This one goes out to all my chilled friends! Ever found yourself bundled up in a cosy sweater, teeth chattering, while your friend is out enjoying the sun in shorts? It’s not just about how many layers you’re piling on; the real answer might just be swirling around in your hormones!
Dr. Natasha Fernando, a top-notch GP and Medical Director at Medichecks, spills the tea on why some of us feel the cold more than others. It turns out, hormones are the secret conductors of our body’s temperature orchestra.
Here’s the skinny: key players like oestrogen, progesterone, cortisol, testosterone, and those thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) are behind this curious phenomenon.
Dr Natasha explains, “It’s all about how each of our bodies dances to its own beat in response to temperature changes, sometimes influenced by hormonal ups and downs.”
Cortisol, our stress buddy, gets whipped up by the adrenal glands and is a big deal in metabolism and energy buzz. But when stress becomes your constant companion, it throws cortisol out of whack, messing with how well your body can keep its cool—or rather, its warmth, making you feel colder.
For the women out there, oestrogen takes you on a temperature rollercoaster throughout your menstrual cycle. When oestrogen peaks just before ovulation, you might feel more of the chill. And if you’re riding the menopause wave, lower oestrogen levels can play havoc with your body’s thermostat, leading to those notorious hot and cold flashes.
Dr. Natasha adds a twist about progesterone too. After ovulation, as progesterone spikes, your body temp might tick up a bit, making you less chilly. But as it dips before your period, you might find yourself reaching for an extra blanket.
Gents, here’s where testosterone steps in. This hormone helps bulk up muscle mass, which is like having your own personal heater. More muscle means more heat, so men typically might not feel the cold as much.
Then there’s the thyroid, your body’s heat generator. A peppy thyroid means you’re likely to feel toastier, pumping out enough heat to keep you comfy. But if it’s sluggish (hello, hypothyroidism), you’ll probably feel like you’re stuck in a freezer.
And if you think your body’s thermostat is out of whack, a simple home blood test from Medichecks could give you a peek at what your hormones are up to, so you can figure out why you’re always grabbing that extra sweater!
So next time you’re feeling extra nippy while everyone else is shedding layers, remember—it might just be your hormones doing their own funky thing.
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Here are 5 ways to Improve Your Walk After 50 💪🙌
1. Focus on Posture
Maintaining good posture is crucial as you age. Stand tall with your shoulders back, head aligned with your spine, and engage your core muscles. This will not only improve your walk but also reduce strain on your back and joints.
2. Strengthen Your Muscles
Incorporate strength training exercises into your routine to keep your leg and core muscles strong. Squats, leg raises, and calf raises can all help improve your walking efficiency and stability.
3. Stretch Regularly
Flexibility plays a key role in maintaining a healthy gait. Dedicate time to stretching exercises, especially for your legs and lower back, to enhance range of motion and prevent stiffness.
4. Wear Supportive Footwear
Choose shoes that offer proper support and cushioning. Avoid high heels or unsupportive flats, as they can cause discomfort and impact your walking style negatively. Opt for footwear that is designed for walking or athletic activities.
5. Practice Balance Exercises
Balance tends to decline with age, increasing the risk of falls. Incorporate balance exercises such as standing on one leg or using a balance board to enhance stability and coordination while walking.
Words of wisdom from the wise queen @sandrahartofficial , what a beautiful women 🙌🏾 #dowhatsrightnotwhatseasy #wordsofwisdom #sinsangels
You know how you buy home gym equipment and never use them ? …. I have decided to use every single thing at least once a month 💪🏾. @thesinittaofficial
#wastenotwantnot #mondaymotivation
Celebrating the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women everywhere. Here’s to your well-being and empowerment today and always. Happy International Women’s Day! ❤️ #internationalwomensday