Sweating is a normal part of exercise, but, yes, there is such a thing as too much sweat!

Sure, the heat could be to blame, and you’ll find that you definitely sweat a lot more when the sun is bright and the temperature is high. But could it be more than that? There may be something else, some underlying cause you might not know about, that is causing you to sweat an unusual amount.

Below are a few of the culprits that could be behind your excessive sweating.

Hormonal Changes

Pregnant women and women going through menopause tend to sweat more, but even just PMS can cause excessive sweating to some degree. Hormonal changes can mess with your body’s thermostat, causing you to feel like you’re overheating (which triggers your body’s cooling response of sweating).

Hyperhidrosis

For some people, excessive sweating is just a part of life. Usually, it’s a localized issue, specific to the groin, head, face, feet, hands, or underarms. It’s a medical condition called hyperhidrosis, one that may result from malfunctions in your nervous system. Unless you sweat so much you risk dehydration, the worst you have to worry about is soaking through your clothing.

Hyperthyroidism

An overactive thyroid gland can lead to overproduction of thyroid hormones, which causes the chemical processes in your body to speed up. One of the side effects of these increased chemical processes is sweating. Thankfully, there are a number of medical options to help you control your thyroid function and stop the hormones from triggering excessive sweat production.

Stress

Yep, sweating is just one more of the many problems that stem from chronic stress! High levels of stress can stimulate the apocrine glands, the glands only found in certain areas of your armpits. This type of sweat is different from the normal sweat produced in your eccrine glands all over your body. It tends to have a stronger smell, thanks to the fact that it contains proteins and fats that mingle with the bacteria living on your skin.

Low Blood Sugar

Normally, your blood sugar should be between 70 and 100 mg/dL when you work out in a fasted state. However, if your blood sugar drops below that 70 mark, you’ll start to feel the effects. Sweating is one of the side effects of low blood sugar. If it’s paired with shakiness, nausea, blurred vision, and cold or clammy skin, it’s definitely a sign that you need a source of blood sugar quick.

Medications

Unfortunately, the medications intended to treat one problem can often cause others. Certain medications can cause excessive sweating, particularly those used for high blood pressure, antibiotics, certain supplements, and medicines intended to treat dry mouth. It’s not a guaranteed side effect, but it’s more common than you’d think. If you notice excessive sweating, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor to find out what, if anything, to do.

If you’re noticing more sweat than usual, it’s definitely a good idea to sit up and take notice. It could be more than just your workout or the heat of the day — something more serious might be going on!

_{[Image via Shutterstock]}