Why Heat Intolerance May Happen With Hypothyroidism and How To Manage When the Heat Gets Turned Up

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Although hypothyroidism may typically be associated with cold intolerance, the reality is a little more complex. In some cases, individuals may experience both hot and cold intolerances, which can be confusing and frustrating.



The thyroid regulates your metabolism, which can impact how your body controls its internal temperature. When thyroid levels are too low, your body may struggle to generate enough heat, leading to feelings of cold. But if your thyroid levels fluctuate or your medication is not correct, your body may become hypersensitive to both types of temperature changes.

If you have hypothyroidism and are experiencing heat intolerance, it is usually linked to three reasons. Let’s explore some of these issues to help provide a bigger picture surrounding heat intolerance and hypothyroidism. 

Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid, causing a variety of symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Dry skin
• Hair loss
• Joint pain
• Muscle weakness
• Slow heart rate
• Depression
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Cognitive problems

Hashimoto’s is the most common cause of hypothyroidism and may be managed by:

• Medication
• Diet
• Exercise
• Stress management
• Sleep

By better managing Hashimoto’s, you should have more relief and better temperature regulation.

If you are looking for a natural treatment for hyperthyroidism, HealthierU can help. We offer lifestyle programs that include a balanced diet, whole food supplementation, and regular exercise. Our programs are designed to support our clients throughout their diagnoses and build long-lasting, healthy habits. 

Contact us today to request your free consultations to start the process to a happier and healthier life. 

For both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, temperature regulation may be a problem, leading to both heat and cold intolerance.  It is essential to consult your doctor to obtain a comprehensive understanding of your diagnosis and to support any temperature regulation issues you are experiencing. 



HealthierU can support the symptoms you are facing by taking a root cause and holistic approach to wellness. We provide both nutritional and lifestyle support to help you manage your symptoms and feel your best. Contact HealthierU today to get started on a new you, regardless of your diagnosis.

Each person reacts to health issues differently, which may make their health journey and treatment difficult to manage. Some variables that may vary from person to person include:



• Genetics
• Age
• Weight
• Environmental factors
• Psychological factors 
• Stress
• Radiation exposure
• Excessive iodine intake
• Viral and bacterial infections
• Immune system dysregulation
• Pregnancy
• Micronutrient efficiencies
• Co-occurring autoimmune diseases
• Gut microbiome dysfunction

Because of these individual differences, what works for one person may not work for another, which highlights the importance of a personalized, holistic treatment plan to managing hypothyroidism, like utilizing HealtheirU’s customized programs. 

Heat intolerance may be caused by many factors other than thyroid disease.  Some of these factors include:

• Menopause
• Medications
• Diabetes
• Infections
• Alcohol consumption
• Anxiety
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cancer

Although heat intolerance is uncomfortable, it can also be a symptom of a serious underlying health issue. 

If you are experiencing heat intolerance and have not been diagnosed with heat intolerance, it is essential to see a doctor to ensure you receive the correct diagnosis. They can do bloodwork, imaging, and discuss your medical history to get to the bottom of your heat intolerance and come up with a treatment plan that works best for you.

Heat intolerance can be an uncomfortable symptom of hypothyroidism, but there are some ways that it may be managed to find some relief or prevent awkward situations. Let’s dive into what those are and how you can cool yourself down when you are running hot. 

To prepare yourself for a restful night’s sleep, consider incorporating a nightly cooling routine. This may include:



• Taking a cool shower
• Using cooling sheets or pillows
• Adding fans to keep the air flowing and cooler throughout the night 

This routine also helps signal to your body that it is time to wind down and relax, which sets you up for a restful night.

Staying hydrated is essential for your health, but it may also help keep your body cool. The higher your water intake throughout the day, the more your body can produce sweat to cool you down when you start to feel hot. 8-10 cups of water are recommended for staying hydrated, though more may be necessary if you are in a warmer environment. 

While there isn’t a magic number that is best for keeping yourself calm, it is recommended to keep the temperature in your home around 65 degrees or at a comfortable temperature for you. 

Some additional ways besides lowering your thermostat that you can keep your home cool include:

• Installing blackout curtains
• Utilizing ceiling or standing fans
• Using dehumidifiers if you live in humid environments
• Opening windows in the evening
• 
  

In addition to keeping your home cool throughout the day, sleeping in a cooler room may have many benefits besides providing heat intolerance relief, such as:

• Producing melatonin
• Improving sleep quality
• Producing faster sleep onset
• And more
  

Wearing breathable clothing made of natural materials may help regulate body temperature and facilitate sweat evaporation, which is particularly beneficial for those with heat intolerance. Wearing lighter colors also helps keep the body cool. 

Some recommended materials include:

• Linen
• Cotton
• Silk
• Bamboo
• Modal
• Other moisture-wicking materials

Some options to wear during the day include:

• Skirts
• Shorts
• Sleeveless tops
• Light dresses
• Light layers

To stay cool during the night, opt to wear:

• A flowy short set
• A thin nightgown
  

If you suffer from hypothyroidism and heat intolerance, staying away from sweat-inducing triggers may help. Spicy foods, cigarettes, and alcohol may worsen night sweats, so eliminating them from your life may be beneficial for managing unwanted heat. 

These substances can increase your heart rate, dilate blood vessels, and raise your core temperature — making it harder for your body to stay cool. Additionally, caffeine can be a trigger for heat – especially in the late afternoons or evenings. You can replace caffeine with cooling drinks, such as cucumber water, peppermint tea, or fresh fruit. 

In addition to these triggers, de-stressing is essential for calming the body and lowering body temperature. Anxiety and stress can increase body heat. Taking the time to wind down in the evening may help eliminate this sweat-inducing trigger. 

Some ways to eliminate stress in the evening are:

• Meditating
• Practicing deep breathing 
• Stretching 
• Reducing your digital overload
• Journaling
• Taking a cool evening walk
• Listening to calming music

By addressing both your internal and external triggers, you can better manage heat intolerance and stay more comfortable throughout the day and into the evening. 

Cooling pillows or ice packs may provide instant relief when suffering from hypothyroidism heat intolerance, especially at night. If you find yourself needing to cool down your body temperature quickly, you may apply an ice pack to get relief for your:

• Neck
• Armpits
• Groin
• Wrists
• Forehead

Other helpful cooling products that you can use include:

• Cooling patches
• Cooling towels
• Neck fans
• Cooling blankets
• Ice rollers
• And more.

For many people who have thyroid disease, medication may be a part of their treatment plan and may require extra monitoring to ensure it does not impact temperature regulation. For example, if you take a high dose of the medication levothyroxine, you might actually move into hyperthyroidism, which may also lead to heat intolerance. 

For both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, it is essential to check your thyroid hormone levels to ensure your medication dosages are accurate. It is recommended to check annually for hypothyroidism and monthly for hyperthyroidism until symptoms regulate. 



If you suspect you are overmedicated on your thyroid medication, speak to your doctor about your symptoms.

Exercise is an essential part of keeping a healthy lifestyle, especially when battling hypothyroidism. Exercising during cooler times helps prevent overheating and reduces stress on the body’s temperature-regulating system. If possible, avoid outdoor exercise during the day and opt for shaded or indoor environments when possible. 

At HealthierU, supporting your health and managing symptoms of hypothyroidism may be achieved through a variety of approaches. Improving your thyroid function may be possible through:

• Diet
• Eating a balanced diet
• Limiting or avoiding certain foods
• Paying attention to gut health

• Supplements
• Ensuring Iodine is balanced
• Adding vitamins and minerals that you may be deficient in



• Lifestyle choices
• Managing stress
• Exercising regularly
• Getting quality stress
• Enjoying the sun
• Reducing toxin exposure
• Staying educated

Our nutrition assessment may help guide us in creating a personalized program tailored to your specific health needs. 

Contact us today to receive a complimentary consultation tailored to support you throughout your journey with hypothyroidism. 

Many people with Hashimoto’s also experience difficulty digesting lactose, the sugar found in dairy. It can lead to bloating, gas, and inflammation that further stresses the gut and immune system.



Switching to a lactose-free diet or choosing dairy alternatives (like almond, coconut, or oat milk) may help reduce digestive discomfort and support overall thyroid health.