Its normal to feel chilly as temperatures drop during the winter.
But if you constantly feel coldregardless of the seasonyou might have a cold intolerance.
This is a sensitivity to cold, which is especially common in women with low body fat.
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This article explores the causes, risk factors, and treatment of cold intolerance.
Olga Rolenko / Getty Images
What Is Cold Intolerance?
Cold intolerance is a sensitivity or hypersensitivity to cold.
Its completely normal to feel cold if youre spending time outdoors in the winter.
But if you feel cold in situations where other people dont, you might have a cold intolerance.
Causes
Cold intolerance is often due to issues with themetabolism.
Body temperatureis regulated in thebrainby hormones.
Heat is generated when your body changes food into energy, a process known as metabolism.
Body fat helps insulate the heat generated by your metabolism.
Any condition that affects your hormones, metabolism, or body fat might contribute to a cold intolerance.
The following are common causes of cold intolerance.
Anemia
Anemiais a condition characterized by low or low-functioningred blood cells.
Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body.
This might result in a cold intolerance.
In fact, feeling cold, weak, or tired are commonsymptomsof anemia.
Anorexia
Anorexia nervosais an eating disorder that causes people to vastly restrict their food intake.
As a result, anorexia can leave a person feeling constantly cold.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidismis a condition in which thethyroid glandis underactive.
The thyroid gland produces hormones that help regulate metabolism and temperature.
If you dont have enough thyroid hormone, youre more likely to feel cold.
Othersymptomsof hypothyroidism includefatigue,constipationand weight gain.
The condition is more common in people with other medical conditions, including autoimmune disorders.
If you have Raynauds disease, youll notice the cold in your fingers and hands especially.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgiais a condition in which pain signals do not process properly.
This can lead to pain throughout the body and other symptoms.
Cold hasa big impacton people with fibromyalgia, causing their skin to hurt.
Its also difficult for people with fibromyalgia to warm up once theyve been cold.
Further, very young babies and older people often struggle to regulate their temperature.
Talk with your healthcare provider about your cold intolerance and any other symptoms that you might be experiencing.
Treatment
Treating cold intolerance involves identifying the underlying cause.
This might include medical testing for certain conditions like hypothyroidism.
Summary
Cold intolerance is a hypersensitivity to cold temperatures.
Causes include conditions like anemia, anorexia, hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, and Raynaud’s syndrome.
Treatment for cold intolerance involves treating one of these underlying issues.
A Word From Verywell
Feeling cold might seem like a minor irritation.
Enjoying time outside and exercise is important for your health, even for people who are cold intolerant.
MedlinePlus.Aging changes in vital signs.
2021;46(7):731-737. doi:10.1177/1753193421996221
