Why am I always cold? 5 possible causes Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe 5 causes of cold intoleranceMedically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD — By Shannon Johnson — Updated on September 19, 2022Some people naturally tend to feel colder than others without any discernible cause. However, cold intolerance can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Dysfunction of the thyroid gland, arterial blood flow, and low body fat can all cause a person to feel cold. In this article, learn about a range of possible reasons for cold intolerance. We also describe when to see a doctor. Causes of cold intolerance Share on PinterestAnna Rammelkamp/EyeEm/Getty ImagesThere are many reasons why a person might feel cold all the time, including: 1 Hypothyroidism Cold intolerance is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. These hormones help regulate metabolism and temperature. When the thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormones, the body’s processes tend to slow down. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include:fatiguedepressionthinning hairconstipationmenstrual issuesa low heart rate A doctor can diagnose hypothyroidism with a simple blood test. Treatment often consists of thyroid hormone replacement. Learn more about hypothyroidism here. 2 Raynaud s phenomenon Raynaud’s phenomenon causes blood vessels to narrow when a person experiences cold or stress. This decreases blood flow and may cause affected areas to feel cold. It commonly affects the arteries in the fingers and toes. Some people may also experience symptoms of Raynaud’s in their lips, ears, and nipples. During episodes, the affected areas can turn pale. As blood flow returns, the fingers and toes can feel numb or painful. Treatment involves avoiding triggers if possible and, for some people, medication or surgery. Learn more about Raynaud’s disease here. 3 Anemia Anemia occurs when a person does not have enough red blood cells circulating and carrying oxygen throughout the body. Symptoms of anemia, including feeling cold, result from a relative lack of oxygen. Other symptoms can include:weakness or fatiguedizziness or lightheadednesstrouble breathingincreased heart rateheadachepale skin There are several kinds of anemia. Types that may make a person feel cold include: Iron-deficiency anemia Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. It typically occurs due to blood loss but can also result from poor iron absorption. People who are pregnant or menstruating are at risk of iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin-deficiency anemia Anemia can also result from nutritional deficiency. Low levels of vitamin B-12 and folic acid can lead to anemia, usually from inadequate dietary intake. Learn more about anemia here. 4 Anorexia nervosa Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterized by weight loss or inadequate weight gain and a distorted body image. People with AN may intensely restrict their food intake, exercise excessively, or purge with laxatives or by vomiting. People with anorexia often have a low core temperature. They may also have low levels of body fat and a reduced basal metabolic rate. All of these factors can cause a person to feel excessive cold. Other symptoms of anorexia can include:weight lossstomach problems, such as constipation or crampingtrouble concentratingdizziness or faintingirregular periodsdry, brittle hair or nailsweaknesspoor wound healingintense fear of becoming overweightrestricting certain foods or categories of foodbeing secretive about food intakefear of eating in publicsocial isolation Treatment of anorexia nervosa often involves a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, and nutritionists. A person may benefit from talk therapy in addition to medication and a nutrition plan. Learn more about anorexia nervosa here. 5 Peripheral artery disease Peripheral artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to the rest of the body. Another name for this buildup is atherosclerosis. The accumulation of plaque in the arteries makes them narrower, which means that it is more difficult for blood to flow through them. Peripheral artery disease often causes decreased blood flow to the extremities, creating a feeling of coldness, numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands, feet, or both. In severe cases, peripheral artery disease can lead to tissue death. Treatment for peripheral artery disease often includes lifestyle changes, such as exercising and quitting smoking. Some people also need surgery. Do women feel colder than men A note about sex and gender Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more. Research suggests that women may feel colder or have a higher preferred temperature than men. The authors of a 2015 study reported that the preferred room temperature for men is 22°C (71.6°F), while for women, it is 3°C higher, at 25°C (77°F). One possible reason for a more significant cold intolerance in females is that they often have a lower resting metabolic rate than men, which means that a female body may use less energy when resting. A higher metabolic rate can keep the body warmer, while a low metabolic rate may keep someone feeling cold. When to contact a doctor If cold intolerance is a new symptom or a person’s tolerance for cold is diminishing, it is best to contact a doctor. The doctor will ask for a detailed history of symptoms and conduct a physical exam. Depending on the exam results, the doctor may order additional testing, such as blood tests to check hormone levels or blood counts to determine if there is an underlying medical cause. Summary Some people tend to feel colder than others; this is not usually an indication of any health issue. However, if a person is experiencing new or worsening cold intolerance, it might be a sign of an underlying condition. Anyone concerned about cold intolerance or anyone who experiences additional symptoms should see a doctor for an evaluation. Last medically reviewed on September 19, 2022HypothyroidBlood / HematologyCardiovascular / Cardiology 8 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Anorexia: Symptoms. (2021).https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/anorexia/symptoms/Hypothyroidism (underactive). (n.d.).https://www.thyroid.org/hypothyroidism/Iron deficiency anemia. (2021).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/Iron-deficiency anemia. (2022).https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/anemia/iron-deficiency-anemiaKingma, B., et al. (2015). Energy consumption in buildings and female thermal demand.https://www.nature.com/articles/nclimate2741.epdfPeripheral artery disease. (n.d.).https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/peripheral-artery-diseaseRaynaud's. (2020).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/raynauds/Smith, L. L. (2021). The central role of hypothermia and hyperactivity in anorexia nervosa: A hypothesis.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2021.700645/fullFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD — By Shannon Johnson — Updated on September 19, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related Coverage12 signs and symptoms of hypothyroidismMedically reviewed by Vincent J. Tavella DVM, MPH Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Low levels of thyroid hormones can cause a wide…READ MOREHypothyroidism: Foods to eat and avoidMedically reviewed by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD Certain foods and supplements may improve or worsen symptoms of an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism. Learn more here.READ MOREWhat does it mean when you have a cold nose?Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., MSN A cold nose can be uncomfortable when the weather is chilly. But there can be other potential causes, including an underactive thyroid or…READ MOREVitamins and supplements for circulationMedically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D. Some supplements may help increase circulation, but there is little robust evidence to support this. Learn which supplements may help here.READ MORECauses and treatment for mottled skinMedically reviewed by Nancy Carteron, M.D., FACR Mottled skin can develop for various reasons, including low circulation, septic shock, and some chronic health conditions. Learn more here.READ MORE