Expert Advice
Acella Pharmaceuticals is partnering with Angila Berni, M.S., SFG II, RYT to bring greater awareness to the importance of thyroid care and education. This post is sponsored by Acella Pharmaceuticals.
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider before beginning any exercise, fitness, diet, or nutrition routine. Acella Pharmaceuticals does not endorse, promote, or sponsor any products or brands mentioned in this article. The views expressed here are those of the author.
Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism and body temperature. Suboptimal thyroid levels, as seen in individuals with hypothyroidism, may lead to a decreased metabolic rate, resulting in diminished heat production and impaired thermoregulation.1 This may manifest as cold intolerance or the feeling of being cold.
Cold intolerance can significantly impact a person's comfort and quality of life. It is a common symptom of hypothyroidism and can be managed in a variety of ways. Treating the underlying condition is essential and should be the priority. Ensuring adequate thyroid hormone levels through appropriate medication may be necessary when managing hypothyroidism. Working closely with a healthcare provider to monitor thyroid function and adjust medication dosage as needed may help alleviate symptoms of cold intolerance.
In addition to working with your healthcare provider to balance thyroid hormones, several strategies are available to help manage cold intolerance and improve comfort levels and well-being.
Cold Intolerance Self-Care Strategies
1. Stay active. Regular exercise can help increase blood circulation and body temperature and reduce feelings of coldness. Exercises such as group exercise classes, weight training, or yoga indoors can be beneficial during cold months, while outdoor activities such as walking or biking can provide benefits during warmer months.
2. Stay hydrated. Consuming plenty of fluids, especially warm drinks such as herbal tea, broth, or lemon-infused hot water, can aid in regulating body temperature and averting dehydration, which can worsen symptoms of cold intolerance.
3. Layer or use heated clothing. Layering allows you to adjust to your environment. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to help keep sweat away from the skin, then add layers according to the environment and comfort level. Another option is to add insulated or even battery-powered clothing, such as jackets, vests, gloves, and socks to help maintain a comfortable body temperature.
4. Engage in relaxation techniques. Stress and anxiety may worsen cold intolerance symptoms. Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or listening to calming music to help lower your stress levels and create a feeling of warmth and overall well-being.
5. Warm up before going outside. Spend a few minutes stretching or performing light aerobic activities before heading outdoors. This will help prepare the body by increasing blood circulation to the muscles.
If you are experiencing cold intolerance or other possible symptoms of hypothyroidism, please contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. You may also download this discussion guide to help guide the conversation with your healthcare provider:
Download the Discussion Guide>>
REFERENCE: 1. Yavuz S, Salgado Nunez Del Prado S, Celi FS. Thyroid hormone action and energy expenditure. J Endocr Soc. 2019;3(7):1345‐1356.
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Note that DTE products, including NP Thyroid®, have not been reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy.
INDICATIONS AND IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION, INCLUDING BOXED
WARNING
Important Risk Information
Drugs with thyroid hormone activity, alone or together with other therapeutic agents, have been used for the treatment of obesity. In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction. Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects.
- NP Thyroid® is contraindicated in patients with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency, untreated thyrotoxicosis, and hypersensitivity to any component of the product.
- In the elderly and in patients with cardiovascular disease, NP Thyroid® should be used with greater caution than younger patients or those without cardiovascular disease.
- Use of NP Thyroid® in patients with diabetes mellitus or adrenal cortical insufficiency may worsen the intensity of their symptoms.
- The therapy of myxedema coma requires simultaneous administration of glucocorticoids.
- Concomitant use of NP Thyroid® with oral anticoagulants alters the sensitivity of oral anticoagulants. Prothrombin time should be closely monitored in thyroid-treated patients on oral anticoagulants.
- In infants, excessive doses of NP Thyroid® may produce craniosynostosis.
- Partial loss of hair may be experienced by children in the first few months of therapy but is usually transient.
- Adverse reactions associated with NP Thyroid® therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage.
- Many drugs and some laboratory tests may alter the therapeutic response to NP Thyroid®. In addition, thyroid hormones and thyroid status have varied effects on the pharmacokinetics and actions of other drugs. Administer at least 4 hours before or after drugs that are known to interfere with absorption. Evaluate the need for dose adjustments when regularly administering within one hour of certain foods that may affect absorption.
- NP Thyroid® should not be discontinued during pregnancy, and hypothyroidism diagnosed during pregnancy should be promptly treated.
Indication
NP Thyroid® (thyroid tablets, USP) is a prescription medicine that is used to treat a condition called hypothyroidism from any cause, except for cases of temporary hypothyroidism, which is usually associated with an inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis). It is meant to replace or supplement a hormone that is usually made by your thyroid gland.
NP Thyroid® is also used in the treatment and prevention of normal functioning thyroid
goiters, such as thyroid nodules, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multinodular goiter, and in the
management of thyroid cancer.
Revised 10/2023