Introduction
The thyroid gland is a hormone producing organ and is involved in many processes in the body. In the case of under- or over-functioning, i.e. increased or decreased hormone production, many symptoms occur which affect the whole body. In the case of hyperthyroidism, many sufferers develop heat intolerance, perceived as hot flushes, with increased sweat production. Treatment can be conservative with medication as well as through surgical measures.
Why can thyroid disease cause hot flashes?
Hyperthyroidism, also called hyperthyroidism, means that the thyroid gland produces too many hormones for various reasons. The hormones of the thyroid gland are T3 and T4, whereby the more effective T3 is largely produced only in the target cells from T4. These hormones influence the metabolism and the cardiovascular system.
When T3 is overproduced, the metabolism is stimulated and this increases the body temperature. However, this is only one mechanism by which hyperthyroidism leads to hot flushes. Hot flushes are often spontaneous episodes in which the heat spreads throughout the body within minutes and then causes sweating.
Most of these have a vasomotor cause (i.e. affecting the movement of blood vessels). This means that for a short time the blood vessels are dilated and warm blood floods the respective body area. The dilation of the vessels is a measure the body takes when the blood pressure is too high, which can also be caused by thyroid hormones.
The thyroid hormones can also significantly increase the heart rate and thus also influence the circulation. The combination of these mechanisms of action often leads to the well-known hot flushes in people with hyperthyroidism. Menopausal women are particularly affected, as the lack of estrogens also causes hot flushes and in the case of hyperthyroidism the effects are added.
In addition to the direct effects on body temperature and circulation, hyperthyroidism also leads to an altered perception of temperature and heat tolerance decreases. In addition, those affected are often nervous and show increased activity. This increased activity is associated with more muscle work and can therefore also contribute to an increase in the body’s production of heat and sweat. In addition to hot flushes, sufferers of hyperthyroidism also show many other symptoms, which are due to the increased metabolism. If the symptoms are severe, they should be diagnosed using ultrasound and laboratory tests, as thyroid cancer can also lead to hyperthyroidism.
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