These diseases can 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 have an influence on the metabolism and the cardiovascular system. If overproduction occurs, the metabolism is boosted 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.

This means that for a short time the blood vessels are dilated and warm blood floods the respective body area. The dilatation 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. Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels. These high sugar levels can attack the blood vessels and thus cause various cardiovascular diseases.

These in turn can in some cases trigger hot flushes. However, diabetes alone, without the late effects, is not yet a typical trigger for hot flushes. A well-adjusted sugar level can prevent many late effects, but cannot reverse them afterwards.

Regular checks and therapy adjustments are therefore necessary. In the case of fever, a change in the setpoint value in the temperature control system occurs for various reasons, for example due to bacterial infections. Since this change in the setpoint value is not constant but fluctuates, those affected often have alternating hot flushes and chills.

If the fever is not clear, a doctor should always be consulted to determine the cause. The fever can then be reduced with ibuprofen, paracetamol or other drugs. As soon as the infection subsides, the hot flushes usually subside as well.

A cold is a generic term for infectious diseases that can be accompanied by cough, fever, cold and sore throat. The fever is the main reason for hot flushes, as the change in body temperature leads to fluctuations and incorrect sensations of temperature. Hot flushes occur especially when the fever is quickly lowered.Some combination preparations from the pharmacy can also cause hot flushes, as many of these drugs contain caffeine.

A strong allergic reaction can lead to an allergic shock. Typical for a shock is a very high pulse rate, which can feel like a hot flush for those affected. Fear during an allergic shock, which is potentially life-threatening, also activates the circulation.

Blood pressure drops during a shock, which can be explained by dilated blood vessels. A lot of warm blood flows in these dilated vessels, which also causes hot flushes. The human body needs iron to produce hemoglobin, the red blood pigment.

This is responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood. An iron deficiency therefore typically leads to tiredness and paleness rather than hot flushes. However, iron deficiency also often affects women during their periods, so that iron deficiency and hot flushes can occur simultaneously and independently of each other.

Iron deficiency can be well treated by appropriate diet and iron substitution.

Symptoms of iron deficiency
Causes for iron deficiency

The body needs many different vitamins in varying amounts for many metabolic processes. A deficiency of vitamin D, which is caused by a lack of exposure to sunlight, means that the muscles cannot be adequately supplied with nutrients and oxygen.

As a result, movements become much more strenuous, leading to a feeling of warmth and heavy sweating. However, this is not a classic hot flash. More about this:

Vitamin deficiency

Depending on the type of cancer, hot flushes may also occur.

One reason for this can be a change in hormone levels, as some forms of cancer can also produce or inhibit hormones. In addition, cancers are often accompanied by the so-called B-symptoms. This means that those affected suffer from night sweats, fever and weight loss. Especially the fluctuations in body temperature can also spontaneously lead to hot flushes. Many cancer medications also have a major impact on the whole body and thus also have many side effects.