Why Am I Sweating So Much?

Changes in hormones, medications and the body’s cooling system can all make older adults sweat more than before

Adam Rosenbluth, M.D.,

AARP

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Published February 02, 2026

I’m a 70-old man and I’ve noticed that I sweat more than ever. Why is this happening and what can I do about it?

One of the surprises as we age is discovering that our bodies don’t always behave the way they once did. You may find yourself bundled up because you feel cold, yet minutes later you’re uncomfortably sweaty. For many older adults, especially men in their 60s, 70s and beyond, this can be frustrating and sometimes embarrassing. The good news is that there are physiological reasons for what you are experiencing and practical ways for the condition to be managed.

Sweating is not a flaw; it’s one of the body’s most important safety mechanisms. When your internal temperature rises, your brain signals the sweat glands to release moisture onto the skin. As that sweat evaporates, it cools you down. The problem as we age isn’t that sweating suddenly becomes “bad,” but that our bodies’ temperature control system, called thermoregulation, becomes less precise.

This means your brain and nervous system aren’t as efficient at sensing and responding to temperature changes. The result? Dramatic swings. You may feel chilly while others around you are comfortable, and then suddenly you overheat. The body sometimes responds by overcorrecting, triggering heavy sweating even when it doesn’t seem logical. This loss of fine-tuned control explains why someone can wear extra layers and still feel chilly, or wear lightweight clothing and suddenly be drenched in perspiration.

Research helps us understand what’s happening beneath the skin. A study published in Skin Research & Technology examined age-related changes in eccrine sweat glands. These are the glands responsible for cooling the body. Using advanced digital 3-D reconstruction, researchers found that as we age, these sweat glands shift closer to the surface due to the twisting and rotation of their ducts. These structural changes may alter how sweat is released and how effectively it cools the body, contributing to inefficient temperature regulation and episodes of excessive sweating.

Hormones also play a significant role, particularly for older men. Testosterone levels decline gradually throughout adulthood, but the drop becomes more pronounced later in life. This process, sometimes referred to as “male menopause,” can affect energy, mood, sleep and temperature control. Sweating, especially at night, is a common and overlooked symptom of low testosterone in aging men.

Women going through menopause, usually between the ages of 45 and 55, also experience bouts of sweating primarily due to dropping estrogen levels, which can produce intense heat (hot flashes) and night sweats.

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Medications are another culprit. Several commonly prescribed drugs increase sweating or interfere with the body’s ability to regulate heat. Antidepressants, certain blood pressure medications, opioid pain relievers, diabetes drugs and even fever reducers may all contribute. What’s important to remember is that sweating can happen even if you’ve been on a medication for years, especially if the dose has changed or the manufacturer is different.

Dehydration adds another layer. Ironically, not drinking enough fluids can lead to more sweating. When the body is dehydrated it struggles to cool itself efficiently, and may respond by producing excess sweat to compensate. Staying well hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support temperature regulation.

Night sweats deserve special attention. Many older adults keep their bedrooms too warm because they worry about feeling cold. While heavy blankets, electric throws and high thermostat settings may feel comforting, they often backfire. A warm bedroom interferes with the body’s natural cool-down process during sleep, leading to sweating and poor rest. Sleep research consistently shows that a cool, dark bedroom promotes deeper, more restorative sleep.

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Clothing choices matter, too. Layering up in non-breathable fabrics traps moisture close to the skin. Once that sweat cools, it makes you feel chilled, leading to even more layers and an ongoing cycle of sweating and discomfort. Fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin help break that cycle and allow your body to regulate temperature more effectively.

If sweating is severe, persistent or affecting your quality of life, it’s worth having a medical conversation. Conditions such as hyperhidrosis, which is excessive sweating beyond what’s needed for cooling, are more common than many people realize, and are treatable.

Sweating more with age isn’t a personal failure or something you just have to endure. It’s a signal from a body that’s changing. With the right adjustments, you can help it regain better balance.

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