To start, my body chemistry changed as soon as I was pregnant with my oldest son. Then, it changed again during pregnancy with my youngest son. And if you can relate, you have probably guessed already that my body chemistry changed once again after my body was done with making babies.
To my dismay, it is now changing once again as I am enduring the lovely pre-menopausal stage of my life. I suppose it will start to change yet another time as I enter into menopause officially – that is, only if my menstrual cycle does not come back in the next month or so. Fingers crossed; it’s been eleven months! I am starting to understand why my grandmother’s generation used to call menopause “The Change.” I digress.
As a result of all these changes, my body likes to overheat on the regular; however, not all of the episodes are due to hot flashes from menopause. Some of it has to do with the following:
- Chronic pain issues
- Digestive disease with diverticulosis and,
- Anxiety
- Stress
Furthermore, from what my mom shared with me, apparently, as a baby, I was very sensitive to the heat and sun; however, as I grew older, it wasn’t a problem until, as I said, I was pregnant with my children.
Afterward, I could no longer spend hours soaking in the hot rays of the summer sun; instead, I desperately needed shade, a cold pack, and lots of cool water to enjoy the heat.
Concurrently, parenting a family and saving my marriage was an ever-increasing source of stress. Thankfully, I was able to let go of that marriage and its stressors. Albeit there is the stress of raising two teenage sons on my own, but I know that they will be grown before I realize and that “this too shall pass.” Maybe like a kidney stone – but it will pass!
Speaking of my sons being grown, with my heat sensitivity issues, I am no longer considering moving south in retirement as I do not think I would adjust well to Mississippi or Florida’s weather and heat very well. So, maybe I will stay in Michigan for most of the year and be a snowbird in the Carolinas? Time can only tell and, one day at a time at that.
Heat sensitivity is a condition that can interfere with the process of thermoregulation, an essential bodily process that helps maintain homeostasis within the body. Symptoms of heat sensitivity 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.
Is temperature regulation neurological?
Yes. The nervous system plays a pivotal role in regulating our body temperature, and when things go awry due to neurological issues, it can really throw off this delicate balance.
Let’s dive into a few conditions where this connection is particularly evident:
- Spinal cord injury: Such injuries can disrupt the autonomic nervous pathways that are vital for keeping our body temperature in check.
- Multiple sclerosis: People with this condition might notice their bodies overheating because of increased muscle tone and activity, which ramps up heat production.
- Parkinson’s disease: As this disease progresses, some folks might find it challenging to maintain a stable body temperature due to an altered thermoregulatory response.
- Epilepsy and Guillain-Barre syndrome: Both can also impact this system, leading to heat regulation issues.
Suppose you happen to be experiencing symptoms of heat intolerance or suspect that your body’s thermostat isn’t quite working correctly due to a neurological condition. In that case, it’s imperative to connect with a medical professional. A doctor can evaluate your situation to pinpoint the root cause and tailor a treatment plan that’s right for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out for medical advice to keep your body’s temperature regulation system running smoothly!
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.
When stress creeps in, our muscles tend to tense up, often leading to discomfort or pain. Tackling stress is essential, and there are several options to consider, like massages, anti-anxiety or depression medications, talk therapy, meditation, and acupuncture.
Among these, massages stand out as particularly effective. Whether using a handheld massager, relaxing in a massage chair, visiting a professional, or even enlisting a massage friend, this technique can effortlessly dissolve daily stress. Plus, it boosts circulation by delivering vital oxygen to cells and reducing cortisol levels. Research consistently highlights massages for improving blood flow, immune response, muscle recovery, and managing high blood pressure.
Why can’t I tolerate heat anymore?
All in all, navigating heat sensitivity can be a hurdle, but understanding its roots—be it hormonal changes, neurological conditions, or stress—is key. Embracing adaptive strategies and seeking medical guidance play a crucial role in managing symptoms effectively. Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, so find what works best for you and keep cool as you move forward.
*Note: All content within this article is meant for informational purposes only and is in no way a replacement for professional medical or psychological advice or support. Seek immediate and appropriate care from a healthcare professional should you or a trusted loved one deem it necessary.