Why Am I Always Cold?
Feeling cold all the time could be due to anaemia, an underactive thyroid, or poor circulation. It may also relate to weight, infections, or medications. A doctor can help diagnose and treat the cause.
Some people feel the cold more than others, but we all feel it sometimes. Learn why you might feel cold all the time and what to do to warm up.
Do you always wear a sweater while everyone else wears a T-shirt? Is it common for your hands and feet to be icy? Some people feel the cold more frequently than others because they react differently to it.
When you are extremely sensitive to cold temperatures, you may have cold intolerance or hypersensitivity. Intolerance to the cold may be a side effect of medication or a sign of an underlying health problem.
Signs and Symptoms of Cold Intolerance
You may also notice the following symptoms if you are persistently cold:
• Feet and hands that are icy
• Shivering persistently
• Your limbs feel stiff
• Numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, and toes
• Having a chill when others don't
Why Am I Always Cold? 8 Possible Causes
1. Anaemia and Feeling Cold
Anaemia occurs when your body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to all body parts.
Consequently, cold hands and feet are common, as well as symptoms such as:
• Extreme tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling weak and lethargic
• Feeling faint or dizzy
• Headaches
• Pale or yellowish skin
Anaemia refers to a variety of conditions, including iron deficiency anaemia. A blood test by your doctor is a good way to determine if you are anaemic.
The treatment may vary depending on the cause of the levels; for example, it may cause anaemia and anaemia. Iron supplements may be needed.
2. Poor Sleep and Low Body Temperature
A bad night's sleep can leave you feeling cold. Your internal temperature drops whenever you are ready to sleep, causing you to feel cold more frequently.
You are more likely to feel cold if you are awake when your body needs sleep. This is especially true for shift workers, whose natural body clock is at its lowest between 3 am and 6 am.
3. Underactive Thyroid and Cold Sensitivity
Body temperature, energy, and metabolism are all controlled by the thyroid. Cold intolerance may develop if your thyroid is underactive or not functioning properly.
An underactive thyroid can also cause the following symptoms:
• Putting on weight
• Having constipation
• Feeling tired
• Having dry skin
• Thin hair and brittle nails
• Depression-like feelings
• Weakness and aches in the muscles
• Inability to drive sex
• For women, heavy or irregular periods are common
You may need a blood test to determine your thyroid function if you experience symptoms.
4. Raynaud’s Syndrome and Cold Hands
When you're cold or stressed, your fingers might turn white or lighter in colour. This condition is known as Raynaud's syndrome. During cold weather, the condition narrows and constricts blood vessels, depriving the tissues of oxygen.
There are also the following symptoms:
• The feeling of pins and needles
• Feeling numb
• Having difficulty moving the affected area or experiencing pain
When Raynaud's affects your daily life, talk to your doctor.
5. Low Body Weight and Cold Intolerance
In addition to keeping you warm, body fat also insulates your body. Subcutaneous fat is a thermal insulator and helps maintain body temperature by insulating against cold. When your body weight is low, you may be more susceptible to colds.
If you drastically reduce your calorie intake, your body will slow down its metabolism to conserve energy, making you feel colder. In people with anorexia, this occurs.
Also, you should consult a doctor if you experience sudden weight loss.
6. Poor Circulation and Feeling Cold
Perivascular artery disease (PAD) limits blood flow to the legs. Known as atherosclerosis, it's caused by the accumulation of fatty deposits in arteries. Smokers, diabetics, and high cholesterol suffer from this more often.
Cold can be more pronounced if your blood flow is reduced. Typically, it affects the feet, but it can also affect other parts of your body.
There are also the following symptoms that may occur:
• Pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs after exercise
• Brittle nails
• Loss of hair on your legs
• Legs with pale or blue skin
See your doctor if you always feel cold, cramps, or recurring leg pain.
7. Can Medications Make You Feel Cold?
Cold sensitivity can be caused by certain medications, particularly in the hands and feet. It has been shown that certain medications can damage nerves or obstruct circulation, making us feel colder.
You may feel colder after taking the following medications:
• A beta-blocker
• Insulin-like substances
• Taking antibiotics
• Anti-immunosuppressives
• Therapy for hormone replacement (HRT)
• Treatment with chemotherapy
• Contraceptive hormones
The doctor can help you find alternatives if you experience side effects from any medication.
8. Feeling Cold During Illness or Infection
It is common knowledge that the flu may cause temporary chills, and if you have a virus or infection, you may also feel cold and then hot.
An area of your brain called the hypothalamus controls your body temperature. Pyrogens, which help fight infection when you're ill, can trigger shivering and raise your body's temperature.
Antibiotics or another treatment may be prescribed when experiencing symptoms of an infection.
Common Causes of Feeling Cold and What to Do
| Cause | Description | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Anaemia | Low red blood cells reduce oxygen delivery | Get a blood test, consider iron therapy |
| Underactive thyroid | Slowed metabolism affects temperature | Test thyroid levels, take prescribed meds |
| Poor sleep | Body temperature drops without enough rest | Improve sleep hygiene |
| Raynaud’s syndrome | Narrowed vessels in hands and feet | Keep warm, talk to a doctor |
| Low body weight | Less body fat means less insulation | Eat balanced meals, check BMI |
| Peripheral arterial disease | Reduced blood flow to limbs | Lifestyle changes, consult GP |
| Medication side effects | Some meds reduce circulation or nerve flow | Ask doctor about alternatives |
| Viral or bacterial infection | Fever chills or temperature swings | Rest, hydrate, treat infection properly |
Tips to Stay Warm and Manage Cold Intolerance
Consult your doctor if you constantly feel cold. Despite this, you can do several things to feel warmer.
Keep Moving
Physical activity can generate heat by contracting your muscles and increasing your circulation.
Layer Up
Multilayered clothing traps warm air and acts as an insulator, so wearing multiple layers is a good idea.
Get Enough Sleep
You won't experience cold intolerance if you get enough sleep, in addition to helping your body and mind function effectively.
Eat A Balanced Diet
Some nutritional deficiencies are associated with feeling cold, such as iron deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency. Make sure your body is receiving the nutrients it needs.
Avoid Using Alcohol To Keep Warm
As alcohol dilates the blood vessels in your skin, you feel warmer, but it also pulls heat away from your vital organs, making you feel colder.
When to See a Doctor About Feeling Cold
If you feel extra sensitive to the cold, you should first speak with a healthcare professional. They can help determine whether there is an underlying cause.
If you feel cold and have any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor:
• Loss of weight without explanation
• Fatigue to the extreme
• Hands and feet are numb or tingling
• Shortness of breath
• A palpitation of the heart
• Pain in the legs after exercise
• Having a low body weight or having concerns about eating disorders
If you are constantly feeling cold and need medical attention, then get in touch with the Mobi Doctor.
Doctors at Mobi Doctor can provide you with the appropriate treatment and can assist you in recovering.
