Causes of excessive sweating in males: Ask a GP

Summary: Excessive sweating in men, known as hyperhidrosis, is more common than many realise and can be caused by medical conditions, medications, stress, or hormonal changes. It may affect specific areas like the hands, feet, face, or occur across the whole body. If sweating disrupts daily life, happens without heat or activity, or is paired with other symptoms, it’s worth consulting a GP. Treatment options range from clinical-strength antiperspirants to Botox, medications, or surgery. Telehealth services also offer quick, discreet support and referrals for managing excessive sweating.

Everyone sweats. Whether you’re jogging through the park, stressing before a big presentation, or just caught up in a heatwave, sweating is how your body cools itself down. But what happens when you’re sweating a lot—as in, way more than feels normal—even when you're not doing anything particularly intense?   

For many men, excessive sweating can feel embarrassing, uncomfortable, or just downright confusing. So, is it just a quirk of your body, or is it a sign that something deeper might be going on?   

In this post, we’ll walk through what it means when men experience heavy sweating, when it might be time to see a doctor, and what your options are for diagnosis, treatment, and even prevention. 

What is excessive sweating?

The medical term for this condition is hyperhidrosis—and it’s more common than you might think. Hyperhidrosis is essentially when your body produces sweat well beyond what’s necessary to regulate your temperature.  There are two main types: 

• Primary (focal) hyperhidrosis: This typically starts in adolescence or even earlier. It often affects specific areas like the armpits, hands, feet, or face. The cause is often unknown, though genetics likely play a role. 
• Secondary (generalised) hyperhidrosis: This one’s usually a symptom of another medical issue—such as an infection, thyroid problem, or side effect of a medication—and tends to affect larger areas of the body. 

So, if you’ve always had sweaty palms or your shirt starts sticking to your back even in mild weather, you’re not imagining it—and it might not be “just how you are.” 

Also read: Night sweats causes explained with treatments

What causes men to sweat excessively?

A wide range of factors can contribute to hyperhidrosis in men. Some are harmless, while others might be red flags worth checking out: 

Medical conditions

Certain illnesses can mess with your body’s thermostat. These include: 

• Diabetes 
• Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) 
• Heart disease 
• Obesity 
• Infections 
• Certain cancers 

These conditions usually cause secondary hyperhidrosis, and the sweating often comes on suddenly or affects your whole body.

Medications

Some medications list sweating as a side effect—especially antidepressants, pain relievers, or diabetes medications. If you started a new prescription around the time the sweating began, it’s worth bringing it up with your doctor. 

Hormonal changes

We often associate hormone shifts with women (like menopause), but men experience them too—especially as testosterone levels change with age. These shifts can trigger night sweats or facial sweating. 

Stress and anxiety

Sweating is one of the body’s first responses to stress. In men who deal with chronic anxiety or high-stress environments, this can translate to frequent or excessive sweating, particularly around the face and scalp. 

Facial and scalp sweating in older men

If you’re an older man noticing increased sweating around your face or scalp, you're not alone. This type of craniofacial hyperhidrosis becomes more noticeable with age and can be linked to other age-related conditions like: 

• Parkinson’s disease 
• Type 2 diabetes 
• Obesity 
• Side effects from medications (especially blood pressure or psychiatric drugs) 

Facial sweating in elderly males is often dismissed or misunderstood, but it’s a legitimate concern that can seriously affect confidence and comfort. 

Also read: 30 Healthy Habits for Men over 40

When should you be concerned?

So how do you know when to just carry an extra shirt—and when to book an appointment with your GP?  Here are a few signs it’s time to take things seriously: 

• You sweat even when you’re not hot or active 
• Sweating interrupts your daily life, social events, or work 
• You’ve experienced recent changes in sweating patterns 
• You get night sweats without a clear cause 
• Sweating is accompanied by other symptoms, like chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or unintentional weight loss 

How is excessive sweating diagnosed?

If you head to your GP with concerns about sweating, here’s what they’ll likely do: 

1. Medical history & physical exam: They’ll ask questions about when the sweating started, how often it happens, and where it occurs. This helps determine if it’s primary or secondary hyperhidrosis. 
2. Blood and urine tests: These helps identify underlying conditions like thyroid problems, infections, or diabetes. 
3. Specialised sweat tests: Some clinics may use tools like the iodine-starch test to map where and how much you’re sweating. 

In many cases, you’ll get a diagnosis pretty quickly. And from there, it’s all about choosing the right treatment path. 

Treatment options: From deodorants to injections

Thankfully, there are more options than ever for managing excessive sweating. Here’s a breakdown: 

Clinical-strength antiperspirants

These are different from regular deodorants and contain aluminium chloride, which blocks sweat glands. They’re often the first step—and can be surprisingly effective for mild to moderate cases. 

Oral medications

Doctors may prescribe anticholinergics, which reduce sweat production. These are helpful but can come with side effects like dry mouth or blurred vision. 

Botox injections

Yes—Botox isn’t just for wrinkles. It can also block the nerves that trigger sweat glands, especially under the arms or on the face. Effects typically last 4–6 months. 

Iontophoresis

This low-current electrical treatment is especially useful for sweaty hands and feet. It sounds intense, but many people find it life-changing if used properly (although it is contraindicated in individuals with pacemakers, epilepsy, pregnancy, heart conditions, or metal implants in the treatment area). 

Surgery

In severe cases, a procedure called sympathectomy may be done. This involves cutting or clamping the nerves that cause sweating—but it's typically reserved for very stubborn cases. 

Can it be prevented?

Not always—but you can manage it better with a few lifestyle tweaks: 

• Choose breathable clothing (cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics) 
• Avoid spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol 
• Practice stress management (meditation, yoga, or therapy) 
• Stay hydrated (ironically, this can help balance your body’s cooling system) 

And if you’re trying home remedies for a while with no success, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor. 

Online doctor advice: Is it reliable?

There are now many reputable telehealth platforms where you can speak to a licensed GP or dermatologist from the comfort of your home. They can help with initial diagnosis, prescribe medications, and recommend in-person tests if needed.  Just make sure the service and the doctors have the proper certifications before sharing personal health information. 

How can telehealth manage excessive sweating in male?

Telehealth makes it easier for men to seek help for excessive sweating without the awkwardness of in-person visits. Through online doctor consultations, registered Australian practitioners can assess symptoms, identify possible underlying causes, and recommend treatment options like clinical-strength antiperspirants or oral medications. They can also issue online prescriptions and, if needed, provide referrals to dermatologists or specialists for further care. Telehealth is especially useful for discussing personal symptoms like hyperhidrosis discreetly, with fast access to advice and follow-up care, all from the comfort of home.

If you’re a man dealing with sweating that seems out of control, know this: you’re not alone, and it’s not something you have to just "live with." Whether it’s your hands, face, armpits, or whole body, excessive sweating can be more than just annoying—it can be a clue that something’s up.   

Start by having an honest conversation with your doctor. The sooner you get to the root of it, the sooner you can feel more confident, comfortable, and, hopefully, even a little drier.