Let’s be real — sweating is normal. We all do it. But when it happens a lot — even when you’re just sitting still — it can feel embarrassing and uncomfortable. So what’s going on? Is it a health issue? And most importantly, what can you do about it?
We asked Dr. Fausta Viktorija Girulskienė, a specialist in endobiogeny (a holistic approach to medicine), to break it down.
What Is Hyperhidrosis?
Hyperhidrosis is the medical term for excessive sweating — when your body produces way more sweat than it actually needs to cool down.
There are two main types:
Primary hyperhidrosis – usually localized (like underarms, hands, feet, or face) and caused by an overactive nervous system. It’s not linked to another illness.
Secondary hyperhidrosis – caused by something else going on in the body, like thyroid problems, diabetes, menopause, infections, certain medications, or even cancer. This type often shows up as full-body or night sweats.
Why Does It Happen?
A big piece of the puzzle is your nervous system and hormones.
- Your sympathetic nervous system is the “fight-or-flight” mode that kicks in under stress. It can trigger sweating — even when there’s no real danger.
- Your parasympathetic nervous system calms things down. Some people naturally have a more reactive system, which makes them more prone to sweating.
Hormones also play a role:
- Too much thyroid hormone revs up your metabolism → more sweat.
- Low estrogen (think menopause or PMS) → hot flashes and night sweats.
Fun fact: Even the smell of your sweat can reveal clues. For example, a sharp, onion-like odor can be linked to estrogen, while a sour smell often means adrenaline was involved.
When to See a Doctor
Most of the time, excessive sweating is annoying but harmless. But you should get checked out if:
- It started suddenly
- It’s really heavy
- It comes with unexplained weight loss, poor appetite, or a low-grade fever
Natural Ways to Manage Excessive Sweating
The good news? Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
🥦 Food & Drink
- Cut back on alcohol, caffeine, spicy and greasy foods
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Stay hydrated (magnesium-rich foods help too!)
👕 Daily Habits
- Stick to natural fabrics like cotton, linen, merino wool, or Tencel
- Keep your bedroom cool at night (65°F / 18–19°C is perfect)
- Aim for the 8/8/8 rule → 8 hours sleep, 8 hours work, 8 hours play
- Move your body regularly
🧘 Stress & Relaxation
- Try short breathing exercises (inhale 4 sec → exhale 6 sec)
- Meditation, yoga, or mindfulness can help calm the nervous system
- If anxiety is a trigger, therapy (like CBT) can make a big difference
🌿 Herbal Support (with guidance from a professional)
- Chamomile, lemon balm, lavender → calm nerves
- Sage → supports estrogen balance
- Motherwort → helps regulate cortisol
- Adaptogens like rhodiola → boost resilience to stress
Medical Options
- Botox injections – can temporarily block sweat signals for 4–6 months. Helpful, but not a long-term fix.
- Strong antiperspirants – effective but can irritate the skin. Natural deodorants don’t reduce sweating but can neutralize odor.
Bottom Line
Excessive sweating isn’t just a “cosmetic” problem — it’s your body’s way of saying something’s out of balance. The trick is figuring out the root cause, making a few lifestyle changes, and getting help if needed.
The takeaway? Don’t ignore it — but don’t panic either. With the right approach, you can keep sweating under control.
