Sweating bothers me less than the average person—I'm used to it since I grew up in Georgia and was obsessed with hot yoga for a while. But then I started sweating in the dead of a New England winter. I was shaking and wearing several layers of clothing, but when I got home and stripped down to my T-shirt, I felt weird about the wet pit stains on my shirt. We all know that the main purpose of sweating is: when the outside temperature is high, the glands open to produce sweat, thereby regulating body temperature. So why am I sparkling in a beanie and two pairs of socks in the freezing cold of January?
"Sweating is normal," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sheel Desai Solomon tells Bustle. “Everyone needs this body function to naturally cool and remove excess heat from working muscles, detoxify dissolved solids, and return sodium (salt) back to the bloodstream to maintain salinity in the body.” Additionally, Desai Solomon points out, "Everyone sweats differently in different situations."
But it's important to know what's normal for your body. If your body is doing something that feels a little unexpected, you can bet your bottom dollar that it's trying to tell you something. Abnormal sweating is no exception.
Desai Solomon tells Bustle that there are many causes of abnormal sweating, some temporary and some more serious. As always, if you feel like something is definitely not right, talk to your doctor — but if you just want to know why you sweat during the snowy winter months (or arctic air conditioning), read on to discover five common reasons why you sweat after the cold. sweat.
1. Hypoglycemia
When you don't eat or chew anything for a while, your body reacts. Not enough glucose in the blood causes us to produce adrenaline in an attempt to make up for the lack of nutrients. In other words, the sympathetic nervous system switches on and goes into "fight or flight" mode—a phenomenon also known as hypoglycemia. When you're hungry, you naturally produce insulin to prepare your body for digestion; therefore, when combined with adrenaline, it can cause our bodies to function in unusual ways.
Chronic hypoglycemia is a serious medical problem, so it's important to see your doctor if you think you may have it. But it doesn't hurt to have some healthy snacks on hand and see if eating them when you're hungry, rather than waiting to eat, makes a difference in your sweating.
2. Thyroid problems
If your armpits are consistently moist in any weather, this may indicate a thyroid problem, specifically hyperthyroidism, or hyperthyroidism. One of the thyroid's jobs is to release a hormone that controls how the body uses its energy stores. It also regulates its sensitivity to other hormones to which it is exposed. Frequent sweating is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the side effects of hyperthyroidism—an overactive thyroid can lead to serious problems like osteoporosis and even heart problems. So if you're experiencing other symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as fatigue, sudden weight loss, trouble sleeping, or brittle hair, see your doctor as soon as possible. Don't worry, hyperthyroidism can be controlled with medication.
3. Drug side effects
Countless prescriptions—including antidepressants, blood pressure medications, some cold and flu medications, and medications to treat dry mouth—contain sweating as a side effect. Desai Solomon said there are "literally dozens of common medications" that can cause sweating. "If you find yourself sweating more and are taking a new medication, see if increased sweating is listed as a side effect." Many doctors report that medication-induced sweating occurs primarily at night when you wrap yourself in a blanket to try to stay warm. hour. However, cold sweats can also occur during the day.
4. Anxiety
"Cold sweats can be a symptom of panic attacks, social anxiety, and generalized anxiety," says Desai Solomon. “People experiencing cold sweats and increasing, sometimes overwhelming levels of anxiety should see a specialist to discuss treatment options.”
Anxiety—whether chronic anxiety or jitters before a date—can cause sweating, which is linked to stress hormones. "When these hormones are activated, these hormones cause your body temperature and heart rate to increase slightly. This sends a message to your sweat glands that it's time to produce sweat to cool your body down a bit," Desai · Solomon said.
Relaxation and exercise, such as yoga, are great ways to combat this; they both prevent the overproduction of adrenaline-inducing hormones. It is also recommended that you stay away from caffeine and monitor the amount of sugar you consume every day, as they can increase blood pressure and produce adrenaline, which can lead to shinier skin.
5. Hyperhidrosis
About 3% of Americans suffer from hyperhidrosis. If you regularly experience excessive sweating on your face, palms, armpits, or feet, you should consult a medical professional to see if you fall into this category. People with hyperhidrosis lose four to five times the amount of sweat per day (that's four to five liters!) than the average person, so it's important to find a way to retain more fluid. "If you sweat excessively without exercise or rest, you should be concerned," dermatopathologist Dr. Gretchen Freeling tells Bustle. "Consult your healthcare provider or dermatologist to determine if you have indeed been diagnosed with hyperhidrosis."
There is also a sweating disorder caused by cold called Crisponi syndrome. This condition is rare and is believed to be caused by mutations in the CRLF1 gene. This can lead to neurological abnormalities that can lead to abnormal sweating patterns.
If you're concerned about new sweating patterns, or any other changes in your body, pay attention to your symptoms and talk to your doctor. "Keep a sweat journal. Understand what triggers your sweating," advises Freeling. Wearing breathable clothing and other body cooling devices can also help. Most importantly, don't worry—with your keen observation skills and the help of your doctor, you can quickly identify the cause of your sweating and fix it.
expert:
Dr. Sheel Desai Solomon, MD, Dermatologist
Dr. Gretchen Frieling, MD, dermatopathologist
