Do you wake up in the middle of the night completely drenched in sweat? Or does your face suddenly heat up in the middle of a meeting, leaving you embarrassed? If you have PCOS, you’re not alone in facing this problem.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) affects 1 in 5 Indian women, and while most people know about irregular periods and weight gain, many don’t realize that excessive sweating is also a common symptom. But here’s what you need to know: you can manage it with the right steps.
Let’s understand why PCOS causes sweating and what you can do about it.
Understanding PCOS and Its Symptoms
▸ What is PCOS?
PCOS happens when a hormonal imbalance disrupts how your ovaries function. It’s more common than many people realize and can start during the teenage years or early adulthood. Women with PCOS often notice irregular periods, weight gain, acne, hair growth in unusual areas, and fatigue.
▸Lesser-known Symptoms: Excessive Sweating
While most people focus on weight changes or periods, excessive sweating is often overlooked. Hormonal fluctuations in PCOS can overstimulate your sweat glands, making you sweat more than normal—even without physical activity or heat.
Types of Sweating in PCOS
- Night Sweats: Waking up with wet sheets and clothes, even though your room is cool. This affects your sleep quality and leaves you tired the next day.
- Hot Flashes: Sudden waves of heat that make you sweat instantly, similar to those experienced during menopause.
- Daily Sweating: Constant sweating on your underarms, palms, face, and feet that interferes with your daily activities.
Why Does PCOS Cause Excessive Sweating?
▸Hormonal Imbalance
PCOS leads to a hormonal imbalance where your body produces higher levels of androgens than usual. These changes can disrupt your body’s temperature regulation, leading to hot flashes and sweating even in cool environments.
▸Insulin Resistance
About 70% of women with PCOS have insulin resistance. This means your body struggles to use sugar properly, causing blood sugar levels to go up and down quickly. When your blood sugar drops suddenly, your body releases stress hormones that make you sweat.
▸Weight Gain
PCOS often leads to weight gain, especially around the belly. Extra body fat makes you feel hotter and sweat more. Your body has to work harder to cool itself down, leading to more perspiration throughout the day.
▸Stress and Anxiety
Living with PCOS can be stressful. The condition increases cortisol (stress hormone) levels in your body. High stress triggers more sweating, creating a cycle that’s hard to break.
How to Manage Excessive Sweating in PCOS
Change Your Diet
What you eat directly affects your hormones and sweating:
Foods to Include:
- Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and jowar
- Dals and legumes
- Green vegetables like spinach, methi, and broccoli
- Fruits with low sugar, like guava, apple, and papaya
- Nuts like walnuts and almonds
- Seeds like flaxseeds and chia seeds
Foods to Avoid:
- White rice and maida
- Refined sugar and sweets
- Packaged and processed foods
- Too much coffee and tea
- Very spicy food
▸Stay Hydrated: Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily. Add coconut water, buttermilk, and herbal teas to your routine.
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity helps balance your hormones and reduce insulin resistance:
- Walk for 30-45 minutes daily
- Practice yoga—poses like Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, and Malasana help with PCOS
- Do pranayama (breathing exercises) to reduce stress
- Exercise in the morning or evening when it’s cooler
- Wear cotton clothes while exercising
Small daily changes make a big difference:
Wear cotton or linen clothes instead of synthetic fabrics (essential in India’s climate)
- Keep your bedroom cool at night—use a fan or AC if possible
- Take a cool shower before bed
- Use a towel or cotton bedsheet that absorbs sweat
- Practice meditation or deep breathing for 10 minutes daily
- Sleep for 7-8 hours every night
Focus on Weight Management
Losing even 5-10% of your body weight can make a huge difference in reducing PCOS symptoms, including sweating. For the best results, combine a healthy diet with regular exercise.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Visit a gynecologist if:
- Sweating stops you from doing normal activities
- You can’t sleep properly due to night sweats
- You have other PCOS symptoms like irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, or severe acne
- Nothing improves even after trying lifestyle changes for 3 months
- Your symptoms suddenly get worse
Early treatment helps prevent future problems like diabetes and heart disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is sweating normal with PCOS?
A: Yes, many women with PCOS experience excessive sweating due to hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance. It’s a common but manageable symptom.
Q2: Will weight loss stop the sweating?
A: Losing weight often reduces sweating significantly. Even a small amount of weight loss improves your hormone balance.
Q3.Can stress make sweating worse in PCOS?
A: Yes. Stress activates sweat glands, so managing stress can help reduce excessive sweating.
Take Control of Your PCOS Today
Excessive sweating from PCOS can feel embarrassing and frustrating, but it doesn’t have to control your life. With the right diet, exercise, and medical support, you can reduce sweating and feel more comfortable every day.
Remember, you don’t have to deal with this alone. PCOS needs proper medical attention from a doctor who understands your symptoms and concerns.
Manage Your PCOS Symptoms – Schedule a Consultation Today
If you’re dealing with PCOS symptoms like excessive sweating, irregular periods, weight gain, or hormonal problems, Dr. Sonal Katarmal at Dr. Sonal Women’s Care in Ambegaon Budruk, Pune, can help.
Dr. Katarmal specializes in treating PCOS and hormonal disorders in women. She offers:
✓ Complete PCOS treatment plans
✓ Hormone balance management
✓ Diet and lifestyle guidance
✓ Caring and supportive consultation
✓ Treatment options that work for you
Book your appointment with Dr. Sonal Katarmal today!
▸Remember: PCOS is a manageable condition. With the right support and treatment, you can live a healthy, comfortable life. Start your journey to better health today!