Risk Factors for Developing Excessive Sweating

Risks for developing excessive sweating are related to the existing medical and underlying conditions of secondary hyperhidrosis.


A genetic predisposition is believed to cause primary hyperhidrosis. If you have any family members who suffer from excessive sweating, the chances of you developing the condition are high.


Excessive sweating generally develops during puberty where adolescents are consistently exposed to anxiety and stress which can lead to excessive sweating.


Women going through menopause experience a variety of emotional and physical changes that can contribute to excessive sweating.

Abnormal Functions of the Brain and Nerves

If the brain has an impaired sensory response it can cause the sweat glands to mistakenly react to the body's temperature. This causes the body to sweat abnormally.


Although excessive sweating can affect any body type, people who are overweight are more susceptible to the condition. This is due to the fact the sweat glands have to operate twice as hard to cleanse the body of toxins as well as regulate the body's temperature.

Hot Weather

Sweat helps to regulate our body's temperature. When we are exposed to extreme heat or humidity the body needs to cool down and thus produces high levels of sweat to compensate for the heat. If you are visiting a hot place but normally live in colder conditions, you will sweat more than those who are used to the warmer climate. Other risk factors for developing excessive sweating include neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, certain types of cancers such as Hodgkin's disease, and variety of infections including HIV, and tuberculosis.