8 Great Reasons to Try a Thompson Tee

Do you think any of the above eight conditions is causing you to sweat too much? While sweating is normal, you’ll want to avoid the dreaded sweat rings and pit stains.

Why not try a Thompson Tee? Thompson Tee’s sweat proof undershirts save the day every day by protecting your outer layers from the ravages of excessive sweating. With style and color options for men and women, it will soon become a clothing item you can’t live without.

Try a Thompson Tee risk-free today!