What Age Does Hyperhidrosis Typically Start?

Dear Sweaty Girl Society,

I feel like I’ve had hyperhidrosis for as long as I can remember. Is this normal? When do most people experience an onset of hyperhidrosis?

Hey Sweaty Girl,

Okay, let’s be real – excessive sweating can be a major buzzkill, especially when you’re trying to navigate dating, relationships, or even just everyday social situations. If you’re a woman dealing with hyperhidrosis, you know the struggle is real. Those sweaty palms, underarms, or feet can make you feel self-conscious and hold you back from doing the things you love.

However, understanding when this pesky condition tends to show up can be the first step to taking control.

There are two types of hyperhidrosis — and they usually have different ages of onset. Let’s look at each.

Primary Hyperhidrosis: The Early Bird

Primary hyperhidrosis (sometimes focal hyperhidrosis) usually shows up during your teens or even younger. It’s usually thanks to genetics (thanks, Mom and Dad!). This means it often sticks around for life, but the good news is there are tons of ways to manage it.

Think you might have primary hyperhidrosis? Here’s the lowdown:

• It’s not your fault: You didn’t do anything to cause it, and it’s definitely not a reflection of your hygiene.
• It comes in different flavors: You might have sweaty palms, sweaty feet, excessive underarm sweat or in other places on your body.
• It can impact your confidence: Hyperhidrosis can make school, work, dating and intimacy feel super stressful. But remember, you are not defined by this condition.

Secondary Hyperhidrosis: The Late Bloomer

Secondary hyperhidrosis is a bit different. It usually pops up later in life and is triggered by something else, like a medication you’re taking or an underlying health condition.

Some common culprits include:

• Medications: Certain antidepressants, blood pressure meds, and even some over-the-counter stuff can trigger excessive sweating.
• Health conditions: Thyroid issues, diabetes, and even menopause can sometimes bring on the sweats.

If you think you might have secondary hyperhidrosis, it’s important to talk to your doctor to figure out what’s going on and get the right treatment.

Taking Charge of Your Hyperhidrosis

No matter when your hyperhidrosis started, the important thing is to know you have options. From prescription-strength antiperspirants to lifestyle changes, there are ways to manage your symptoms and live your best life.

Have a question for the Sweaty Girl Society community? DM us your questions on Instagram at @sweatygirlsociety.