Sweating is a normal part of being human. We all do it, we all smell and we'd probably all prefer to stay dry most of the time.
Sweating may be yucky, but it's certainly not the end of the world. Thankfully we have things like deodorant and modern plumbing to keep body odor in check.
In fact, some women have even taken to using special towels to combat boob sweat, which most of us ladies can appreciate a need for during the warmer months especially.
A little extra perspiration can be expected during summer, but excessive sweating is a problem for plenty of people all year long.
Surprisingly, the causes of your excessive sweating might have nothing to do with the temperature outside, but rather is due to something happening inside your body.
If you've ever wondered what might be causing your sweat glands to be overactive, the following conditions might be responsible:
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Why Do We Sweat?
Sweating has been a part of our lives for so long, it's sometimes easy to forget that it actually serves a purpose.
The reason why we mostly sweat when we're hot is because it's our bodies way of cooling down.
According to Mount Sinai Health Library, the release of liquid from our bodies is an important function for temperature regulation. Sweating releases excess heat, and helps us to cool down.
How Much Sweat Is Too Much?
Everyone sweats, but how much is too much?
Mount Sinai explains that the average person has between 2 and 4 million sweat glands. Obviously, that's a big range and the number will reflect how much you sweat.
While it's normal to sweat when it's hot out, or during exercise, it isn't normal to sweat while stationary.
The American Academy of Dermatology points out that sweating becomes excessive when you sweat even when your body doesn't need cooling.
Reason #1: Stress
Sweating when you're nervous is completely normal . A spell of anxiety is often accompanied by a surge of sweat. However, this is usually fleeting.
The Mayo Clinic lists chronic stress as a source of excessive sweating. If you're sweating more than normal and something has been on your mind lately, it might explain your overactive sweat glands.
Reason #2: Low Blood Sugar
Have you ever woken up in a sweat or another random inexplainable time?
Surprisingly, your sweaty episodes could be a sign of low blood sugar according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Disease.
This of course is especially true if you have diabetes. When blood sugar is low, your body tries to compensate by producing adrenaline, which leads to excessive sweating.
Reason #3: You're Eating The Wrong Foods
Excessive sweating could potentially have something to do with what you're putting in your body.
According to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, an unusual condition called Trimethylaminuria can make you sweat a lot.
This condition, also called fish odor syndrome creates a fishy odor when you eat foods like eggs, fish and legumes, which is excreted through unpleasant fishy smelling sweat.
Reason #4: You Might Have Hyperhidrosis
If you're stationary and in what should be a comfortable temperature and you're still sweating, you might have a condition called hyperhidrosis.
The American Academy of Dermatology reports that this happens when your body sweats even if doesn't need cooling. Speak to your doctor if you think you might be affected by this.
Reason #5: Menopause
You're probably familiar with hot flashes being a side effect of menopause. Of course, this doesn't make these episodes any more pleasant.
Luckily, the sweating should decrease once menopause is over and your hormones stop being quite as active.
The average age for menopause in the United States is 51 according to the Mayo Clinic, but it can happen as early as around 40. If you're a middle-aged woman who is sweating too much, it might be a sign of this natural process.
Reason #6: You Might Be Pregnant
On the other hand of menopause is pregnancy. While they are nearly opposite processes, both toy with your hormones and can cause unusual side effects like excessive sweating.
Of course, other symptoms can indicate your pregnancy, but excessive sweat could also be a sign that you're with child.
Reason #7: Your Medication Might Be To Blame
Last but not least, your medication could be responsible for causing excess sweat.
According to the International Hyperhidrosis Society, a large number of over the counter and prescription drugs classified as diaphoretics are known for their sweating side effects. A full list can be found here.
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