As my body chemistry changed when I had my children, it is changing again in the pre-menopausal stage of my life and I seem to “overheat” on the regular. As a baby, I was very sensitive to the heat and sun; however, as I grew older, it wasn’t a problem until I was pregnant with my youngest child. Suddenly, I could no longer spend hours basking in the hot sun; instead, I desperately needed shade, a cold pack, and lots of cool water to enjoy the summertime. Concurrently, parenting a family and saving my marriage was an ever-increasing source of stress.
Thermoregulation is an essential bodily process that helps maintain homeostasis within the body. Heat sensitivity is a condition that can interfere with this process. The symptoms of heat sensitivity can vary greatly but may include:
- Excessive sweating
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Nausea/vomiting
- Dehydration
There are many options for those who suffer from heat sensitivity, from natural remedies like cold packs to medication like Dobutamine (Dobutrex). Dobutamine is a synthetic compound structurally similar to catecholamines and is the drug of choice for circulatory support in cases of heat stroke.
Additionally, Antipyretics lower body temperature when endogenous or exogenous pyrogens have raised the body’s thermoregulatory set point.
Medical and neurological problems that interfere with the flow of sensory information and/or motor output reduce the ability of the system to assess and mount a response to changes in temperature. Some medical problems could include menopause, pregnancy, obesity, endocrine disorders, arthritis, certain types of allergies, and immunodeficiency disorders.
An interesting fact to learn is that mental health conditions also affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder can all contribute to changes in thermoregulation. Anxiety can cause sweating, increased heart rate, and increased body temperature.
People experiencing major depressive disorder can experience feelings of coldness or an inability to generate enough body heat. PTSD can cause over-arousal, which can lead to hyperthermia. Additionally, mood disorders such as bipolar disorder can cause changes in metabolism that can affect temperature regulation.
Whether you decide on anti anxiety medication or seek talk therapy, work with your professional healthcare team and pharmacist to find solutions that work best for you.
Living with heat sensitivity as a result of these disorders can be challenging, so individuals should find ways to reduce the stress it can cause. Taking time for self-care, such as yoga, massage, or a heavy concentration on deep breathing, are highly beneficial. Investing in self-care products like massage chairs, essential oils, cooling neck wraps, or cooling pillows also goes a long way in managing heat intolerance.
(Always remember information within this article is meant for entertainment purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological support. Seek appropriate advice from a healthcare professional should you feel it necessary.)
Is temperature regulation neurological?
The regulation of body temperature is one of the most critical functions of the nervous system. Neurological problems can affect the body’s ability to regulate heat in various ways. A few examples include:
- Spinal cord injury
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
Spinal cord injury can impair the autonomic nervous pathways that regulate thermoregulation. Multiple sclerosis can cause increases in muscle tone and activity, leading to increased heat production in the body. As Parkinson’s disease progresses, there can be an altered thermoregulatory response, leading to an inability to regulate body temperature.
It is imperative to have a doctor examine any neurological or medical issues that might be causing or exacerbating heat sensitivity to determine an appropriate treatment plan.
People with heat sensitivity should take extra precautions in hot weather, such as staying hydrated, using cold packs, and taking frequent breaks in the shade to avoid overheating. Some medications, such as Dobutrex or Antipyretics, can also be prescribed to help reduce body temperature during a heat stroke. Heat stroke medication includes:
- Alkalinizing agents
- Diuretics (osmotic)
- Adrenergic agonist agents
Alternatively, some medicines like those listed below can cause heat intolerance:
- Blood pressure medications
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Psychiatric medications
Heat sensitivity can be managed with the right coping strategies and knowledge, which is the key to understanding how best to protect oneself from the symptoms of heat sensitivity, as well as any potential dangers it can pose. Taking simple precautions in hot weather can help minimize the risks associated with heat sensitivity and improve quality of life.
Does stress affect body temperature?
Psychogenic fever is a stress-related, psychosomatic disease especially seen in young women. Some patients develop extremely high core body temperature (Tc) (up to 41°C) when exposed to emotional events. In contrast, others show persistent low-grade high Tc (37–38°C) during situations of chronic stress.
Psychological stress, such as addiction, depression, or anxiety, could also significantly contribute to muscle tension leading to an inability to control the body’s temperature. For instance, let us consider those with this syndrome because of psychological stress; if their mind is in a constant “fight or flight” mode, then their muscles and the rest of their body will match what their mind is doing, resulting in tense, stressed muscles.
Additionally, if we are constantly feeling stressed, our muscles will become tight and overworked, resulting in pain. Therefore, managing our stress levels is vital, as it can significantly contribute to the problem. Suggested ways to manage stress:
- Massage
- Anti-anxiety medication
- Depression medication
- Talk therapy
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
One of the most remarkable ways to deal with stress is by getting a massage. Either by a handheld massager or massage chair, on a professional masseur’s table, or with a massage friend, it is a phenomenal means that can soothe your body and melt away the stress of the day. Massage does improve circulation by delivering oxygen to our body’s cells and lowering cortisol levels, which in turn helps diminish stress.
Numerous clinical studies show significant improvement in blood circulation, immunity response, muscle recovery, and managing hypertension through regular massage.
Heat sensitivity symptoms
Managing heat sensitivity can be difficult, but it can be done with the right strategies and tools. Taking small steps such as avoiding direct sun exposure for long periods, taking frequent breaks to cool down, and investing in self-care products can improve the quality of life for those who experience heat sensitivity. Medical intervention, such as prescription medication, could also be necessary in extreme cases.
(Always remember information within this article is meant for entertainment purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological support. Seek appropriate advice from a healthcare professional should you feel it necessary.)