Not feeling the Heat like I usually do!!!

[JMN2017]

Hi all

For years, I've really felt the heat during the summer months but, this summer, I'm actually feeling quite comfortable, which is great and I'm certainly not complaining.

I have change my thyroid meds, at the end of last year, so several months ago. I was on Levothyroxine 150mcg daily but GP decided FT4 was too high, ie around 30 pmol/L (10.5 - 22.0) and insisted it be reduced - to 100mcg. I then went privately and had NDT for about 8 month, where my FT4 was within the range. I'm now back on Levo, with added T3 (5mcg twice a day) and due blood tests in a few weeks

I'm actually wondering if the reduction of FT4 would be the reason for not feeling the heat this year? I'm assuming so as , although not hyper-thyroid with high FT4, I believe being hyper-thyroid does cause one to feel hotter, among other things

I'd be interested in your views. I have to say, I rather like not being overly hot during this lovely weather

Thanks

J

[Regenallotment Ambassador]

definitely, yes last summer I had a sweaty face and felt warm on the shortest of walks. My FT4 was 28 same range as yours. Much more comfortable this year and my recent test shows it’s at 19 which is ideal for me. 🌱

[JMN2017 in reply to Regenallotment]

Thanks Regenallotment

That would surely be the reason then. I hadn't realised my feeling hot might be due to the Levo and needing high dose to keep me going. I think my feeling the heat was due to menopause then, as it continued, I just assumed it still continuing symptoms. I've been running high FT4 for years!!! looking back now, I feel it was poor treatment from GPs. Now that I'm taking T3, and for a few months NDT, I am so much more aware that I've not had good treatment over the years, re thyroid. Oh well, just unfortunate that I'm one of those that needs T3, eh? Got it now ... LOL

Thanks again, for your 'confirmation'

[Regenallotment Ambassador in reply to JMN2017]

Most welcome, yes combination treatment T3/T4 has helped me bring my Levo down and improved my overall health. I agree this makes all the difference.

I am 50 and likely perimenopausal too, but the hot sweaty face is so different to a flush. Plus I have completely eliminated hot flushes with avoidance of sugar learned from doing the Zoe programme and wearing a continuous glucose monitor that showed up reactive hypoglycaemia. Since I sorted my sugar crashes it’s gone. 🌱

[JMN2017 in reply to Regenallotment]

Again, thanks, Regenallotment

I'm rather interested in what you mentioned about eliminating hot flushes and wearing CGM. Would you be happy to explain further? I'm happy if you'd prefer to PM me.

I'm Type 2 and now have Libre. You may just be able to help me get something more out of using it

[Regenallotment Ambassador in reply to JMN2017]

It’s no problem, it’s your thread so we aren’t hijacking anyone else’s question 😊

so what I found wearing the libre and having the app on my phone is that if I eat so much as a banana, my blood sugar shoots up as you would expect but drops like a stone lower than it was before leaving me feeling nauseous , drowsy, searching for something to eat to hit the spot. So if I avoid thinks like bananas, cake, biscuits, wine, sugary sodas I am pretty level. I’ve found white rice does the same. Potato is ok for me. The Zoe programme set challenges like eat 100g white rice and test in 3 hrs, same with white toast, then do it again. Another day with brown rice with protein or with nuts before the meal and see the difference.try with brown bread with peanut butter etc. Everyone is different but it was fascinating. Another thing to try was apple cider vinegar before meals, a 10 minute walk after meals. We tried it all. The book glucose goddess is excellent. My 86 year old Mum has managed to reverse type 2 giving up cake and tonic water and upping her protein intake. 🌱

[arTistapple in reply to Regenallotment]

I have not done the Zoe but I have seriously been considering it. If I eat sugar in any form but natural sugars in fruits for example I get SVT ‘attacks’. I thought it was down to the T3 but these have continued long since stopping the T3. For me it’s a definite connection. I nearly bought a libre but at the moment I don’t feel I have to. It’s as clear as day. Just tootling along now ‘watching/awareness’of any other issue which might be contributing.

Still don’t understand why such an old symptom has raised its head. This was put down to panic attacks for more years than I can remember. It’s an awful symptom but it would seem that I was just lied to - just like so many patients.

[JMN2017 in reply to arTistapple]

arTistapple

The Zoe programme does sound effective but I wouldn't have the patience. I'm sorry to hear you have heart issues if you eat sugars. That must be difficult as sugar is in so much, especially processed, foods.

I would definitely recommend getting Libre. I know they're costly but it does sound as if you would get lots of benefit from it. Worth shopping around to find the least expensive. One of the local, independent, pharmacies in my town do a loyalty scheme so I would get £10.00 off every certain number of bought ones. It certainly made them the most cost-effective.

Thanks for your comments

[JMN2017 in reply to Regenallotment]

Regenallotment

That doesn't sound nice! I stay off sugar/cakes/ bread/pasta/potatoes etc as I'm diabetic. I haven't noticed bananas causing a sugar spike, fortunately.

I have read a bit about Zoe but, from what I can gather, I wouldn't have the patience to do it, although it does sound as if it helps identify how your body reacts to different foods.

Well done, your Mum, for reversing her Type 2. Wish I could but not winning, unfortunately, but largly my own fault LOL

[Helene-]

Hello, I had huge problems with temperature. I have been cold (too cold) for a long time, because for more than 20 years I was on Euthyrox (Levothyroxine: T4). The day another endocrinologist gave me T3: I was not cold anymore, I was relieved and confortable, not wearing all these clothes like before.

Now I still take T4 and T3, but I know by experience that if I feel a bit too cold again, it means I have to balance my medecine: take more T3 and less T4, but keeping the same global dosage.

Too much T4 reduce the body temperature.

T3 elevates the body temperature.

You have to find the balance which can be subtle.

Hope this helps.

[JMN2017 in reply to Helene-]

Hi Helene

Thanks for this. I have to say, I've always been too hot but, since having T3 added, I've not had, what I thought, were 'hot flushes' (even in my 70s LOL) I usually struggle in the summer months. Having said that, even today, it's 29 degrees, I'm quite comfortable in my t-shirt. That's unknown for me as I generally have large fans on maximum, and still hot (but less so)

I'm finding this very interesting, to be honest It could also be a useful method of helping to judge if my T3 dosage is about correct LOL

Thanks again

J

[Helene- in reply to JMN2017]

In fact, the origin of heat in the body can come from a variety of factors:

-Thyroid dysfunction (endocrinologist).

-Menopause and consequent hormonal change (sex hormones) (gynecologist).

-High blood pressure (especially in cases of overweight and cholesterol) (cardiologist).

Obviously, in the case of body heat and discomfort, every avenue must be explored. We're talking about completely different specialists and completely different treatments.

The thyroid is not responsible for everything.

In any case, what you describe about living with all the fans on when it's below 30 degrees is not normal.

A healthy person should be able to live normally and not be too hot below 30 degrees and shouldn't even be sweating excessively, having too much heart rate, respiratory failure or internal heat. She/He should just feel like taking off the sweater, putting on a T-shirt, and opening the window, that's all.

Good luck with your research and good health

[JMN2017 in reply to Helene-]

Hi Helene, thanks for all this detail. Interesting to be reminded that body heat can be affected by many different 'systems'. I've assumed the change in tolerance of heat, in my case, is more likely due to the fairly recent change in thyroid meds, to be honest.

I suppose I've just got used to being hotter than my peers, as it's continued for years and seemed to continue after menopause and the hot flushes.

I do think that during the recent years, we're experiencing temperatures higher than we normally would. In fact, people go abroad to get such temperatures, so we, in UK, aren't used to to the high 20 degrees. My friends are definitely feeling the heat, although not to the same extent I usually do.

Yes, I'm normally dressed in t-shirt & jeans, and just put on cardi or jacket if cold. At least it's saved me on heating bills LOL

[Lovecake]

Hi, the first year I added some T3 to my Levo I tolerated the summer heat well. Unfortunately for me it didn’t last. I’m struggling at the mo with this warmer weather. But the good thing is I don’t get so cold at night in the winter any more.

I also suffer with migraines and that could be the issue with the heat rather than my thyroid 🤷‍♀️ As long as I don’t have to go out in the sun too much this week I’m hoping I’ll be ok

[JMN2017 in reply to Lovecake]

Thanks Lovecake

Yes, this hot weather can be a bit of a challenge, eh? Amazingly, like I've already mentioned, it's 29 degrees outside, my back door is open, with fly screen (I usually go around the house to close all doors/windows and draw the curtains, to try to keep the house cool 'ish. Today, I'm feeling fine in this heat - what heat??? LOL So unusual for me. I hope this effect stays, and not wears off like you have experienced.

Sorry about the migraines. That's horrible. I'm sure you'll keep trying to think of ways to minimise them. Pleased you don't feel so cold now, though

Thanks again

J