Ever catch yourself shivering when everyone around you is fine? If you’re constantly grabbing an extra sweater or blanket, you may have cold intolerance. This intolerance to cooler temperatures may be more than a matter of personal preference—it may be a sign of an underlying health condition.
Cold intolerance can occur for several reasons. One is hypothyroidism, a situation where the thyroid gland does not secrete enough hormones to maintain metabolism and body temperature. As your metabolism decreases, you might become cold, as well as experience fatigue and dry skin.
Another offender is anemia, which occurs when your body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen effectively. Iron deficiency anemia, usually caused by a diet that is too poor or bleeding, can bring on cold hands and feet, fatigue, and weakness. Having sufficient iron in your diet can relieve these symptoms.
Raynaud’s disease is a disorder of blood vessels that leads to narrowing of the arteries in your fingers and toes in response to cold or stress. This may result in your extremities whitening or bluing and feeling cold. Stress management and keeping warm can ease Raynaud’s symptoms.
It can also make you more sensitive to the cold. If you don’t have enough body fat to act as insulation, you may be colder than other people. This is particularly typical in those with eating disorders, where weight loss will decrease the rate of metabolism.
Poor circulation, due to conditions such as peripheral artery disease, may cause your hands and feet to be colder than the rest of your body. Proper hydration and taking care of circulation problems may reduce cold sensitivity.
Diabetes, if poorly controlled, can cause nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy), which can impair your sense of feeling temperature normally. People with diabetic neuropathy can feel cold, particularly in their feet, even when the room temperature is normal. Controlling your blood sugar can prevent these complications.
Vitamin B12 deficiency may also cause a feeling of cold. This vitamin is important for nerve and blood health, and without sufficient amounts of it, you may suffer from anemia and impaired circulation.
If you find yourself always cold and it’s beginning to get in the way of your day-to-day activities, you may want to speak with a medical professional. They can determine if there are any underlying issues and advise you on the next best step to take.
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