Thyroid Issues and Hot Flashes: How Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism Affect Thyroid Hormones

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Yes, your thyroid issues can cause hot flashes and may be often mistaken for symptoms of menopause.

Research indicates that the symptoms of thyroid function abnormality can be very similar to menopausal symptoms and can occur in younger women before the onset of menopause.

One study on females with either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and menopause symptoms found that treating thyroid dysfunction significantly improved menopause symptoms. 

Although menopause and thyroid dysfunction have some overlap in symptoms, they’re distinct hormones that have separate functions within the body. Menopause is brought on by the changing levels of hormones produced by the ovaries, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Your thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones, mainly thyroxine or tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

For hot flashes, both estrogen and high thyroid hormone levels affect the hypothalamus — the part of your brain responsible for temperature regulation.

If you are experiencing hot flashes or other symptoms that could be due to a thyroid health issue, you should consult with a health practitioner. HealthierU offers a holistic approach, focused on finding the root cause of your problematic symptoms naturally, safely, and effectively, for longer-lasting results.

Contact us to request a nutrition consultation today.

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) causes the thyroid to work harder to produce hormones, which can result in hot flashes and sweating. 



Typically, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is associated with feeling cold, but it’s possible that low levels of thyroid hormone can disrupt thermoregulation of body temperature, making you feel warmer as well.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland makes and releases too much thyroid hormone. This condition can make your metabolism speed up and potentially spark hot flashes.

There are many other symptoms you may experience with hyperthyroidism, including:

• Weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Increased sweating
• Changes in vision
• Heart palpitations
• Muscle weakness
• Fewer and lighter menstrual periods than normal
• Hair loss
• Sleep issues
• Diarrhea
• Restlessness
• Feeling shaky or nervous
  

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to make enough thyroid hormone to keep the body functioning normally. With decreased levels of thyroid hormone, hot flashes may appear as a symptom of hypothyroidism.

Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Weight gain
• Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
• High cholesterol
• Depression
• Forgetfulness
• Decreased sexual interest
• Muscle soreness or weakness
• Thin, brittle hair or fingernails
• Numbness or tingling in the hands
  

Since there are several overlapping symptoms between thyroid dysfunction and menopause, it can be difficult to distinguish between the two sometimes.

Here are some symptoms you might experience from either a thyroid disorder or menopause:

• Hot flashes and night sweats: Extremely common, more than 80% of women experience hot flashes during menopause. Due to the body working overtime, hyperthyroidism can also cause symptoms similar to hot flashes, such as excess sweating, high body temperature, and heat intolerance.
• Difficulty sleeping: Research indicates that hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism may have clinical overlap with sleep conditions such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea. According to the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN), the prevalence of sleep disorders increases with age, ranging from 16% to 42% in premenopausal women, from 39% to 47% in perimenopausal women, and from 35% to 60% in postmenopausal women.
• Fatigue: The fluctuating hormones caused by menopause can directly affect your mood, making you feel lethargic and run down. Night sweats interrupt your sleep, leaving you exhausted during the day. Hypothyroidism can slow down your metabolism and drain your energy levels, while hyperthyroidism may cause anxiety and nervous energy, keeping you up through the night and tired all day.
• Weight gain: Hypothyroidism may cause some weight gain due to an underactive thyroid that can slow down your metabolism. About five to ten pounds of weight gain may be related to the thyroid, most of which may be gained due to retaining salt and water. When estrogen decreases during menopause, fat may be redistributed to your midsection. One study found that menopause might induce redistribution of fat mass and development of abdominal obesity, increasing the risk for metabolic syndrome by 60%, and increasing the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
• Irregular menstrual cycle: At menopause, your body’s supply of eggs is depleted, and your menstrual cycle becomes more erratic before eventually stopping. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism may also cause irregular periods, and you may skip your period for several months or experience anywhere from very light to very heavy bleeding.

There are some distinct differences in symptoms that may help you to distinguish between the two conditions.

Here are some symptoms unique to thyroid disorders that are not typically menopause symptoms:

• Hypothyroidism: Slow heart rate and constipation
• Hyperthyroidism: Weight loss, excessive hunger, diarrhea, and bulging eyes

Here are some symptoms unique to menopause that are not typically thyroid disorder symptoms:

• Vaginal dryness
• Decrease of bone density
• Mood swings

Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone replacement (synthetic hormone) medication taken to replace the missing thyroid hormone thyroxine and treat underactive thyroid.

Over-replacement, or taking too much levothyroxine, can cause you to experience hot flashes and night sweats.

In addition to feeling overheated and sweating, taking Levothyroxine may cause other symptoms, including:

• Headaches
• Racing heartbeat
• Anxiety
• Chest pain
• Difficulty sleeping
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Increase in food intake with no weight gain
• Elevated blood pressure

If you’re looking for a more holistic approach to hypothyroidism treatment in Brooklyn, HealthierU believes that making dietary changes is the best way to return your thyroid to proper working order.

Dr. Sergi is a specialist in women's health and wellness, she has helped remedy issues for thousands of patients looking for a more natural approach to hypothyroidism treatment. 

Contact us today to receive a custom-designed program that addresses your distinct needs with a personalized hypothyroidism diet action plan.

Those who suffer from hypothyroidism can potentially experience night sweats, however, they aren’t usually a common symptom. Heat intolerance and sweating are more commonly linked to hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid.



Levothyroxine and other medications can also cause excessive sweating, especially at night. Research indicates that over 20% of individuals who take antidepressants report having recurring episodes of night sweats.

If severe hot flashes are affecting your daily life, consulting a doctor to check for underlying causes should be your first step, but if you still need to reduce sweating, here’s what might help:



• Use a fan or air conditioner to make your bedroom as cool as possible.
• Wear breathable clothing.
• Use a top sheet and light bedding.
• Try a cooling pillow or mattress.
• Avoid triggers such as eating spicy or sugary foods, taking hot baths, or exercising in a hot environment before sleeping.
  

Thyroid disorders are extremely common. According to the American Thyroid Association, over 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, and up to 60% of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.

Women with a family history of thyroid or autoimmune issues are at a higher risk of having thyroid disease. However, thyroid issues are commonly diagnosed around the same time as women going through menopause, so symptoms can be tricky to decipher.

If you’re experiencing night sweats and don’t believe you’re going through menopause, you should be seen for a thyroid check. Undiagnosed thyroid disease may put you at risk for certain serious conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and infertility.

How can a doctor help your thyroid issues causing hot flashes?

A blood test is done to rule out or diagnose a thyroid disorder. If the test doesn't find irregular thyroid hormone levels, menopause is likely causing your hot flashes.

You may also receive a physical exam as well that checks for nodules or an enlarged thyroid. If you have pain, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or your voice is hoarse, these may be signs of a thyroid issue and not menopause.

Hot flashes can often be managed by supplementing the thyroid hormone with synthetic thyroxine and maintaining a regulated nutritional diet. You may need to implement lifestyle changes, limit certain foods, and find creative ways to stay comfortable.

When thyroid issues are causing you to have a hot flash, here are some ideas to help you stay more comfortable:



• Carry a small, portable fan
• Dress in layers of light clothing that can be removed easily
• Use lighter bedding
• Lower the temperature in your home or bedroom
• Drink small amounts of cold water before bed
• Take a cool bath or shower

You may find some relief by avoiding foods and beverages that may trigger hot flashes and flushing reactions, such as:

• Alcohol
• Spicy foods
• Foods containing nitrates or sulfates
• Caffeine

Instead, research shows that eating a variety of plants and fruit, and following a Mediterranean-style diet may promote thyroid health due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and high levels of phytochemicals.

A Mediterranean diet (MD) is a dietary pattern characterized by high consumption of:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Legumes
• Whole grains
• Fish
• Olive oil

The diet focuses on low consumption of:

• Red meat
• Processed foods
• Simple sugar

MD provides a moderate amount of iodine intake, which can help promote optimal thyroid function.

By eating nutrient-dense foods and supplementing your nutrient deficiencies, your diet may help you get the iron you need, especially if you have hypothyroidism or iron-deficient anemia.

In addition to making changes to your diet, you may benefit from other lifestyle changes that may help with hot flashes:

• Stop smoking: One seven-year study using data from 761 women aged 45 to 54 showed that women in the study who quit smoking were less likely to suffer from hot flashes, have severe hot flashes, and have frequent hot flashes than women who continued to smoke.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Being active and choosing the right foods may lower your body mass index (BMI). Studies suggest high BMI may be associated with increased hot flashes and other health concerns. Although every woman’s body is different, and there may be limitations to using BMI as an indicator, physical activity such as aerobic and resistance exercise training may lead to a decrease in experienced hot flashes.
• Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness practices, such as hypnosis and meditation, may help by reducing the degree of bother and distress you experience from hot flashes and night sweats.

It can be difficult to know what’s going on in your body because menopause and thyroid disorders often have overlapping symptoms. If you’re experiencing hot flashes, there may be a chance you have a thyroid disorder.

Dr. Sergi, Brooklyn's leading nutrition response practitioner and holistic chiropractor, can perform a non-invasive test to help determine the root cause of your hot flashes — pinpointing exactly what’s needed to relieve you of your discomfort naturally.

At HealthierU, we do this by creating a customized plan that includes nutritional support, lifestyle guidance, and supplementation to correct your health concerns for the long haul.



It’s time to beat the heat. Cool down your thyroid issues causing hot flashes with the holistic help of HeathierU by requesting a free consultation today.