Excessive sweating during peri-menopause

[emily_in_nc]

Y'know, take it back to the beginning...

What don't you like about sweating?

Is it a matter of having to wear more, and more delicate, clothes at work than one normally would? That seems like the only issue that's really a problem ... if you're not sensitive to wool, converting an entire wardrobe to washable summer-weight wool would be expensive, but would probably eliminate any issues.

If it's odor, that's not sweat volume, that's body chemistry. Usually (though not always) remedied by a clean diet and/or a change in toiletries or detergent.

Is it trying to get your fluid and electrolyte intake in balance? That's an issue for me, and I'm probably going to wind up seeing a sports nutritionist sooner than later.

Something else?

To the extent that it's related to menopause, remember that you're just beginning to sweat, almost, a little bit, like a man. The way men sweat, with acceptance from themselves and others, all their lives.

(And pigs don't sweat.)

None of the above. I don't sweat at work -- it's freezing in our office!

The excessive sweating I notice is not the nervous sweat from the pits or groin or feet -- areas that create smelly sweat.

I don't mind sweating while exercising. I expect that. I mind excessive sweating when going through the motions of daily life, when it's hot/humid out. (I don't sweat when it's cold or cool or dry, only when it's hot/humid out, and then I sweat way more than I did when I was younger, that's all).

Why does it bother me, you ask?

It's just plain uncomfortable to be pouring sweat from the face, walk into a store and have soaked hair, wet face, wet clothing (around my neck and chest and upper back. It feels gross. It's annoying when it drips into my eyes and onto my glasses so that I can barely see. And I don't particularly care for sweating onto stuff, like in a store. I don't want to sweat onto the merchandise! Also, when going from hot/humid outdoors to COLD A/C, after an intial "wow, that feels great!" sensation, it can quickly become cold and uncomfy to be in too-chilly air-conditioning when you're soaked in sweat.

And it's a bit (to me) embarrassing to be so drenched. I feel like I look the opposite of "calm, cool, and collected". I feel (and am sure I look), messy and unkempt. I feel like people are noticing because I notice that everyone around me looks dryer than I do. I look like I just got out of a pool or got caught in a passing rainstorm!

That's what bothers me about it and why I even brought it up. Is it wrong to want to look calm, cool, and collected?

[new2ride]

I don't mind sweating while exercising. I expect that. I mind excessive sweating when going through the motions of daily life, when it's hot/humid out. (I don't sweat when it's cold or cool or dry, only when it's hot/humid out, and then I sweat way more than I did when I was younger, that's all).

Why does it bother me, you ask?

It's just plain uncomfortable to be pouring sweat from the face, walk into a store and have soaked hair, wet face, wet clothing (around my neck and chest and upper back. It feels gross. It's annoying when it drips into my eyes and onto my glasses so that I can barely see. And I don't particularly care for sweating onto stuff, like in a store. I don't want to sweat onto the merchandise! Also, when going from hot/humid outdoors to COLD A/C, after an intial "wow, that feels great!" sensation, it can quickly become cold and uncomfy to be in too-chilly air-conditioning when you're soaked in sweat.

And it's a bit (to me) embarrassing to be so drenched. I feel like I look the opposite of "calm, cool, and collected". I feel (and am sure I look), messy and unkempt. I feel like people are noticing because I notice that everyone around me looks dryer than I do. I look like I just got out of a pool or got caught in a passing rainstorm!

That's what bothers me about it and why I even brought it up. Is it wrong to want to look calm, cool, and collected?

Could not have said it better myself

[RubyTuesday]

I have been in this same boat for about five years now. Mine definitely are hot flashes (maybe we should be posting on Team Lack of Estrogen!) It is definitely frustrating. Not only do I hot flash, but I find myself sweaty in places I never sweat before. I don't sweat much under the arms, but my belly, neck and even the backs of my hands look misty. I can feel the sweat run down my back.

I now am using sleeveless shirts (even if it is cool outside). Buy thinner shorts and definitely use Hoo Haa Ride Glide on the bits under the shorts. It is cooling and stops bacteria from growing. It also feels very cool. I add ice to my water bottle and some days, I just sweat.

At least you are in shape and looking fabulous when you sweat!

[OakLeaf]

I was just remembering doing a tofu making demonstration some 30 years ago and trying not to sweat into the milk. It was only 90 degrees that day and not as humid as it gets nowadays. Nothing to do with menopause here.....

[emily_in_nc]

I was just remembering doing a tofu making demonstration some 30 years ago and trying not to sweat into the milk. It was only 90 degrees that day and not as humid as it gets nowadays. Nothing to do with menopause here.....

That reminds me of an episode of Top Chef where one of the male chefs was sweating into the dish he was making. Gross!

Fortunately, I've never sweat like that while cooking.