Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which a person sweats excessively even at normal temperatures or without doing any physical activity. Usually, the affected areas are armpits, palms, soles, face, chest and groin. Since heavy sweating can cause many uncomfortable situations and cause excessive water loss, knowing about the common triggers for hyperhidrosis or heavy sweating can help.

Pregnancy or Menopause
One may sweat excessively and experience hot flashes during pregnancy, which is one of the common triggers for hyperhidrosis or heavy sweating. During pregnancy, the blood flow in the body increases and causes the body temperature to rise. The body in turn produces sweat to cool the body down. Also, during menopause, there is a change in the hormonal levels in the body, and one experiences hot flashes and night sweats.

Anxiety and Depression
Depression, anxiety and hyperhidrosis go together. Those suffering from social anxiety disorder and keep worrying about sweating, which will eventually trigger hyperhidrosis. Being around people or speaking to a large crowd may also cause heavy sweating.

Certain Medications
One of the common triggers for hyperhidrosis or heavy sweating is pain medicines. For instance, one may sweat excessively when they take aspirin or ibuprofen. After taking such medicines, the blood vessels dilate to lower the fever, and so, heat is lost through the skin and causes heavy sweating.

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
If one has diabetes and the glucose level in their blood drops, excess adrenaline is produced. The excess adrenaline causes hyperhidrosis. The low blood glucose also causes night sweats which are extremely uncomfortable. Hypoglycemia triggers fight or flight response in the body which causes it to produce additional norepinephrine and adrenaline, leading to heavy sweating.

Hyperthyroidism
When the thyroid gland is hyperactive, the body produces an excess amount of thyroid hormone. This gland controls metabolism, breathing, heart rate, nervous system, weight, body temperature, and many other functions in the body. Hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid gland causes the body processes to speed up; hence, one may suffer from excessive sweating. Hence, hyperthyroidism is one of the common triggers for hyperhidrosis or heavy sweating.

Infections
When one suffers from certain infections or diseases, they may experience hyperhidrosis. Tuberculosis, for instance, is known to cause night sweat. HIV infection also causes excessive sweating. Heavy sweating may also be caused due to bacterial infections, such as endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valves) and osteomyelitis (inflammation in the bones). Abscesses are also known to cause night sweats.

Being aware of the common triggers for hyperhidrosis or heavy sweating will help one get the best treatment. This condition is usually treated with antiperspirants or changes in lifestyle. Giving up alcohol can help especially. The severe cases are treated with injections, and in some cases, surgery.