Mentioned Users

MyMSTeam

Is it typical to experience body temperature regulation problems with MS, even without outside temperature changes?

Yes, this is very typical with MS. Your body's thermostat can indeed be affected by the condition. MS lesions can damage areas of the brain that regulate core temperature and cooling responses like sweating Show Full Answer

Is it typical to experience body temperature regulation problems with MS, even without outside temperature changes?

Yes, this is very typical with MS. Your body's thermostat can indeed be affected by the condition. MS lesions can damage areas of the brain that regulate core temperature and cooling responses like sweating and circulation, making it harder for your body to adapt to temperature changes.

Heat intolerance affects between 60 to 80 percent of people with MS. Even a quarter- or half-degree change in core body temperature can temporarily trigger MS symptoms. This is called Uhthoff's phenomenon.

Some people with MS struggle mainly with heat, while others have more problems with cold temperatures. However, some experience both - having spasticity and balance issues in colder weather, then fatigue and endurance problems when it's warm.

The random shifts you're describing - going from hot to suddenly freezing cold - are consistent with what many MyMSTeam members report. One member described going "from borderline hypothermic freezing to streaking through my house with an ice pack" very quickly. Since you're post-menopausal and confident these aren't hot flashes, your temperature fluctuations are likely related to MS nerve damage rather than hormonal changes.

MS disrupts nerve fibers that carry sensory information between your brain and spinal cord. This damage can cause your nerves to send random signals that your brain may confuse with actual temperature changes, even when the outside temperature hasn't shifted.

It's helpful to be prepared for both hot and cold situations throughout the day, as temperature regulation with MS can be quite unpredictable.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

La EM y la sensibilidad al calor: 5 maneras de controlarla

MS and Heat Sensitivity: 5 Ways To Manage (VIDEO)