Our bodies release sweat as a way of cooling down. Body temperature can increase due to several reasons. We mostly sweat while performing strenuous physical activities, such as lifting heavy weights or running. However, in some cases, sweating could occur due to underlying health conditions as well, without any exertion. Here, we will discuss a few medical causes of excessive sweating.

1. Thyroid issues
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in managing the body’s metabolic rate. It produces two hormones: thyroxine and triiodothyronine. When there is a high amount of these hormones in the body, one is said to have an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism. The body reacts to the increased hormone levels by functioning at a more-than-optimum level. This results in sweating. Besides sweating, people with hyperthyroidism could also experience a rapid heartbeat, weight loss, fatigue, and tremors. The thyroid gland could also get enlarged, resulting in a growth or lump known as goiter appearing on the neck.

2. Diabetes
Diabetes is also among the common medical causes of excessive sweating. With diabetes, sweating can occur due to two primary reasons: low blood sugar and food ingestion. When the sugar levels fall below a certain level, the nervous system triggers sweating as an indicator of the same. On the other hand, gustatory sweating is rare and can occur when a person with diabetes has suffered nerve damage. In this condition, sweating usually occurs on the head and neck after ingesting food.

3. Hormonal issues
Changes in hormone levels can also be listed among the medical causes of excessive sweating. This can be due to certain conditions such as pregnancy or perimenopause. Pregnant women most often notice increased perspiration due to a change in hormone levels in the body, increased blood flow, and higher metabolism. The period or phase before a woman undergoes menopause or stops menstruating is known as perimenopause. In this stage too, sweating increases due to changes in hormonal levels. Changes in estrogen affect the body’s temperature, resulting in flushed skin and sweating.

4. Nocturnal hyperhidrosis
Also known as night sweats, nocturnal hyperhidrosis occurs when a person sleeps at night. The condition could be triggered due to sleep apnea, infections, hormonal issues, and diabetes. Night sweats should not be taken lightly if accompanied by chills, fever, or pain, as it could be a sign of something more serious.

5. Medication sweats
This kind of sweating occurs due to the intake of certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, blood pressure medications, cardiovascular drugs, and certain antibiotics. Although not a direct medical cause of excessive sweating, one can speak to a doctor if they notice an increase in sweating after starting a new medication for another health condition.