Possible causes of feeling too hot
As with all British weather, you cannot please everybody. Once spring / summer comes along and the weather brightens, a small but vocal group of people will often bemoan the fact they’ve got to endure the warmer weather. While this can be confusing to those who yearn for hotter climes, there could be a scientific reason behind their sweaty struggle.
We’ve detailed several reasons why you (or somebody you know!) might swelter in higher centigrades, finding it too hot to handle.
Hyperthyroidism
Why does it make you feel hot?
Hyperthyroidism means having an overactive thyroid. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland regulate a lot of important bodily functions, such as metabolism, energy levels and body temperature. If it is producing too many of these hormones, then you will feel too hot. Thyroid problems are usually hereditary.
What are its other symptoms?
- Irregular heartbeat
- Insomnia
- Diarrhoea
- Hair loss
- High blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Irregular periods (in women)
Should I see a doctor?
If you have a lot of the above systems then you should see a doctor. Thyroid problems are usually hereditary and can be treated simply and effectively with medication. If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to long-term health issues such as osteoporosis or heart problems.
Stress
Why does it make you feel hot?
Stress can cause your hypothalamus, which regulates your body temperature, to underfunction, meaning that it may not be keeping your temperature in check. Stress can also trigger your body’s fight-or-flight response, which draws blood to your core in order to fuel your organs. This draws blood away from the extremities, which may mean that while you feel hot, your hands and feet feel cold.
What are its other symptoms?
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Stomach or chest pains
- Anxiety
- Inability to focus
Should I see a doctor?
If you are frequently feeling so stressed that you are feeling the heat, it’s worth talking to a health professional about stress. You may need to take some time off work to recuperate, or it may be a good idea to talk to a therapist to work through your problems.
Being overweight
Why does it make you feel hot?
Those who are overweight are carrying more fat on their bodies, which keeps them better insulated than skinnier people, just like wearing an extra layer of clothing. The additional weight can also make it harder for your muscles and organs to function, which will use more energy and make you warmer.
What are its other symptoms?
- Fatigue
- Low energy
- Breathlessness
- BMI of 25.0 or higher
Should I see a doctor?
Being overweight can cause serious health problems, including diabetes and increased risk of a heart attack or stroke. It may also be a sign of an underlying health problem, particularly if you have put on weight suddenly.
Being in good shape
Why does it make you feel hot?
If you are in good physical shape, particularly if you have built a lot of muscle mass, raises your metabolism. This in turn raises your overall body temperature, making you feel warmer. Working out and building muscle both burn calories, which also generates heat and will make you hotter.
What are its other symptoms?
- Low resting heart rate
- Increased muscle mass
- Increased stamina
Should I see a doctor?
If you are constantly feeling very hot then it might be worth getting checked out, but if you just normally feel a bit warmer than those around you then it’s nothing to worry about.
Are you the complete opposite, in that you’re always freezing? We’ve detailed the reasons why you may feel the cold, too.
VHL work throughout London providing energy efficient heating systems. Some of the latest models we install can even be controlled remotely via a smartphone app, meaning you won’t be paying for energy / heat on those hot summer days.