Sweating - this isn’t normal is it?

[disgruntled515]

I’m feeling fed up. I’ve just come back from a 20 minute walk to do an errand wearing thin jeans, Long sleeve Breton with a cotton vest underneath in 19 degree weather. When I got home I literally had sweat rolling down my back and had a massive sweat imprint on my vest and had to change my knickers due to sweating so much. I’ve always been quite sweaty but it’s awful at the moment. I keep getting massive boil-like spots on my back despite using antibacterial soap. I’m 4 stone overweight which isn’t helping but I’ve started running and lost 10lbs in lockdown. I have Pcos symptoms and cysts though my hormone levels were normal a couple of years ago. Does anyone know what could be causing it? Should I push my doctor for blood tests? I can use my private healthcare if needed. Mid 30s so shouldn’t be menopause

I hate to say it but yes, it's probably the weight - or rather, that'll be a big contributing factor. As it comes off you'll probably see a big difference

19 degrees is shorts and a vest in Scotland

But more seriously I would suggest a diabetes check.

I've always tended towards sweaty and this level of sweating is fairly normal for me at the moment as I'm a stone overweight, unfit with an ankle injury and the weather is slightly warm.

That's all it takes to tip me over into being a sweaty mess.

Have a chat with your GP who will probably agree with blood tests, although it's probably just sweating within acceptable limits.

I too think the extra weight isnt helping, but a diabetes and thyroid check might be useful. Have you always sweated like this, or just since the extra weight came on? Congrats on losing some BTW.

It could also be hyperhydrosis:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/excessive-sweating-hyperhidrosis/

Thanks all. Diabetes runs in the family, and I know PCOS can make it more likely too. It has gotten worse since my weight has been higher I think. Definitely plan on continuing with the weight loss, though it does come off very slowly. Good to know I'm not completely overreacting

Well done on your weight loss. Yes, do see your doctor and if necessary insist on the necessary tests or whatever you need. Good luck.

How unusual is this for you?

Do you take any medication? I'm generally a sweaty person when I exercise - others will come out of a gym class as they walked in and i look like i've been through the car wash. But a couple of years ago it got almost unmanageable, i couldn't walk anywhere in "normal" clothes as I was soaking when i got there. Even when the weather wasn't very hot i'd be carrying my coat and clothes were wet through. I was some tablets for a long term nerve pain condition at the time and excess sweating was listed as a rare side effect of them. I had my bloods check for peri-menopause and various other things and nothing was found. I don't take the meds any more and it's definitely eased off.

@1940s I’ve always been fairly sweaty but it’s definitely worse in the last couple of months, and my skin has flared up too (usually not great but extra spotty recently). I went through a stage of night sweats years ago but I don’t seem to get these anymore thankfully, just daytime sweating.

@emmathedilemma It’s so horrible isn’t it feeling really uncomfortable. I do take some meds actually which could be making it worse

What happens if you wear less clothes?
I've had jeans and short sleeved tee on today. Kids and DH are in shorts and teeshirt.
No harm in getting checked out by the GP, but you could also easily lose some clothing which could help.

I think the jeans are the problem, I am overweight and couldn't wear jeans in this weather - I wear loose cotton or linen trousers rather than jeans.