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Heat intolerance - Overview

Alternative Names

Sensitivity to heat; Intolerance to heat

Definition of Heat intolerance:

Heat intolerance is the inability to be comfortable when external temperatures rise.

Considerations:

Heat intolerance often produces a feeling of being overheated and can cause heavy sweating. Heat intolerance usually comes on slowly and lasts over the long-term.

Common Causes:

Amphetamines such as appetite suppressants
Caffeine
Excess thyroid hormone (thyrotoxicosis)
Menopause

Reviewed last on: 6/17/2008
Elizabeth H. Holt, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Ladenson P, Kim M. Thyroid. In: Goldman L and Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007:chap 244.

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