If you suspect you’ve started perspiring more than usual—and it’s not simply due to the weather or your exercise routine—you’re likely not imagining things. Many individuals observe alterations in their sweat production as they age.
The reasons? The aging process, hormonal fluctuations, medications, stress, and underlying health conditions can all influence your body’s internal temperature regulation. Here’s a look at how sweating patterns typically evolve over time—and when these changes might indicate something more serious.
In your 20s and 30s
During early adulthood, your . This is a period when your metabolism remains active, muscle mass is relatively abundant, and hormone levels (particularly estrogen and testosterone) are more stable. You might notice increased sweating during workouts or high-stress situations—but unless there’s an underlying condition, your body generally regulates heat effectively.
In your 40s and 50s
This is a stage when many people—especially women—begin to observe shifts in how and when they sweat, according to Dr. Asmi Berry, a California-based dermatologist.
“Hormones play a significant role in managing sweat,” she explains. “Estrogen and progesterone changes, such as those during or , can disturb the body’s temperature control and lead to hot flashes or .” Your thyroid levels also tend to increase as you enter midlife, which can elevate the body’s baseline temperature and trigger more perspiration.
During this time, due to a gradual decrease in testosterone, though it’s typically less pronounced.
In your 60s and beyond
As you advance in age, your . This might mean you perspire less overall—but there’s also a drawback. Your body may become less efficient at .
“This makes older adults susceptible to heat-related illnesses like ,” states Dr. Marjorie Jenkins, professor and dean of health affairs at the University of North Dakota and chief clinical advisor at Incora Health, a health technology company focused on women’s wellness. ”This diminished sweating capacity is a normal aspect of aging, but it’s something we need to be mindful of, particularly during warm weather.”
Sweat triggers
Sweating can be prompted by various elements beyond just heat. “Vigorous exercise is the most evident trigger, but anxiety and emotional distress are also major contributors,” says Berry. “Physical pain, , caffeine, alcohol, hot beverages, humidity, certain medications, and fever from infections can all induce increased sweating.”
Remember: sweating is not a negative thing. It’s a mechanism for the body to automatically regulate its temperature. “When our body is unable to do this, it can result in heat stroke and even cause a medical emergency,” Berry states.
Medications might be making you sweat
Some pharmaceutical drugs list excessive sweating—also referred to as diaphoresis—as a common side effect, either because they impact your nervous system, hormone levels, or how your body regulates temperature.
Antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft), are among the most frequent medications to cause sweating, according to Jenkins. “They can elevate serotonin levels in the brain, which in turn influences thermoregulation and can lead to excessive perspiration, especially at night,” she explains.
Opioid pain relievers, such as oxycodone or morphine, can also , prompting perspiration.
Jenkins notes that other drug categories to observe include diabetes medications (like insulin or sulfonylureas)—which can cause low blood sugar, a recognized sweat trigger—and thyroid medications, which can accelerate metabolism and make you feel warm or flushed. Fever reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can induce sweating as your body reduces a fever.
“Even some blood pressure medications can trigger sweating,” Jenkins adds. “What’s particularly concerning is that medication withdrawal, from substances like opiates, alcohol, nicotine, or benzodiazepines, can also cause excessive sweating and should be carefully monitored.”
If you suspect your medication is increasing your sweat levels, do not discontinue it abruptly. Instead, consult with your healthcare provider. They might be able to adjust your dosage, recommend timing strategies, or switch you to an alternative treatment that is less likely to leave you drenched.
Could it be hyperhidrosis?
, which , is a medical condition where the body sweats excessively, beyond what is necessary for temperature regulation. It causes the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, underarms, or the face to perspire, sometimes leading to skin rashes, bacterial infections, and yeast infections. Hyperhidrosis can occur without an obvious trigger—often beginning in adolescence or early adulthood—and can persist for years without a clear cause.
Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by an underlying issue such as medications, infections, endocrine disorders, or even certain .
“While hyperhidrosis isn’t life-threatening, its effect on an individual’s quality of life can be substantial,” says Jenkins. “Many people experience social anxiety, isolation, and distress that can hinder intimacy and lead to embarrassment about public appearances.”
If sweating is severe, persistent, or impacting your quality of life, it’s important to speak with a dermatologist or your physician. There are effective treatments ranging from topical prescriptions to .
