Is there a disease that makes you sweat more? Understanding hyperhidrosis

September 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, excessive, unpredictable sweating, known as hyperhidrosis, affects millions of people. So, is there a disease that makes you sweat more? The answer is yes, as this condition can be caused by various underlying health issues, medications, or anxiety.

Quick Summary

Yes, a medical condition called hyperhidrosis causes excessive sweating, and it can be triggered by underlying diseases like thyroid issues or diabetes, certain medications, or anxiety. The condition can be primary (no underlying cause) or secondary, and treatment options are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Key Points

Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating: Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for sweating that is more than the body needs for temperature regulation, often occurring without typical triggers like heat or exercise.
Two types exist: Primary hyperhidrosis is idiopathic and often genetic, affecting specific areas like hands or armpits. Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by an underlying medical condition or medication.
Underlying causes are diverse: Many conditions can cause secondary hyperhidrosis, including endocrine disorders (hyperthyroidism, diabetes, menopause), infections (tuberculosis), neurological issues (Parkinson's), and certain cancers.
Medications can cause it: Numerous medications, such as some antidepressants, pain relievers, and hormone therapies, list excessive sweating as a potential side effect.
Treatment is available: Options range from topical and oral medications to advanced procedures like Botox injections and iontophoresis. Lifestyle changes can also help manage symptoms.
When to seek medical advice: See a doctor if sweating is unexplained, disrupts daily life, causes emotional distress, or is accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain or weight loss.

What is hyperhidrosis?

Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive, often unpredictable, sweating that is not necessarily related to heat or physical activity. In this condition, the sweat glands are overactive, producing more sweat than the body needs to regulate its temperature. This can cause a range of physical and emotional discomfort, affecting daily life, social interactions, and self-confidence.

There are two main types of hyperhidrosis:

Primary focal hyperhidrosis: This is the most common type, affecting specific areas like the hands, feet, armpits, or face. It is not caused by an underlying medical condition and is believed to have a genetic component.
Secondary generalized hyperhidrosis: This form is caused by an identifiable underlying medical condition or as a side effect of medication. It can affect the entire body and may even occur during sleep.

Medical conditions associated with excessive sweating

Excessive sweating can be a sign of a variety of medical issues. Diagnosing and treating the underlying condition often resolves the sweating.

Endocrine disorders

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid): An overactive thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine, which speeds up the body's metabolism and can lead to excessive sweating.
Diabetes: Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can trigger the body's fight-or-flight response, leading to profuse sweating.
Menopause: Hormonal fluctuations during menopause are a common cause of hot flashes and night sweats.

Infections

Tuberculosis: This bacterial infection can cause symptoms including fever and night sweats.
Infections with high fevers: A variety of infections that cause a fever can also lead to excessive sweating as the body works to cool itself down.

Neurological conditions

Parkinson's disease: Some people with Parkinson's experience excessive sweating due to autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
Autonomic neuropathy: Damage to the nerves controlling automatic body functions, often caused by diabetes, can disrupt sweat glands and lead to sweating abnormalities.
Spinal cord injury and stroke: These can disrupt the nerve pathways that regulate sweating.

Other conditions

Anxiety disorders: Chronic stress and anxiety can trigger the sympathetic nervous system, causing excessive and often smelly sweat from apocrine glands.
Certain types of cancer: Conditions such as lymphoma and leukemia can cause generalized sweating, including night sweats.
Adrenal gland tumors: Tumors such as pheochromocytoma can cause excessive sweating.
Heart failure: Excessive sweating can be a symptom of heart failure.

The role of medication in inducing sweating

Many prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause excessive sweating, a side effect also known as drug-induced diaphoresis.

Antidepressants: A wide range of antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine and venlafaxine, can cause sweating.
Pain medications: Some pain relievers, including naproxen and opioids like oxycodone, can induce sweating.
Diabetes medications: Medications for diabetes, such as insulin, can cause excessive sweating as a symptom of low blood sugar.
Hormone therapy: Certain hormone medications may trigger hot flashes and sweating.

Comparison of primary and secondary hyperhidrosis


Feature	Primary Hyperhidrosis	Secondary Hyperhidrosis
Cause	No underlying medical cause identified; often genetic	Result of an underlying medical condition, medication, or substance
Onset	Often begins in childhood or adolescence; can worsen with puberty	Can begin at any point in life, particularly in adulthood
Affected Areas	Localized to specific areas like hands, feet, armpits, or face; typically affects both sides of the body symmetrically	Generalized, affecting larger or the entire body; can sometimes be asymmetrical
Timing	Typically occurs when awake; usually absent during sleep	Can occur at any time, including night sweats
Diagnosis	Diagnosis of exclusion, after ruling out other causes	Requires diagnosing and treating the underlying condition

When to see a doctor

While occasional heavy sweating is normal, you should contact a healthcare provider if sweating:

Is prolonged, excessive, and unexplained.
Disrupts your daily routine or social life.
Causes you significant emotional distress.
Occurs mostly during sleep (night sweats).
Is accompanied by other symptoms like weight loss, fever, or a rapid heart rate.

Seek immediate medical attention if excessive sweating is combined with chest pain, lightheadedness, or nausea. A proper evaluation can help identify the cause and rule out more serious conditions.

Treatment and management options

If you are diagnosed with hyperhidrosis, various treatments are available, depending on the severity and type.

Topical and oral medications

Prescription antiperspirants: Strong aluminum chloride solutions can be applied to the affected area to block sweat glands.
Topical cloths: Medicated wipes containing glycopyrronium tosylate can be used for underarm hyperhidrosis.
Oral medications: Nerve-blocking or anticholinergic drugs can reduce sweating throughout the body, though they may have side effects like dry mouth.

Medical and surgical procedures

Botulinum toxin injections (Botox): Injections can block the nerves that activate sweat glands for several months.
Iontophoresis: This procedure uses a low-level electrical current in a water bath to temporarily deactivate sweat glands in the hands and feet.
Microwave thermolysis: This noninvasive treatment uses microwave energy to destroy sweat glands, primarily in the armpits.
Surgery: Procedures like sympathectomy, which severs the nerves that control sweating, are considered a last resort due to potential side effects like compensatory sweating.

Lifestyle adjustments

Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing made of natural fabrics like cotton.
Identify and avoid triggers like spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine.
Use antiperspirants rather than just deodorants.
Practice stress-reduction techniques if anxiety is a trigger.

Conclusion

Yes, diseases can make you sweat more. The condition is called hyperhidrosis and it can stem from a variety of causes, including underlying medical issues like diabetes or an overactive thyroid, certain medications, and anxiety disorders. While often benign, excessive sweating can significantly impact a person's quality of life and may occasionally signal a more serious health problem, especially when accompanied by other symptoms. Fortunately, a range of effective treatments and management strategies are available. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for proper diagnosis and to determine the best course of action.

Visit the International Hyperhidrosis Society for more information on causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Primary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that has no known underlying medical cause and often starts in childhood or adolescence. It typically affects localized areas like the hands, feet, or armpits. Secondary hyperhidrosis, however, is caused by an underlying medical condition, like a thyroid problem, or is a side effect of medication, and can affect the entire body.

Yes, anxiety is a common cause of excessive sweating. When you feel anxious, your body's sympathetic nervous system triggers a fight-or-flight response, releasing hormones like adrenaline that increase sweat production from both eccrine and apocrine glands. The sweat from apocrine glands, located in the armpits and groin, can also have a distinct odor.

Yes, excessive night sweats can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, especially if they occur without a clear cause like a warm room. Potential causes include menopause, infections like tuberculosis, certain cancers, and endocrine disorders. You should consult a doctor if you experience unexplained night sweats.

Many medications can cause excessive sweating as a side effect. Common examples include certain antidepressants (SSRIs), some pain relievers, insulin and other diabetes drugs, and hormone therapy medications. If you suspect your medication is causing the issue, talk to your healthcare provider before stopping it.

A doctor can diagnose hyperhidrosis based on your medical history, a physical exam, and by performing specific tests. These tests can include the starch-iodine test, where an iodine solution and cornstarch are applied to a sweaty area to show sweat concentration, or the paper test, which measures the amount of sweat produced.

While medical treatment is often necessary, some home remedies and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms. These include using clinical-strength antiperspirants, wearing loose-fitting and breathable clothing, avoiding triggers like spicy food, and practicing relaxation techniques to reduce stress-induced sweating.

While often benign, excessive sweating can sometimes indicate a serious condition. You should seek immediate medical attention if heavy sweating is accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, or nausea. These could be signs of a heart attack or other critical medical issue.