Diaphoresis

What Is It, Causes, Signs, and More

Author: Lily Guo

Editors: Alyssa Haag, Józia McGowan, DO, Kelsey LaFayette, DNP, RN

Illustrator: Jessica Reynolds, MS

Copyeditor: David G. Walker

What is diaphoresis?

Diaphoresis, also known as generalized hyperhidrosis, refers to excessive sweating or perspiration that is not due to physical exertion or warm temperatures.

What causes diaphoresis?

The cause of diaphoresis can be unknown, or idiopathic, or due to a known cause, called secondary diaphoresis. Seconday diaphoresis occurs as a result of an underlying medical condition, during menopause, during pregancy, or as a side effect of certain medications. Medical conditions that can cause diaphoresis include thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus, and endocrine tumors. The thyroid is a gland in the neck responsible for producing hormones such as thyroxine. When the thyroid is overactive, as in the case of hyperthyroidism, increased thyroxine production results in an increase in the body’s metabolic rate, which can lead to diaphoresis. People with diabetes mellitus can have low blood sugar levels at times, which activates the body’s sympathetic system and can lead to excessive sweating. Additionally, endocrine tumors can form on the thyroid glands or in other glands that produce hormones such as the adrenal and pituitary glands. This can result in an excessive production of hormones, such as cortisol, which increases sweating. Menopause can cause episodes of excessive sweating, commonly known as “hot flashes.” This occurs as a result of hormonal changes, specifically decreases in estrogen, which lead to dysregulation of the hypothalamus (i.e., a gland in the brain that acts as the thermostat of the body). Pregnancy can similarly lead to diaphoresis due to hormonal changes, including decreased estrogen levels. 

Join millions of students and clinicians who learn by Osmosis!

Start Your Free Trial

What medications cause diaphoresis?

Medications, specifically antidepressants such as venlafaxine and fluoxetine, can cause diaphoresis. Medications used to treat diabetes mellitus, such as insulin, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones, may also have profuse sweating as a side effect. Hormone therapies used to treat post-menopausal osteoporosis and certain breast cancers, such as raloxifene and tamoxifen, respectively, may lead to diaphoresis. Lastly, antipyretics (i.e., drugs used to treat fevers) including acetaminophen and aspirin are known to cause diaphoresis. 

What are the signs and symptoms of diaphoresis?

The signs and symptoms of diaphoresis include excessive sweating without typical external triggers such as warm climate or exercise. In diaphoresis, sweating occurs on large, generalized areas of the body. The symptoms usually start in adulthood and can occur both during the day and at night. If an individual has diaphoresis associated with hyperthyroidism, they may also experience palpitations (i.e., heart pounding or racing), shaking hands, nervousness, and weight loss. Those with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus can experience diaphoresis accompanied by dizziness, anxiety, temporary loss of vision, and extreme fatigue as a result of hypoglycemia. 

How is diaphoresis diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis of diaphoresis relies on an individual’s report of their symptoms. A clinician may be consulted when the amount of sweating is impairing their quality of life (e.g., sweating profusely through multiple changes of clothes, avoiding social situations due to diminished confidence as a result of diaphoresis). An individual should also seek immediate medical attention if they have experienced accompanying unexplained weight loss as that can point towards an underlying malignancy, including endocrine tumors. The clinician will often perform a thorough physical examination and ask focused questions to determine the underlying cause. 

The treatment for diaphoresis depends on the cause. If caused by hyperthyroidism, medications such as methimazole and propylthiouracil can be given. If the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are refractory to medication, radioactive iodine or radioactive thyroid ablation can be used to reduce the production of excess hormones. Additionally, management of diabetes mellitus relies on proper control of glucose levels in the body and can include lifestyle modifications, medications, or a combination of therapies. If an individual is going through menopause, they may consider hormone replacement therapy. Those with medication-induced diaphoresis may need the dose adjusted or try an alternative medication. 

What are the most important facts to know about diaphoresis?

Diaphoresis refers to excessive sweating, commonly associated with an underlying medical condition that alters hormone levels in the body. Those with hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, endocrine tumors, and those who are going through menopause or pregnancy can experience diaphoresis due to changes in hormones. Medications used to treat depression, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, fevers, and breast cancer can all cause excess sweating as a side effect. The diagnosis relies on an individual’s report of symptoms, clinician evaluation, and thorough workup to identify any underlying cause. Treatment of diaphoresis depends on the underlying cause.  

Watch related videos:

Hyperthyroidism

6:58

Related Concepts

25:37

Diabetes mellitus: Clinical practice

1386090 views

18:50

Diabetes mellitus

1272552 views

Want to Join Osmosis?

Join millions of students and clinicians who learn by Osmosis!

Start Your Free Trial