Sweating is an essential bodily function needed to cool down the body when there is physical exertion or when the temperature rises. It is also an involuntary response to stress. However, some people experience excessive sweating even when their body is relaxed or when they’re in a cool climate. This is known as hyperhidrosis and can be a cause of concern. Listed below are the five most common reasons for hyperhidrosis:

1. Genetics
Many doctors believe that the root cause of hyperhidrosis could be genetics. If other members from your family sweat heavily, you too may be prone to heavy sweating. Primary hyperhidrosis is limited to the palms of your hands, the bottom of your feet, and the armpits. You may also sweat excessively in the head, which is a typical symptom of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis occurs all over your body. Primary focal hyperhidrosis can be inherited genetically. Studies show that around 35% to 55% of people with hyperhidrosis have other family members with the same condition. This confirms that, to an extent, hyperhidrosis is hereditary.

2. Anxiety
Anxiety is a mental health condition that causes symptoms like excessive sweating besides being fidgety. Around one in four people with anxiety have hyperhidrosis. When someone becomes anxious, the mind and the body perceive danger. As a result, the breath and heart rates increase, and the pupils dilate to get in more light. Moreover, the muscles become tense, and our body temperature rises. A combination of all these responses to anxiety can cause excessive sweating. Medication can help to solve this problem.

3. Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which the body fails to produce or utilize blood sugar properly. Diabetes can cause low blood sugar. It then leads to a fight or flight response with the release of hormones like adrenaline that cause excessive sweating. Extended times of low blood sugar can damage nerves, including the ones that control the sweat glands. This condition, called neuropathy, affects the sweat glands and often results in too little or too much sweating. Frequent diabetes-caused hyperhidrosis is a sign that you need to manage diabetes better, and that it is time to consult a doctor.

4. Menopause
Hot flashes and excessive perspiration are common and known symptoms of menopause. This condition also occurs during perimenopause. The cause of this type of sweating is hormonal fluctuation caused by the rise and fall of estrogen levels in the body. The best way to find relief is by dressing in layers and sitting in air-conditioned rooms or directly near the fan. Eating non-spicy foods and drinking cool beverages help relieve this condition. Estrogen therapy or a low dose of antidepressants can help regulate hot flashes caused by menopause.

5. Hyperthyroidism
Excessive sweating is one symptom of hyperthyroidism. This disorder happens when the thyroid glands produce too much of the hormone thyroxine. It leads to an increase in metabolism and causes rapid, ir5 Conditions That Cause Heavy Sweatingregular, or pounding heartbeat. Besides excessive sweating, an overactive thyroid gland can also cause weight loss, irritability, trembling hands, and frequent bowel movements. Sleeping difficulty may also be one of the symptoms.