Does My Body Notice When the Weather Is Going to Change?

I hear people talk about this all the time and, actually, I hear myself saying something similar pretty often. But my body is always kooky, and sometimes I wonder if I just assume it’s reacting to the weather when something else is actually happening.

I have dysautonomia, and there is no doubt in my mind that heat and humidity have drastic effects on my symptoms. Living in Florida may as well be living in hell during the summer months.

Lately, I’ve heard a lot of people talking about headaches and sinus pressure. It’s that time of year when temperatures start shifting and allergens seem to be everywhere. What I assume are allergies have been pretty horrific for me these past few weeks.

But what about body pain? Where does that fit in?

Am I hurting more because of seasonal changes, or is this just another change in my symptoms? Chronic illness can make it so difficult to actually identify where a current symptom is coming from. That’s one of the most frustrating parts for me.

Is the weather hurting me, or is my body telling me something new? Did I do something that caused this pain, or is it about to rain?

I know I’m not alone in this. I wonder how other people living with chronic illness figure it out—or if we ever really do.

From the Practice: Can Changing Weather Affect Rheumatic Symptoms?

If you feel like your joints know the weather is changing before you check the forecast, you’re certainly not alone. Many people living with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions report changes in pain, stiffness, fatigue, or other symptoms when the weather changes.

Research suggests the answer isn’t quite as simple as “cold weather makes arthritis worse.” Studies looking at rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic conditions have produced mixed results, and researchers haven’t identified one particular temperature, season, or weather condition that consistently makes symptoms worse for everyone.

Temperature may not even be the only factor. Humidity, changes in barometric pressure, wind, and combinations of weather conditions have all been studied. Some people also appear to be more sensitive to weather changes than others. That could help explain why one person notices a significant difference when a weather front moves through while someone else with the same condition notices nothing at all.

Seasonal changes can affect us in other ways, too. We may move less when it’s cold or rainy, spend more time indoors, sleep differently, or change our normal routines. Those changes can also play a role in stiffness, pain, fatigue, and how we feel overall.

So, is it really the weather? Sometimes the most accurate answer may be: possibly, but it depends on the person.

If you think you notice a pattern, try keeping track of it. Write down when your symptoms change, what you’re experiencing, and what else may have been different that day. Over time, you may see patterns that are worth discussing with your rheumatology provider.

And remember, not having a simple explanation for a change in symptoms doesn’t mean what you’re experiencing isn’t real. Rheumatic diseases affect people differently. Paying attention to your own patterns—and talking with your healthcare team when something changes—is part of learning how your condition affects you.