What Can I do to Stop Excessive Sweating?

Q. Can you please help me? I suffer from Hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating under the arms). I have tried many deodorants but do not work for me. I recently tried botox injections that did work but I'm planning to soon start a family and the Botox is definitely not a natural way of doing things. Do you have any suggestions? - Cecilia

A: Hyperhydrosis is sometimes indicative of overactive thyroid. The thyroid gland regulates the body's temperature. If it's slightly overactive (meaning, overproducing thyroid hormones), your temperature will be higher than normal. An easy way to test this is to take your temperature each morning. It should be no higher than 98.6 F.

Another reason for abnormal and excessive sweating is a stimulant in your diet. Caffeine (in coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate, or some medications) and spicy foods increase thermogenesis (internal heat). Review your diet for any ingredients that your suspect may be problematic. If this is the cause, the sweating will stop once the ingredients are removed.