Can steroids cause sweating? (+3 tips)

In this article, we will explore whether steroids can cause sweating or not, how steroids cause sweating, what factors contribute to increased sweating while taking asteroids, what to do if steroids cause sweating and what are different types of steroids.

Can steroids cause sweating?

Yes, steroids can cause sweating in some individuals. This can be a commonly reported side effect of using steroids but it highly depends upon the type of steroids you are using. Anabolic steroids as well as corticosteroids are linked with sweating in a lot of cases.

Steroids can be anabolic steroids, used for muscle building, used for conditions like hypogonadism (1) or they can be corticosteroids, the ones used for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive action on the body for the treatment of conditions like asthma and skin conditions (2).

If you are taking any of the steroids for any condition and you experience any of its side effects such as acid reflux or increased sweating then you need to consult your healthcare provider to determine the reason behind the increased sweating as it might interfere with your daily routine.

How do steroids cause sweating?

According to the research studies, anabolic steroids are testosterone derivatives. They can mimic the effects of testosterone and testosterone influences the metabolic rate in the individuals. The effects on the metabolism can cause sweating in some individuals (3).

Various steroids affect the thyroid hormone. These hormones are responsible for the thermoregulation process. Affecting these thyroid hormones can lead to increased sweating (4).

Corticosteroids cause fluid retention due to their effects on sodium and water levels. These processes can also induce increased sweating in some individuals (5).

What factors contribute to steroids-induced sweating?

Several factors can contribute to the effects of steroids causing increased sweating. Some of these factors include:

• Higher doses of steroids may be associated with an increased increase risk of side effects. This may lead to increased sweating while you are taking steroids for any of your conditions.

• The prolonged duration of treatment can also impact the normal functioning of the body and may affect the thermoregulation process causing increased sweating.

• Not every person taking steroids might experience the same effects of it. There can be variation among the side effects observed. The variation may be due to genetic predisposition, metabolic rate, age or gender.

• Some underlying health conditions such as hyperhidrosis might also be responsible for increased sweating in the individuals.

• If you are taking other medications concurrent with steroids, then the interaction of these medications might cause certain side effects such as increased sweating.

• Some environmental factors such as increased temperature can also contribute to increased sweating despite drug usage.

What to do if steroids cause increased sweating?

If steroids-induced increased sweating becomes a nuisance to you or interferes with your normal routine then it is better to consult your healthcare provider.

• They will perform a thorough analysis to determine the exact cause of sweating and give you a treatment accordingly.
• Your doctor will perform a few tests to determine the functioning of your thyroid hormones and other such conditions that can influence sweating.
• If steroids are found to be the cause of sweating then your doctor may have to lower the dose of your medication to help your body adjust to the effects of steroids.

Tips to manage increased sweating while taking steroids

Here are a few tips to manage sweating:

• Wear loose clothing made of breathable fibre such as cotton.
• Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
• Avoids strenuous exercises such as excessive running etc.
• Topical antiperspirants such as Drysol, Zerosweat, Carpe and Sweatblock can help reduce the intensity of sweating.

What are the different types of steroids used?

Steroids can be of different types. They are as follows.

In my experience

In my experience, steroids can cause increased sweating especially corticosteroids. However, increased sweating is not a fatal side effect. You can manage it well at home. Whereas, if the conditions get out of control and become bothersome then it is advised to consult your healthcare provider.

This can be a sign or symptom of some underlying medical health condition. They can perform certain tests to determine the actual cause and provide you with a safe and effective treatment accordingly.

References