What causes excessive sweating in a woman that is above 54 years of age?

  • Q: What causes excessive sweating in a woman that is above 54 years of age?
  • A: Excessive sweating has the medical name of hyperhidrosis and it can be caused by another medical condition or it can be a part of your body chemistry with no sign of an illness. In the latter case, it is an annoyance, but it does not contribute to ill-health. In other cases, hyperhidrosis can be a warning sign of a medical condition such as thyroid problems, diabetes, or infection. Hyperhidrosis is more common in people who are overweight or do not get enough exercise, which are also risk factors for some other medical conditions. It is important to consult with your health care provider regarding the symptoms you are experiencing. If your sweating has any of the following characteristics it is important to tell your doctor about them: night sweats; sweating on one side of the body and not the other; sweating that changes suddenly or develops later in life; or sweating as a result of a medication change. For more specific information, consult with your doctor for guidance based on your health status and current medications, particularly before taking any action. Michelle McDermott, PharmD
This question was answered on October 15, 2010.


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