Causes

By Mayo Clinic Staff

If excessive sweating has no underlying medical cause, it's called primary hyperhidrosis. It happens when excess sweating is not triggered by a rise in temperature or physical activity. Primary hyperhidrosis may be at least partly hereditary.

If the excess sweating is due to an underlying medical condition, it's called secondary hyperhidrosis.

Health conditions that might cause excessive sweating include:

  1. Acromegaly
  2. Diabetic hypoglycemia
  3. Fever of undetermined cause
  4. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) also known as overactive thyroid.
  5. Infection
  6. Leukemia
  7. Lymphoma
  8. Malaria
  9. Medication side effects, such as sometimes experienced when taking some beta blockers and antidepressants
  10. Menopause
  11. Neurologic disease
  12. Pheochromocytoma (a rare adrenal gland tumor)
  13. Tuberculosis

Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

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July 19, 2024

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  22. Epidermolysis bullosa
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  25. Flu Shot Prevents Heart Attack
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  44. Hot flashes
  45. Hyperhidrosis
  46. Influenza (flu)
  47. Leukemia
  48. Living better with hidradenitis suppurativa
  49. Managing hidradenitis suppurativa: Early treatment is crucial
  50. Hidradenitis suppurativa-related health risks
  51. Mayo Clinic Minute: Why getting vaccinated for the flu is doubly important this season
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  53. Pheochromocytoma
  54. Pituitary tumors
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  68. Treating hidradenitis suppurativa: Explore your options
  69. Treating hidradenitis suppurativa with antibiotics and hormones
  70. What are the signs and symptoms of hidradenitis suppurativa?