In understanding more about the reasons for why you may feel colder than others, you might first analyze your thyroid and its level of performance. The latest data shows that there’s a significant link between hypothyroidism and perceived body temperature changes, and in this latest post, our experts delve into the latest research and review the findings to help explain the newest links.
What Does the Thyroid Gland Do?
To understand the link between hypothyroidism and body temperature, it’s important to know the thyroid gland’s function in your day-to-day life. The thyroid gland works as a thermostat for your body. It regulates heat and tells your body when you’re overheated or too cold. Because those with hypothyroidism have low amounts of the thyroid hormone, they are likely to be prone to cold intolerance and to feel colder. Their body is unable to balance the cooler temperatures with higher levels of internal heat, making the person feel cold.. It’s also part of the reason that those with hypothyroidism could be at greater risk of suffering from hypothermia as their body’s protection against the cold is limited. While they won’t necessarily experience low-temperature levels internally, they will become more sensitive to the cold. They can experience temperature extremes even when their body-temperature level is in the normal range. It’s the reason that taking the person’s temperature is not a good diagnostic tool for treating hypothyroidism.
TSH Levels
The studies show that most people are at their most comfortable when they have a TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) of between 0.5 and 2. Even a TSH level of 3 can be associated with feeling cold if you’re suffering from a low thyroid condition. In addition, we know that individuals who live in colder climates may bemore likely to experience hypothyroidism and may need a higher dose of the thyroid hormone if they are to achieve warmth and comfort in the winter months.
How to Protect Your Body
Those with hypothyroidism must then take extra steps in order to protect their body in the cooler winter months. And so, it’s important to consider the following in safeguarding your health:
- Get more rest
Your body needs more rest in the winter time so make sure you take the time to sleep and recover your energy.
- Make sure your home is sufficiently heated
Upgrade your home insulation and crank up the heat a little this winter as temperatures drop.
- Dress in layers
You may choose to only brave the outside temperatures when absolutely required. But whenever you do, make sure you dress in multiple layers as necessary to keep your body protected from the cold.
Our team at Freeman Endocrinology is here to guide you in safeguarding your health for the long-term! To learn more about hypothyroidism and its symptoms, call us today!Hypothyroidism
