When your brain perceives a threat, it triggers your fight-or-flight response. Your body goes into high alert mode and releases cortisol and adrenaline.

To help your body cool down, you sweat. So if you’re too strung up before a big presentation or upcoming deadlines, take some time away from your desk and do some breathing exercises – it’ll help cool you down.

Unfortunately, your daily cup of Joe could very well be the culprit behind your unsightly underarm sweat patch. Caffeine found in coffee revs up your nervous system and your body sweats to regulate your internal temperature.

If you are overweight, it might contribute to the problem of excessive sweating. High body fat levels could trap more heat to raise your core temperature.

It also requires more effort to move around with a higher body weight. Lowering your weight to a healthy range may ease the strain on your body and prevent other weight-related issues.

Your menstruation cycle, pregnancy and menopause can cause some serious hormonal changes and imbalances.

This increases your core body temperature due to rising progesterone levels. It’s also why many women experience the common hot flashes, sudden feelings of heat over the face, neck and chest, during menopause.

Medicine like antidepressants and some pain relievers may come with hot flashes as a side effect. If you suspect your medication is causing you to sweat excessively, it’s best to speak to your doctor about it.

Still feeling the heat hours after your HIIT class? The elevation in your core temperature may stick around post-workout.

In this case, it might not be such a bad thing after all as it could mean higher metabolism, helping you to torch more calories.

Text: Claudia Tan/SHAPE

This article was originally published on March 11, 2021, and updated on 14 May, 2023.

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