Summer Heat: How Does It Affect the Thyroid Gland?

We all know the butterfly-shaped organ that sits directly below the larynx – that's right, the thyroid gland. But did you know that the thyroid gland is one of the most important organs in our body? As if it didn't already have enough processes to take care of, summer heat can put additional strain on the thyroid gland. And that's exactly what this blog post is about: We'll take you on an exciting journey through our body and explain the relevance and function of the thyroid gland. We'll also take a look at how summer heat can affect the thyroid gland.

The Role of the Thyroid

Originally, the thyroid gland got its name because it is positioned like a protective shield in front of the trachea. It is an organ that, unfortunately, not enough people concern themselves with. This may be understandable, as it is quite inconspicuous and the symptoms of a dysfunction can easily be confused with nutrient deficiencies or other diseases. Nevertheless, many complaints are associated with thyroid disease.

According to a 2004 study, to determine the current frequency of thyroid diseases, population samples were taken throughout Germany. A total of 96,278 people aged 18 to 65 participated. The results were astonishing and alarming at the same time: A full 33.1% of the examined persons showed abnormal findings (goiter and/or nodules, > 0.5 cm). Of these, 32% were men and 34.2% were women. 9.7% had an enlarged thyroid without nodules, 14.3% had only a nodule without enlargement, and 9.1% suffered from a nodular goiter. ¹

These figures indicate that the thyroid gland should be given more attention and that we urgently need to deal more intensively with this important organ. A good start would be to schedule regular check-ups with an endocrinologist.

Because thyroid hormones are responsible for many vital processes in the body - including metabolism, digestion, growth, muscles, our circulation, but also psychological well-being. More precisely, it is the hormones T3 and T4 that are responsible for these important processes. These are produced by the thyroid gland.

T3 and T4 briefly explained

T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) are the most important thyroid hormones you should know. Those who have already been diagnosed with a thyroid dysfunction probably already know the terminology, but the actual function is still unclear to many. T4 is produced in increased concentrations by the thyroid gland and is only converted to T3 when needed. Therefore, T4 is called the "storage form". T3, on the other hand, is the "active form". T3 is mostly formed by the conversion of T4 to T3.

To detect a thyroid dysfunction, the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) level in the blood is determined.

The author of the German Thyroid Center, Prof. Dr. med. Hans Udo Zieren, describes it as follows: "TSH is formed in the pituitary gland, released into the blood, and causes the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones T3 and T4. The TSH level can be measured in the blood and provides an important first indication of a possible thyroid dysfunction (hyper- or hypothyroidism)." If there are too few thyroid hormones in the blood, more TSH is released, whereas if there are too many thyroid hormones, less TSH is found in the blood. ²

It is then important to look at free T3 and T4, i.e., fT3 and fT4, in the blood count, as these hormones can only be effective in this state.

Connection between Thyroid and Heat

As temperatures rise, our body is put to the test. Due to heat, UV radiation, and lack of fluids, circulatory problems, headaches, dizziness, and concentration problems can often occur.

Since the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 regulate energy metabolism, the body's temperature regulation also depends on it. The more active the metabolism, the more heat is produced. In a figurative sense, this means that people with hypothyroidism, whose metabolism runs slower, generally experience cold more frequently than those with hyperthyroidism, whose metabolism runs at full speed. In summer, this can quickly lead to hot flashes, excessive sweating, and an extreme sensation of heat in people with hyperthyroidism. They also overheat quickly and are more sensitive to heat. Often, palpitations and circulatory problems occur during intense heat.

In the case of hypothyroidism, the opposite is true. Those affected often do not perceive the heat. Blood pressure is lower because the metabolism is slower. At high temperatures, the body reacts more with fatigue, weakness, and exhaustion. Both, however, can enormously affect the quality of life. If these symptoms apply to you and you feel that you might be suffering from a thyroid disease, we advise you to have it clarified by a doctor. In any case, the thyroid gland should be examined regularly - regardless of a possible illness. Because it is better to go to the doctor once too often than too rarely.

A Must for the Thyroid: Tips for Summer

To reduce possible discomfort, we have compiled a few tips for natural support of your thyroid gland. These tips can be followed both in the case of an intact thyroid gland and in the case of a thyroid gland whose function is impaired. When taking supplements, however, we advise you to consult your doctor beforehand.

• Stress Reduction
  Stress is harmful to the body in many ways. Especially negative stress can weaken the immune system over a longer period, have negative effects on the cardiovascular system, make you feel restless, cause digestive problems and stomach pain, impair sleep quality, and cause tension in the body. The thyroid gland can also suffer from this, as stress can promote inflammatory processes in the body, which in turn can trigger autoimmune diseases such as thyroid diseases like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
  
  Therefore, it is important to avoid stress as much as possible. There are numerous methods that can help you achieve this without much effort. For example, you can incorporate yoga, meditation and breathing exercises, Pilates, or short breaks into your daily routine. Moments when you are alone and have time for yourself, such as walking through the park or getting a massage, can also help reduce stress and improve your quality of life. In hot temperatures, we advise against engaging in strenuous physical activities, as this can put additional strain on the organism and cause stress.
  
  
• Moderate Training
  Moderate exercise such as swimming, Nordic walking, Pilates, or yoga supports the body instead of overstraining it. It is beneficial for the immune system, the cardiovascular system, and can help reduce stress, as hormones like cortisol can be positively influenced by it. This balance in the body also indirectly supports thyroid health.
  
  
• Sufficient Sleep
  Sleep is a vital process not only for our thyroid gland but for our entire body, as it supports our regeneration. Poor sleep quality and sleep problems that persist over a longer period can severely affect our health. A weak immune system, lack of concentration, or irritability are just a few examples of the many complaints associated with it. Therefore, it is important to find ways and methods that promote and support your sleep. More about this in our blog post: Restful Sleep in Summer: Melatonin, Tryptophan, and Other Remedies
  
  
• Drink plenty
  Some thyroid tablets, such as L-thyroxine, are water-soluble. This means that they require a lot of fluid to improve their effectiveness. Generally, for L-thyroxine, it is recommended to take it in the morning on an empty stomach about 30 minutes before breakfast with about 200ml of water. Of course, the administration conditions vary depending on the medication and the prescribing doctor. If you have any uncertainties about this, you should definitely seek medical advice. Nevertheless, drinking plenty of fluids, especially in hot temperatures, is a must! It is best to drink regularly and not only when thirst sets in, because the body can dehydrate quite quickly when outside temperatures rise above 30°C.
  
  
• Proper Storage of Thyroid Tablets in Heat
  It is important that the tablet packs are not stored in direct sunlight. As a general rule, all medications should be stored in a cool, dry place. However, storing thyroid tablets in the refrigerator is not a good idea, as they can be damaged by it. Tablets should also always remain in their original packaging to protect them from external influences such as moisture. Shady places such as drawers, cupboards, etc., are good options.
  
  
• Proper Nutrition
  A balanced and nutrient-rich diet is essential to naturally support the thyroid gland. Especially iodine- and selenium-rich foods are recommended. Fish and seafood, in particular, contain a lot of iodine. Algae can even contain a considerable amount of iodine. Brazil nuts, fish, seafood, as well as meat and eggs are rich in selenium.
  
  
• Supplements
  Those who want to support their thyroid gland in addition to a healthy diet can use specially formulated dietary supplements. Iodine, selenium, iron, and zinc are particularly useful here. There are also some combination preparations that combine thyroid-supporting nutrients to best promote its function.
  
  

Iodine Study Situation

To investigate how iodine affects the thyroid gland, a study was conducted that observed a total of 137 pregnant women (at 18 and 36 weeks of gestation and 3 and 6 months postpartum). TSH, fT3 (free T3), and fT4 (free T4) were measured. Women who had supplemented with iodine before pregnancy and continued to take it during pregnancy had lower TSH, fT3, and fT4 values. This, in turn, shows that iodine supplementation before and during pregnancy is associated with improved thyroid values. ³

However, iodine also affects the thyroid gland in non-pregnant women. Consequently, additional supplementation can certainly be useful to positively influence thyroid function.

Study situation on selenium

A Danish study investigated the effect of selenium supplementation at different dosages on thyroid function in case of insufficient dietary selenium intake. The subjects were divided into groups. 3 of these groups received different dosages of a selenium preparation, and another group received placebo-based yeast tablets.

Plasma samples for selenium and serum samples for TSH, fT3, and fT4 were analyzed at the beginning of the study and after 6 months and 5 years of supplementation. The results showed that in people with normal thyroid function, selenium supplementation can influence thyroid function only minimally and in a dose-dependent manner compared to placebo. ⁴ It is clear that selenium can support the thyroid gland, but whether it can help with thyroid diseases needs to be investigated more closely.

Iron Study Situation

A meta-analysis examined several studies to determine the relationship between iron deficiency and thyroid function. TSH, fT3, and fT4 levels were investigated to determine whether these values differed in patients with iron deficiency compared to healthy controls.

Patients with iron deficiency and pregnant women showed low TSH, fT3, and fT4 levels. Non-pregnant women, on the other hand, had significantly lower fT4 and fT3 levels, but the TSH level remained unchanged.

The meta-analysis showed that TSH and FT4 levels were influenced by ferritin levels. This means that the higher the ferritin, the higher the TSH and FT4 levels. ⁵

Study situation on zinc

To investigate the importance of zinc for a healthy thyroid hormone metabolism, the following study was conducted: 2 physically active women suffering from zinc deficiency received 26.4 mg of zinc per day in the form of zinc gluconate. After 4 months, it was observed that the total T3 value increased in one subject and the value of all thyroid hormones in the other subject. At the same time, however, the ferritin level decreased in both. ⁶ This is because zinc and iron mutually impair each other's absorption.

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Conclusion

Today, thyroid dysfunction is considered a widespread public health problem, as more and more people are being diagnosed with it - and that's without taking into account the unreported cases.

Those affected know how burdensome a thyroid disease can be, as so many complaints are associated with it - especially in summer, when the body sometimes reaches its limit anyway. A healthy diet, plenty of fluids, good sleep, and avoiding strenuous activity can nevertheless help protect your body at high temperatures and not put additional strain on your thyroid gland.

Sources

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2. German Thyroid Center. (n.d.). Blood test of the thyroid gland | Clarify TSH & T3/T4 values. https://www.deutsches-schilddruesenzentrum.de/wissenswertes/schilddruesendiagnostik/blutuntersuchungen/
   
   
3. Næss S, Markhus MW, Strand TA, Kjellevold M, Dahl L, Stokland AM, Nedrebø BG, Aakre I. Iodine Nutrition and Iodine Supplement Initiation in Association with Thyroid Function in Mildly-to-Moderately Iodine-Deficient Pregnant and Postpartum Women. J Nutr. 2021 Oct 1;151(10):3187-3196. doi: 10.1093/jn/nxab224. PMID: 34255063; PMCID: PMC8485914.
   
   
4. Winther KH, Bonnema SJ, Cold F, Debrabant B, Nybo M, Cold S, Hegedüs L. Does selenium supplementation affect thyroid function? Results from a randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial in a Danish population. Eur J Endocrinol. 2015 Jun;172(6):657-67. doi: 10.1530/EJE-15-0069. Epub 2015 Mar 4. PMID: 25740851.
   
   
5. Garofalo V, Condorelli RA, Cannarella R, Aversa A, Calogero AE, La Vignera S. Relationship between Iron Deficiency and Thyroid Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2023 Nov 15;15(22):4790. doi: 10.3390/nu15224790. PMID: 38004184; PMCID: PMC10675576.
   
   
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