HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

How To Manage Heat Intolerance When Treating Hashimoto's Disease?

Posted on Tue, 3 Feb 2015

Question: Is there anything that can be done for heat intolerance? I have Hashimoto's and all levels are normal taking levothyroxine but I vet physically ill in heat over 80.l

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Alternate cause to be found

Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern. Sorry to hear about your symptom. If Blood level of TSH and Free T4 are normal then we need to search for an alternate cause for your symptoms. Postmenopaual hot flushes ( hormonal changes) is a possibility. Is the heat sensation present all the time or is it episodic ?
Regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (1 hour later)

I can walk the golf course in 75 degree weather without any problems but when the heat gets above 80 degrees I become light headed, experience shortness of breath and cannot complete more than half of the activity. TSH and Free T4 are within normal limits. These symptoms only occur in weather over 80 degrees and takes several hours to feel "normal" after resting. I have not had post menopausal hot flashes in several years and went through menopause about 15 years ago. I have the same experience hiking in 80 degree weather or doing almost any type of activity.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Change in the way you dress may help in hot external weather

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the reply. Since you have normal thyroid profile and are not experiecing hot flushes, it could be the exteral temperature and humidity which is causing the trouble. This may only require to modify the way you dress and lighter cotton dress would help to reduce the heat intolerence. Drinking plenty of fluids will also help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (1 hour later)

There's no doubt it's the weather and I dress appropriately for the weather. Everyone else in my group knows I have a problem with heat that I never have had beside this year. What are other medical causes for people who cannot cope in hot weather (80 degrees +)?? This is something entirely knew to be.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Few causes

Detailed Answer:
Medical causes of heat intolerance:

1) Hyperthyroidism
2) Hot flushes
3) Decreased sweating capability of body ( this is very rare and is usually apparent from childhood itself).
4) Certain drugs can cause photosensitivity ( like some antibiotics)
5) Systemic Lupus ( this can cause flushing and rashes on exposure to cold)
6) CArcinoid syndrome ( causes flushes).
7) If you apply thick creams or lotions ( like Moisturising creams) which can clog your sweat pores in skin. This can retain heat in body.

Note: For more information on hormonal imbalance symptoms or unmanaged diabetes with other comorbid conditions, get back to us & Consult with an Endocrinologist. Click here to book an appointment.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar