Heatwave, hives, and low blood pressure

For years now, I’ve dealt with this, but lately, it feels like it’s ramping up. It’s this bizarre sensation where my head and body feel like they're on fire, yet my hands and feet are ice cold. I get this brain fog, almost like I have a fever, even though my actual temperature barely ever climbs above 97. My thermometer just read 94.8°F—it’s always hovering right around there. I feel like I'm burning up, but I’m not even sweating like you'd expect.
The thing is, my blood pressure is notoriously low; it never breaks 100, and one time it hit 80/40. My circulation is already terrible, but this specific feeling is just miserable. My doctor isn't concerned, though. She keeps chalking it up to my anxiety and depression, arguing that if I actually had a fever, I'd know it.
So, what now?
And yeah, I’ll admit I’m not exactly great about staying hydrated. I don't drink much water.

I was actually gonna say, I’m going through the exact same thing, though I've already been diagnosed with anxiety. Now that I see you're dealing with it too, I’m starting to think there's definitely a connection here...

So, I started a new thread here, but it’s just crickets. Anyone got any ideas? Any help at all would be appreciated...

Hey everyone.

About two weeks ago, things started feeling... off. My body just wasn't keeping up. I felt weak, totally drained, and I had zero motivation to do anything active. Honestly, I just figured I was burnt out and that a good night's sleep would fix it.
But as the days went by, things just kept sliding downhill.

About ten days back, I went in for a checkup. Had some chest X-rays and heart tests done, and everything came back perfect. The only slight red flag was my blood pressure being a little on the low side, though they said it was still technically within the normal range.

So, those ten days passed. Today, I decided to go down to the local Red Cross to donate blood. When I got there, they took my vitals. Get this—my blood pressure was 100/45.

They wouldn't let me donate. They told me it was way too low and that I need to see a doctor immediately.

I'm 18. I play soccer, I don't smoke, I don't drink, and I try to eat pretty clean. But like I said, these last two weeks have been a total disaster. Even my parents have been asking if I'm okay because they can tell I've been really down lately.

I'm actually pretty freaked out. If anyone has advice on what to do about the low blood pressure or how I should handle this, please let me know.

I’ve been dealing with this exact same thing all summer. I mean, I love the heat and the sunshine, but—there’s always that "but" 🙄—I just feel completely drained. It’s as if I’ve exhaled my entire life force; I have absolutely zero motivation for anything... I’m living in this state of constant fatigue and exhaustion. Honestly, I’ve even stopped going to the beach because just the effort of dragging myself down there feels like it's sucking the soul right out of me, and then swimming or tanning leaves me so wiped out that I'm practically seeing stars, even though it's broad daylight...
The other day, I almost collapsed in the restroom—it was pretty scary. I broke out in a cold sweat, my ears started ringing, and my heart began racing like crazy. It doesn't really matter whether I've eaten or stayed hydrated; this lack of energy is just constant. I am so exhausted that I don't have the strength for anything at all. To be perfectly honest, I feel like a walking corpse. It’s actually become quite awkward when people invite me out and I have to say I can't make it, so we'll try another time—but then that "other time" comes and goes, and it's the same old story. I end up feeling like I'm just flaking on everyone, when in reality, I truly don't have the energy or the will for anything, let alone going out... 🤷

to stormycanyon18:
If your temperature is dropping below 95 degrees, you’re essentially dealing with hypothermia. That can be dangerous, especially if it's happening when the weather is warm—it suggests your metabolism isn't firing on all cylinders.
Have you ever had your thyroid checked? Hypothyroidism can cause your body temperature to stay consistently low, and it often goes hand-in-hand with issues like depression, anxiety, irregular sweating, or just a general sense of weakness.
I’d strongly suggest getting your thyroid levels tested.

So, I had a doctor's appointment today. When I mentioned how low my body temperature has been running, she just smirked and said, "Well, you're basically a lizard!" Honestly, I’m thinking about asking her for a thyroid referral next time.
Sam Hayes, I feel exactly the same way. It’s like I could sleep for days or just sit there staring at a wall without moving an inch. I’ve been dealing with depression and anxiety—including panic attacks—for nine years now, along with a million other symptoms, but this latest thing is getting in the way of actually living my life.

I was just Googling hypothyroidism—and honestly, as a total hypochondriac, I’m already bracing for a panic attack because now I’ll be waiting for my heart to just stop. Great. It’s funny, though; even though I have a cold, I’m not feeling chilled at all. Instead, I’m burning up. I am constantly, ridiculously hot, and the heat is driving me crazy. I could probably spend twenty-four hours a day sitting right in front of an AC unit or a fan just to feel normal. Only then can I actually breathe.
God, this whole thing is just so irritating!

Come on, people, why has everyone gone silent? Let’s get some banter going... I wouldn't go as far as calling my situation hypothyroidism. Most women dealing with that struggle with massive weight gain and digestive issues, but I’m hitting the restroom two or three times a day. That’s one symptom that just doesn't line up with what I was reading on another forum—apparently, the weight gain is the biggest red flag for women with thyroid issues.

Stopped by my doctor's office to get some blood work done, specifically checking my thyroid levels. When she asked why I was even concerned about hormones, I told her my body temperature is constantly bottoming out—it barely ever hits 96 degrees. She just gave me this patronizing little smirk and said, "So what if it's low? What's the big deal?" I tried bringing up the connection between thyroid issues and metabolic rates, but she just waved me off like I was making things up for attention.

It’s the same story for me—my doctor wouldn't even let me check my hormone levels 😕 she just told me to go get some blood work done instead, though I honestly can't shake the feeling that something isn't quite right...

If you suspect there’s an issue with your thyroid, getting bloodwork done at a private lab (specifically TSH and T4) usually costs around $120-$$50
Before I started my treatment, my body temperature was constantly hovering around 96 degrees—I was almost always under 97.
It’s worth remembering that the symptoms listed for hypothyroidism don't necessarily manifest in every single patient.

For instance, I dealt with more frequent bowel movements, and the weight gain didn't really kick in until my thyroid levels had hit a critical point.
I also struggled with the heat because I just wasn't sweating properly.
In my opinion, if your doctor refused to write you a referral for those hormone tests, they aren't taking your concerns seriously enough.

p.s. stormycanyon18, I see you eventually went in to get your thyroid levels checked; did you get your results back yet?

ironsurfer8 said:If you suspect there’s an issue with your thyroid, getting bloodwork done at a private lab (specifically TSH and T4) usually costs around $120-$$50
Before I started my treatment, my body temperature was constantly hovering around 96 degrees—I was almost always under 97.
It’s worth remembering that the symptoms listed for hypothyroidism don't necessarily manifest in every single patient.

For instance, I dealt with more frequent bowel movements, and the weight gain didn't really kick in until my thyroid levels had hit a critical point.
I also struggled with the heat because I just wasn't sweating properly.
In my opinion, if your doctor refused to write you a referral for those hormone tests, they aren't taking your concerns seriously enough.

p.s. stormycanyon18, I see you eventually went in to get your thyroid levels checked; did you get your results back yet?

Not sure where you are, but my hormone and antibody tests cost about $300.😲

Anyway, I've got basically every symptom mentioned in the original post (minus the low temp), and I totally agree with what > said, except my thyroid is actually fine.🤷

Edward Murphy4 said:Not sure where you are, but my hormone and antibody tests cost about $300.😲

Anyway, I've got basically every symptom mentioned in the original post (minus the low temp), and I totally agree with what > said, except my thyroid is actually fine.🤷

Same here.
I second everything Sam Hayes said, word for word.
My temperature rarely even hits 97.
I’ve got zero energy. Just total body weakness and no motivation for anything. Honestly, I feel like an 80-year-old instead of a 21-year-old.🙄
I've had my thyroid checked several times. My doctor sent me for blood work and an ultrasound because she suspected something was up, but everything looked perfect. Since then, my doctor has sent me for follow-ups a few more times, and once again, everything came back normal.
I don't know, maybe it's related to anemia or just how badly I can't stand the heat.
Who knows. All I know is this state of being is absolutely exhausting.😠

Edward Murphy4 said:Not sure where you are, but my hormone and antibody tests cost about $300.😲

Anyway, I've got basically every symptom mentioned in the original post (minus the low temp), and I totally agree with what > said, except my thyroid is actually fine.🤷

That’s why I suggested starting with just TSH and T4; they provide a solid baseline. If those hormone levels look good, you might just have to wait for an appointment through your insurance provider (which, at many major hospitals, can mean waiting several months)
Antibody testing is incredibly expensive. If you went ahead and ran every possible test available, you could easily be looking at roughly $300

But if women are already experiencing low body temperatures and other disruptions, and we suspect the thyroid is involved, the TSH should ideally flag it—though, of course, there are always exceptions.
And if it isn't the thyroid, there is a whole spectrum of other issues that could trigger those exact same symptoms.

So, I had my three main thyroid levels checked. I don't have the lab report right in front of me, but everything was within range—nothing too high, nothing too low. So, I'd say things look fine.
, what else could be causing similar symptoms? My psychiatrist insists it’s all just depression.

The doctor gave me a referral, so the blood work didn't cost me anything. But here's the thing: I actually fainted during the draw. I've never had an issue like this before; usually, I can sit there, handle the pain, and watch the whole process without blinking. Now? The second the needle hits, my hands and feet go pale and everything goes dark. Jesus, what am I turning into?

Hmm, I’m not entirely sure how you define depression in this context. In my experience, what felt like depression was actually just a side effect of my thyroid issues...

Could it be low iron? That caused me some very similar symptoms—that heavy sensation where you feel like you can't quite catch a full breath, constant fatigue, and needing to lie down immediately after something as simple as making the bed. I even fainted once while donating blood, which isn't something that usually happens to me...

I don't know,
if you're still feeling that same way now that the weather has turned a bit colder, perhaps you should go back to your doctor. You really need to keep digging until you find the root cause. To me, it doesn't seem logical that this is purely from depression, though if you have been struggling for a long time and are on medication, it could certainly be a side effect. Maybe it’s time to discuss adjusting your prescription or trying something else...

Dear stormycanyon18,

Some of the symptoms you mentioned align with what’s known as chronic constitutional hypotension.

People dealing with this condition often report dizziness, general weakness, chronic fatigue, cold extremities, brain fog, poor concentration, and an overall sense of malaise. In some cases, depression and anxiety can also surface. Typically, blood pressure readings stay below 100/60 mmHg.

In these instances, there isn't a single identifiable cause; a diagnosis is usually made only after ruling out all other potential reasons for low blood pressure.

Treatment doesn't always yield the desired results. However, managing the symptoms can involve certain lifestyle adjustments: regular exercise, sleeping with your head elevated, increasing salt intake (though you must consult a doctor before doing this), rising slowly from a lying position, eating smaller meals more frequently, avoiding hot environments, and staying away from alcohol.

Are you experiencing these specific issues? It's impossible to determine if this disorder is at play without a medical evaluation and diagnostic testing.

Please consult with your physician regarding the possibility of this type of blood pressure disorder.

Best regards. 🙂

Sam Hayes said:I’ve been dealing with this exact same thing all summer. I mean, I love the heat and the sunshine, but—there’s always that "but" 🙄—I just feel completely drained. It’s as if I’ve exhaled my entire life force; I have absolutely zero motivation for anything... I’m living in this state of constant fatigue and exhaustion. Honestly, I’ve even stopped going to the beach because just the effort of dragging myself down there feels like it's sucking the soul right out of me, and then swimming or tanning leaves me so wiped out that I'm practically seeing stars, even though it's broad daylight...
The other day, I almost collapsed in the restroom—it was pretty scary. I broke out in a cold sweat, my ears started ringing, and my heart began racing like crazy. It doesn't really matter whether I've eaten or stayed hydrated; this lack of energy is just constant. I am so exhausted that I don't have the strength for anything at all. To be perfectly honest, I feel like a walking corpse. It’s actually become quite awkward when people invite me out and I have to say I can't make it, so we'll try another time—but then that "other time" comes and goes, and it's the same old story. I end up feeling like I'm just flaking on everyone, when in reality, I truly don't have the energy or the will for anything, let alone going out... 🤷

It’s uncanny how much I relate to this—it honestly feels like I sat down and wrote those exact words myself. I headed out to the coast, nursing this hope that a little salt air and sunshine might actually do something for my mental state, and for the first week, things were actually decent. I felt a spark of energy, a genuine sense of momentum. But then? It all just collapsed. The exhaustion came back, and this time it feels different—this crushing, chronic fatigue that just won't budge. I can sleep until 10:00 AM and still find it an absolute struggle to drag myself out of bed in the morning. And don't even get me started on the tachycardia; that racing heart sensation is just miserable. I recently went in for blood work, and while my iron levels are technically fine, I’ve dealt with anemia my entire life, and somehow, it manifests in me in a completely different, much more debilitating way. I feel useless—just completely, utterly drained of any purpose. And now, of course, I’m staring down a mountain of studying while feeling like I have absolutely nothing left in the tank. Is there ever a break?😢
I happen to have a low tolerance.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I’m open to hearing what you all might recommend—though, given the circumstances, I won't hold my breath for anything truly revolutionary.

ruggedmarlin2 said:It’s uncanny how much I relate to this—it honestly feels like I sat down and wrote those exact words myself. I headed out to the coast, nursing this hope that a little salt air and sunshine might actually do something for my mental state, and for the first week, things were actually decent. I felt a spark of energy, a genuine sense of momentum. But then? It all just collapsed. The exhaustion came back, and this time it feels different—this crushing, chronic fatigue that just won't budge. I can sleep until 10:00 AM and still find it an absolute struggle to drag myself out of bed in the morning. And don't even get me started on the tachycardia; that racing heart sensation is just miserable. I recently went in for blood work, and while my iron levels are technically fine, I’ve dealt with anemia my entire life, and somehow, it manifests in me in a completely different, much more debilitating way. I feel useless—just completely, utterly drained of any purpose. And now, of course, I’m staring down a mountain of studying while feeling like I have absolutely nothing left in the tank. Is there ever a break?😢
I happen to have a low tolerance.
Does anyone have any suggestions? I’m open to hearing what you all might recommend—though, given the circumstances, I won't hold my breath for anything truly revolutionary.

Have you guys had your thyroid checked yet? Are you taking any iron supplements? If you don't mind sharing, could you post your most recent blood work results?

Well, I'm reviving this thread after a two-year hiatus.
I'm still running cold, and the heat is absolutely killing me. Meanwhile, my doctor—who also happens to be my godfather and close friend—is suggesting I just have more sex to warm up. Could this be a side effect of taking Prozac?