What is the strong sweating of the whole body in women?

If the release of sweat in the heat or during physical exertion is part of the thermoregulation process, and when stress is a normal reaction of the sympathetic nervous system, a strong sweating in women not associated with these factors refers to general symptoms defined as hyperhidrosis (locally limited or general) .

Why sweating in women is elevated, and what causes sweat glands to work in a strengthened mode?

Women face the problem of increased sweating much more often than men. This is due to the peculiarities of the woman's hormonal background, as well as its anatomical and physiological characteristics (peculiar structure of the skin, sweat and sebaceous glands, hyperproduction of fluid and acid acids). Also, women are more likely than men to overexert themselves.

To eliminate symptoms and temporarily reduce the manifestation of increased sweating, you can use various antipersperants. But the problem can be completely eliminated only after a comprehensive examination has been completed and the cause of the development of hyperproduction of sweat is revealed. Then the necessary treatment is directed to eliminate this cause.

Only by eliminating the cause of pathology, you can once and for all get rid of this discomforting state. Usually, various medications are used for treatment, and physiotherapy procedures are less common. Homeopathic and alternative remedies have also proven themselves. It should be borne in mind that only an integrated approach to treatment can contribute to the fact that a strong sweating will be completely eliminated, and not just disguised.

Causes of the severe sweating in women

First of all, the symptoms of local sweating - face, palms, sweating of legs in women, as well as axillary hyperhidrosis - sweating of armpits in women - can be due to congenital (hereditary) predisposition, characteristic for people with hypersthenic or vagotonic type of constitution. Such sweating doctors refer to the primary idiopathic and together with the features of the autonomic nervous system are considered as risk factors.

Also do not refer to pathologies sweating after eating in women and men, especially when the food is hot or spicy. So the sympathetic nervous system reacts to it, having received on the m-holinoretseptory the signal of the corresponding gastrointestinal neurotransmitter.

But the most common causes of pathologically increased sweating include:

• a violation of lipid metabolism and obesity, associated with sweating in the groin in women, on the inner surfaces of the hips and in deep cutaneous folds;
• increase in the level of thyroid hormones, which have a thermogenic effect, accompany insomnia and sweating at night in women. This usually occurs with hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis), thyroiditis or diffuse toxic goiter, as well as in patients with follicular thyroid cancer;
• hyperglycemia and deficiency of endogenous insulin in diabetes mellitus cause the pathogenesis of increased activity of sweat glands on the palms and chest, as well as head sweating in women;
• hormonal active benign tumor -  prolactinoma of the pituitary gland, provokes a state of pathological sweating - sweating during the day in women - and may lead to the development of secondary hypercorticism.

With leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis, tumor of the thymus gland (thymoma) or adrenal glands (pheochromocytoma), neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoids) of the gastrointestinal tract show sweating of the body in women.

Much more often than men, sweating in the morning in women is caused by diseases of the cardiovascular system, vegetative disorders or psychosomatics of various etiologies.

Sweating at night in a dream in women - except for tuberculosis, endocarditis or hyperactive thyroid - may be a sign of vitamin D deficiency. Read more -  Night sweats

But frequent sweating in women also has its own specific reasons associated with changes in the level of sex hormones. And although these hormonal fluctuations are mostly due to physiological peculiarities, gynecologists and endocrinologists differentiate hyperhidrosis in young women during menstruation and pregnancy with  hypothalamic syndrome, in which thermoregulation is disrupted and sweat secretion is increased.

When pregnant women complain of sweating, they should understand that this is due to an increase in the synthesis of hormones: estrogen, estradiol, progesterone and prolactin. For example, the level of progesterone produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands that provides reproductive function and the onset of pregnancy, due to the participation of the placenta in its development, increases manifold. And this potentiates the thermogenic effect, which turns out to be a given hormone.

Outside pregnancy, the pathogenesis of total hyperhidrosis in women associated with excess prolactin is explained by the fact that this hormone has a wide range of physiological effects in the endocrine and autonomic nervous systems. Moreover, the synthesis of prolactin by the pituitary occurs when the women sleep, and their production increases, if the kidneys are not working well, there are endocrine pathologies (of the thyroid gland or pituitary gland). Increases the level of prolactin in excessive physical exertion, under the influence of ionizing radiation on the body and even because of the reception of contraceptives.

A surplus of progesterone in non-pregnant women who suffer from attacks of hyperhidrosis is most often the result of impaired ovarian function - with their inflammation or the presence of a cyst.

Severe sweating after childbirth

In the postpartum period, sweating is significantly increased, which is a consequence of ongoing recovery processes. Since natural births stimulate the start of cell renewal, they contribute to the normalization of the biochemical cycle. There is a renewal of the organism on the cellular, tissue, organism levels.

The process is accompanied by the release of a large amount of energy, intensive formation of heat. Under the action of hormones that control the recovery processes, activation of the sweat glands occurs. They provide intensive removal from the body of excess fluid, cellular fragments, metabolites, which are formed in the process of vital activity. As a result, the secretion of sweat increases. Usually, nothing is needed, the body will recover on its own within 2-3 months. Accordingly, sweating will disappear.

Otherwise, if the cesarean section was performed. This surgical intervention, which significantly violates the entire biochemical cycle in the body, disrupts metabolic processes. Accordingly, various pathological processes are started. Recovery takes a slow, long time. In this case, a lot of inflammatory and infectious processes occur, often internal hidden infections are activated, the immune system decreases. All this is accompanied by chills and there is increased sweating. Then a checkup, restorative treatment is required.

[1], [2]

Severe sweating in women after 50 years

Reducing the production of sex hormones and their disproportion caused sweating in women after 40, 50, 60 years with menopause. Also, with the age-related hormonal reorganization and the reaction of the non-vegetative nervous system, heat and sweating attacks in women during the onset of menopause are associated. 

In women over the age of 50, menopause occurs most often , which causes increased sweating. In general, during this period there is a change in all the basic functions, the restructuring of the body. First of all, the hormonal state of the organism changes dramatically, and this also leads to a disruption in the activity of the nervous system. As a result, excessive sweat production develops.

Also at women at this age the activity of all the basic systems of the organism changes. More often inflammatory and infectious diseases develop. Violated the immune system. Often there are autoimmune diseases. Glands, including sweat, begin to function as a type of hyperproduction, that is, they produce an excessive amount of secretion. The same swings and sweat glands: they begin to produce an excessive amount of sweat.

For other reasons for severe sweating, read this article.

Pathogenesis

Sweat products and activity of sweat glands are very sensitive to hormones, in particular, to estrogen. The level of estrogen directly affects the activity of the sweat glands. A regularity is established: the higher the amount of estrogen, the higher the sweating, and the sweat glands work more actively.

Also, women with various metabolic disorders deserve special attention: obesity, dystrophy, diabetes mellitus. There is an increased risk of taking a drug such as tamoxifen, which works against breast cancer. But as a side effect, the polyp in the uterus can develop. Also significantly increases the risk of increased sweating in women with high blood pressure and decreased immune status, with various acute and chronic infections.

[3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9]

Epidemiology

Statistics, cited by experts from the International Hyperhidrosis Society, note up to 3-5% of the presence of idiopathic hyperhidrosis in the population. Its first signs - in the form of a spontaneous increase in the activity of the sweat glands - are manifested in adolescence and represent an individual variant of the functioning of the endocrine system.

[10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [17],

Diagnostics of the severe sweating in women

In cases unrelated to pregnancy and menopause, the diagnosis of sweating in women is aimed at establishing its cause.

To this end, after examining the patient and collecting an anamnesis - to confirm or disprove the preliminary versions of the origin of hyperhidrosis - blood tests are appointed: general, biochemical, for sugar level, for the content of thyroid hormones, ACTH, catecholamines, etc.

Regardless of who the patient addressed to (gynecologist, therapist or endocrinologist), the complex of examination will include instrumental diagnostics using ECG, fluoroscopy, ultrasound or CT of the relevant organs.

To determine the zones of maximum sweating, dermatologists use an iodine starch test (Minor test).

[18], [19], [20]

Differential diagnosis

The examination is completed by differential diagnosis, which allows to prescribe etiologic treatment (if possible) or local agents.

[21], [22], [23], [24]

Treatment of the severe sweating in women

It is clear that the treatment of sweating in women with hyperthyroidism, diabetes, tuberculosis or pathological processes in the glands of internal secretion is directed to a specific disease, and doctors prescribe appropriate medications.

M-holinoblockers (anticholinergic drugs), such as Platifillin, Prifinium bromide (Riabal), Propanthelin hydrochloride, Oxybutynin or Glycopyrrolate (Glycopyrrolat, Cuvposa, Glycate, Robinul), are used as medications to reduce sweat secretion in idiopathic hyperhidrosis. Their direct purpose is treatment of gastric ulcer and duodenal reflux, atony of bile ducts, spasms of cerebral vessels, airway obstruction in asthma, etc.

All drugs of this pharmacological group are contraindicated with increased intraocular pressure, tachycardia and atrial fibrillation, IHD, problems with the urinary system, intestinal obstruction, myasthenia gravis. And their side effects are manifested by dry mouth, increased pulse, hypotension, shortness of breath, decreased motility of the gastrointestinal tract.

In some cases, resort to the appointment of sedatives, but their action is common (reducing the excitability of the central nervous system), therefore, because of their side effects and a high risk of addiction, preference is now given to sedatives of plant origin (alcoholic tinctures of valerian or motherwort).

It is also useful to take vitamins B3, B5, B9, B12 and C.

More information on external agents (including antiperspirants) in the material -  Effective remedies for severe sweating of the palms, armpits and face

Whether furatsilin is used for sweating of legs and how to overcome plantar hyperhidrosis, see the publication  Effective means for sweating of legs

And how to deal with sweating women in the onset of menopause, in detail in the article -  Remedies for hot flashes with menopause

"Turn off" sweat glands for up to three to four months can be by point injections of peripherally acting muscle relaxants (Botox).

Physiotherapeutic treatment

When sweating, women also use physiotherapeutic treatment:

• electroprocedures (electrophoresis and iontophoresis on problem areas);
• therapeutic baths and foot baths with pine extract, decoction of oak bark, sea salt.

Alternative treatment

In many cases, to reduce the intensity of sweating helps people's treatment:

• treatment of feet, axillae or areas of inguinal folds with a powdered aluminum-potassium salt of sulfuric acid, known as burnt alum:
• with hyperhidrosis stop advise daily to wash them with usual household soap and in a day to do a bath with decoction of oak bark or baking soda;
• wiping heavily sweating skin with an aqueous solution of apple cider vinegar (1: 1) or lemon juice (a glass of water - two tablespoons).

No less effective and herbal treatment: soothing decoctions and infusions from the leaves of peppermint, cones of hops, herbs of St. John's wort, motherwort, oregano, thyme, sweet clover. You can use chemotherapy soothing.

Decrease in sweating is promoted by ingested salve sage medicinal. A strong decoction of herb hyssop, containing tannins, is recommended to treat sweating areas of the body.

To get rid of sweating it is possible, applying deodorant and antipersperanty. But most of them do not solve the problem, but only masks it. Therefore, it is better to treat increased sweating as a medical problem and to use modern therapeutic approaches to eliminate it, using effective means from severe sweating. Nevertheless, alternative medicine may be effective in combating this problem.

• Recipe # 1

It has long been known that root crops of radish are an excellent means of combating increased sweating. Radish juice is especially useful for women, because it normalizes the hormonal state of the body. The product has antiseptic properties, so it can also be used for rubbing those areas that are prone to excessive sweating. You can add alcohol to the juice and allow to stand for 24 hours. Use as a lotion.

• Recipe # 2

To reduce sweating use wine. Due to the high content of tartaric acids and phytoncids, it normalizes the condition of pores, skin. The tincture restorative, cooked on the basis of cahors, helps. To prepare such an infusion, you should take one bottle of red wine (Cahors). In it add about 50 ml of rose hips or hawthorn syrup. Warm up to a warm state. Then add a few spoons of honey, stir well until the honey dissolves completely.

It is recommended to insist the remedy for at least 12 hours. After that you can drink. It is better to drink at night. So, take a glass of tincture, heat it on the fire. In the process of heating, you can add a pinch of ground cinnamon and ginger. After you drank the remedy, you must immediately go to bed. It is necessary to take shelter as warmly as possible, to sweat. After that the sweating usually sharply decreases. The course of treatment is 7 days.

• Recipe # 3

It is known that aloe drastically reduces sweating. It goes well with honey. Aloe not only reduces the excessive sensitivity of the glands, but also contributes to disinfection, since it has antiseptic properties. Honey also helps reduce sweating, as well as eliminates heat, removes inflammation. Means prepared on the basis of honey and aloe, it is recommended to take inside.

Healing effect can be achieved due to the toning effect, which helps reduce the hyperproduction of sweat glands and reduce the sensitivity of the skin, glands. It also helps normalize metabolic processes in the body.

First of all, you need to prepare the leaves of aloe. They carefully trimmed, pre-selecting the thickest, juicy and saturated sheet. Then, the leaves are kneaded in a mortar until a puree is formed. When choosing a plant, you should focus on plants that have reached the age of three, because they have a powerful therapeutic effect, contain a large amount of juice. The juice is heated on low heat or in a water bath.

After the product is heated, it is necessary to add honey.

• Recipe # 4

Well-proven black-berry mountain ash with cocoa butter is quite good. The product acts as a good antiseptic, reduces sweating, normalizes the activity of sweat and sebaceous glands. For the preparation of the mixture, roughly 500 grams of chokeberry is ground, several tablespoons of cocoa butter are added. Preheat the mixture on low heat until the cocoa butter is completely dissolved. It is recommended to add a little water in the event that the rowan has allocated a little juice and the oil does not melt or burns.

As a result of heating, a syrup should be obtained. The resulting syrup is recommended to drink 50 grams before eating. The product has antibacterial properties, as well as it is able to warm up the internal organs, as a result, first there is a profuse sweating for several days. Intensively all toxins, slags are removed. Then, within three to four days, the work of the sweat glands normalizes.

• Recipe No.5

Milk is an excellent detoxifier that quickly removes toxins from the body, thereby reducing sweat production and normalizing the activity of sweat glands. Strengthen the effect of milk can be, adding a few tablespoons of ground ginger and nutmeg.

Prepare this tool is simple: in a glass of hot milk, add a quarter teaspoon ground ginger and nutmeg, mix thoroughly. In some cases, it is recommended to add a tablespoon of honey, which will achieve antibacterial effect and reduce the inflammatory process in the body. Instead of ground it is possible to take a whole root of ginger, previously rubbed on a small grater. A glass of milk is enough for 1-2 teaspoons of ginger puree.

Drink is recommended in small sips, a third cup approximately 2-3 times a day.

[25], [26]

Surgery

In especially severe cases (with ineffective medication taken) get rid of sweating armpits or palms in a radical way and conduct surgical treatment:

• the intersection of the innervating sweat glands of the nerve trunk by sympathectomy or the clamping of the clamp (clips);
• removal of axillary sweat glands by their scraping (curettage).

However, after such intervention, the skin in the axillary region loses sensitivity, in more than half of the patients, after about half a year, the secretion of sweat underarms is restored, while the rest sweats in other areas.

Complications and consequences

Among the consequences of excessive sweating, specialists note a feeling of discomfort and psychological problems associated with the appearance of wet spots on clothes and osmidosis (an unpleasant smell of sweat).

Also, more serious consequences should be taken into account: excessive sweating can lead to a violation of the electrolyte balance, which negatively affects the work of the cardiovascular system.

When sweating in the area of axillary basins or in the groin, sweat glands can develop with the development of hydradenitis. And dermatologists point out such complications of hyperhidrosis as sweating and diaper rash, and with sweating of feet - the appearance of fungal lesions of feet in the form of mycoses.

[27], [28], [29]

Prevention

What can prevent excessive sweat secretion?

It is recommended to take a shower regularly, not to wear clothes and shoes from synthetic fabrics and change them more often; to sleep in a cool room on linen from cotton or linen. Do not eat before going to bed; do not eat fatty, roast and spicy; give up smoking and alcohol.

Try not to gain weight and avoid stress. In general, to lead a healthy lifestyle. Although, given the numerous causes of sweating and the presence of primary idiopathic hyperhidrosis, such preventive measures can only reduce the intensity of this symptom.

[30], [31], [32]

Forecast

The prognosis depends on the cause of hyperhidrosis. The most predictable sweating during pregnancy and menopause: in a natural way with their end, sweating in women ceases to be a problem. And in other cases, doctors do not give forecasts.