It’s a common human experience to feel warm occasionally. Factors like the environment and your lifestyle can cause your body temperature to fluctuate, leading to temporary heat sensations. Engaging in physical activity, spending time in hot weather, or enjoying a hot, caffeinated drink can all make you feel warmer than usual for a short period.
However, feeling hot persistently, beyond just a rigorous workout or a sunny day, could indicate something more. If you frequently find yourself feeling overheated, pinpointing the underlying cause is crucial. It might be a medical condition requiring attention, and understanding the reason can help you find relief and address the issue effectively.
1. Diabetes
Insulin, a vital hormone produced by your body, plays a key role in converting glucose (sugar) from food into energy. In individuals with diabetes, this process is disrupted. Either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it doesn’t utilize insulin effectively. Consequently, glucose doesn’t get transformed into energy, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.
These increased blood glucose levels, over time, can lead to various health complications. Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves, and this damage can extend to the sweat glands, impairing the body’s ability to cool down efficiently.
Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you might experience persistent feelings of heat. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce sufficient or any insulin. Type 2 diabetes develops when cells become resistant to insulin’s effects.
2. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism signifies an overactive thyroid. This means the thyroid gland, located at the front of your neck, is producing an excessive amount of thyroid hormones than the body requires.
Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition, is the most prevalent cause of hyperthyroidism. Other contributing factors include thyroid nodules, thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis), and excessive iodine intake.
One of the noticeable symptoms of hyperthyroidism is heat intolerance. Accompanying symptoms can include fatigue, muscle weakness, and tremors in the hands.
3. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, hormonal shifts and physiological changes can make expectant individuals more susceptible to feeling hot. There are primarily three reasons why a pregnant person might experience increased warmth.
Firstly, pregnancy brings about natural changes in thermoregulation – the body’s system for controlling and regulating its temperature – making individuals more sensitive to heat.
Secondly, weight gain during pregnancy alters the body surface area to body mass ratio. This change makes it more challenging for pregnant individuals to effectively distribute internal heat and regulate body temperature.
Thirdly, the developing fetus generates heat, which can contribute to an overall increase in the pregnant person’s core body temperature, leading to a sensation of being constantly hot.
4. Menopause
Menopause marks the permanent cessation of menstruation. Post-menopause, hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone, decline significantly. When estrogen levels drop considerably, it can trigger symptoms like hot flashes. Hot flashes are characterized by sudden, intense warmth sensations, typically felt in areas like the face, chest, and neck.
These warm sensations are quickly followed by sweating episodes that usually last for less than five minutes, on average.
Hot flashes can be unpredictable, occurring for a period ranging from six months to several years. Frequency can vary from several times a week to up to 10 times daily. Over time, both the frequency and intensity of hot flashes tend to decrease.
Hot flashes can occur at any point during the day or night. When they occur during nighttime sleep, they are termed night sweats and can significantly disrupt sleep patterns.
5. Anhidrosis
Anhidrosis is a condition characterized by the inability to sweat. Several factors can impair the body’s sweating mechanism, including nerve damage, blocked sweat ducts, skin injuries, and dehydration.
Sweating is a crucial bodily function for cooling down. It allows the body to release excess heat generated by metabolism and muscle activity, preventing overheating. However, in anhidrosis, the lack of sweat production hinders the body’s natural cooling system.
If you are experiencing anhidrosis, you might exhibit reduced heat tolerance and difficulty concentrating in warm environments. Fatigue and drowsiness are also common symptoms associated with this condition.
6. Fever
A fever is defined as an elevated body temperature reaching 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher. Typically, a fever signals that your body is fighting off an infection. However, fevers can also arise in response to medications, heat-related illnesses, certain cancers, autoimmune diseases, or even some vaccines.
During a fever, an individual may feel warm to the touch and might exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:
- Skin rash
- Breathing difficulties
- Persistent cough
- Persistent vomiting
- Persistent diarrhea
- Decreased consciousness or confusion
- Unexplained, new bleeding or bruising
- Headache accompanied by a stiff neck
If a fever persists for more than 48 hours, seeking medical attention is advisable. Immediate medical care is necessary if a fever develops during chemotherapy.
7. Medications
Certain commonly prescribed medications can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate heat effectively. Consequently, taking such medications can heighten sensitivity to heat. This is particularly relevant for adults over the age of 65.
Anticholinergics, a class of medications, can induce a warming effect on the body. These medications work by blocking the activity of acetylcholine, a natural substance in the body. This action can be beneficial in treating respiratory disorders, psychiatric conditions, Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues.
Serotonergic drugs are also known to cause feelings of being hot as a side effect. Serotonergics influence serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood. Examples of serotonergic drugs include antidepressants and antipsychotics.
Sympathomimetic drugs are medications that alter the nervous system to aid in the treatment of various conditions, including glaucoma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and low blood pressure (hypotension). A potential side effect of this drug class is an increase in internal body temperature.
Other medications that can cause warmth as a side effect include:
- Antibiotics
- Blood pressure medications
- Anti-seizure medications
- Diuretics (especially when combined with high blood pressure medication, anticholinergics, or psychotropics like antidepressants and antipsychotics)
- Anesthetics (drugs used to prevent pain during surgery and medical procedures)
How to Get Relief
If you’re experiencing unusual warmth, there are various methods to cool down and find relief. The most effective approach might depend on the underlying cause of your warmth. If a medical condition is the reason, managing that condition can provide relief. In some cases, medication can be helpful. For example, for fever reduction, over-the-counter medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen) can lower your temperature.
Medication can also alleviate hot flashes. Some individuals opt for hormonal therapies to manage menopause symptoms. Additionally, a non-hormonal medication, the antidepressant Paxil (paroxetine), is available for treating hot flashes.
If a medication you are currently taking is causing you to feel hot, discussing medication adjustments with your healthcare provider is recommended.
Beyond medical interventions, lifestyle adjustments can help prevent feeling overheated. Consider these changes:
- Wear cool, lightweight clothing to promote airflow and heat dissipation.
- Seek out air-conditioned environments like malls or libraries, particularly during hot weather.
- Minimize stove use for cooking, especially in summer, as it generates heat that warms up your home.
- Limit strenuous outdoor activities, particularly during peak heat hours. Schedule outdoor activities for cooler morning or evening times.
- Stay adequately hydrated by drinking fluids throughout the day. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Aim for the general guideline of 91-125 fluid ounces of water daily from food and beverages.
- Drink cold water before bed if night sweats are a problem.
- Avoid triggers for hot flashes like alcohol, spicy foods, and caffeine.
- Prioritize getting enough sleep to support overall body regulation.
How to Get Instant Relief
When you need to cool down quickly, try these immediate relief strategies:
- Turn on air conditioning if available. If not, locate an air-conditioned public space in your community.
- Carry a portable fan for on-the-go cooling.
- Dress in layers to easily remove clothing when you feel hot.
- Drink cold water to lower your core temperature.
- Take a cool bath or shower for rapid cooling.
- Apply a cool washcloth or sponge to your forehead or neck.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Occasional feelings of warmth or sweatiness are usually normal, depending on your environment and activities. Some individuals naturally sweat more or “run hotter” than others. However, if you notice a change in the frequency of feeling hot, or if it’s persistent and impacts your quality of life, consult with a healthcare provider. They can determine if an underlying condition is causing your discomfort.
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop a fever that reaches or exceeds 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius). Also, schedule an appointment if a fever lasts longer than two to three days or if it recurs over a week or so.
In some instances, inadequate body temperature regulation can lead to heat-related illnesses. These conditions can have serious complications, making medical help crucial. Signs of heat-related illness include:
- Body temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius) or higher
- Fainting or dizziness
- Irregular or fast heart rate
- Damp or clammy skin
- Chest pain
- Nausea or vomiting
If your internal body temperature is excessively high upon reaching a medical facility, healthcare professionals can administer treatments to rapidly cool down your body, such as cool water baths or cooling blankets.
A Quick Review
Feeling hot from time to time is a normal human experience. However, persistent feelings of being hot all the time may indicate an underlying condition impairing your body’s natural cooling mechanisms. Potential reasons for constant warmth include diabetes, hyperthyroidism, menopause, pregnancy, fever, and anhidrosis. Certain medications can also contribute to feeling hotter.
Frequent overheating can negatively impact your well-being. Fortunately, various strategies can provide relief. Managing underlying conditions, medication adjustments, or adopting specific lifestyle habits can help prevent overheating. For immediate relief, measures like drinking cold water or taking a cool shower can be effective.
