Heavy sweating, or hyperhidrosis, is the condition wherein the body tends to sweat more than usual without any specific reason. Although there are no serious medical implications, it can turn out to be uncomfortable and socially embarrassing for people. There are certain treatment options available like special antiperspirants and high-tech therapies. One can reduce the symptoms of the condition and gain confidence through medical treatments. Let us understand the 5 main causes of heavy sweating.

1. Acromegaly
Acromegaly is a rare disorder that usually affects adults. In this condition, the pituitary gland produces excess growth hormone (GH). These hormones are responsible for regulating many functions of the body. However, when produced in excess, it can result in various other conditions, such as excessive sweating. In addition to hyperhidrosis, one can also experience increased production of oil or sebum that leads to excessively oily skin.

2. Anxiety
The International Hyperhidrosis Society states that nearly 32 percent of people with social anxiety have symptoms of heavy sweating. This might be a cause for a person who avoids drawing attention to oneself or fears speaking to other people. One can also experience feeling hot, getting headaches, having clammy hands, and stuttering while speaking.

3. Pregnancy
Short-term hyperhidrosis might also be caused by pregnancy as a thin sheet of sweat could keep you covered at all times. The hormonal changes during pregnancy increase blood flow, metabolism rates, and heavy sweating as compared to normal. However, this is normal, and the symptoms will ease off shortly after the pregnancy is over.

4. Obesity
There is a simple correlation between obesity and heavy sweating. Thus, people with BMI greater than 30 tend to sweat more than others. This is because obese people have to put in more effort to perform the same task and thus tend to get overheated. Furthermore, they have a lesser surface area when compared to their weight and thus the body takes more time to cool itself, thereby resulting in sweating for a longer duration.

5. Diabetes
Diabetes can be a major cause of excessive sweating and one should consult the doctor if one suspects the case. Diabetes affects how the body utilizes glucose or blood sugar. As a defense mechanism to erratic blood sugar levels, certain hormones can be released that can cause excessive sweating. When low blood sugar levels damage nerves, sweat glands may also be impacted, and this condition is known as neuropathy.

When neuropathy starts to affect the sweat glands, it results in excessive or too little sweating. Anyone with hyperhidrosis needs to consult a doctor if the condition is being caused due to diabetes. When hyperhidrosis is caused due to diabetes, it is often a sign that the diabetes is not being managed in the right way.