Why Am I Always Cold? 8 Possible Causes

Each person reacts differently to a cold environment. Some people might be more tolerant of the cold, while others may need a blanket or jacket to keep themselves warm, no matter the temperature. If you constantly feel cold despite wearing a coat, turning up the heater, or taking other steps to keep yourself warm, you may be hypersensitive to the cold.

There are various possible causes for this. Sometimes, an underlying medical condition could be the main culprit. In other cases, sleep deprivation and low body weight could explain why you constantly feel cold. Continue reading to find out 8 possible reasons why you feel cold all the time.

1. A thyroid gland disorder

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is one common cause of cold intolerance. When the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones, it can cause an over-sensitivity to the cold. The thyroid’s ability to produce enough thyroid hormone is crucial to regulating the body’s metabolism. An underactive thyroid leads to a slowed-down metabolism, leading to a drop in core body temperature, which can make a person feel cold when they normally wouldn’t.

Other symptoms of hypothyroidism to look out for include:

Constipation
Weight gain
Low energy levels
Dry skin
Thinning hair

2. Anemia

You rely on healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. Anemia is a condition where your body does not produce enough red blood cells or when the destruction of these cells happens faster than they can be replaced. Another possible cause of anemia is heavy bleeding.

Iron-deficiency anemia, the most common type of anemia, occurs when your body does not have the iron required to generate sufficient red blood cells. Talk to your doctor about iron supplements if you suspect iron deficiency anemia. Vitamin B12 deficiency might also lead to anemia.

Because of this lack of red blood cells, you might have poor circulation and a lack of oxygen in your body’s tissues, making it more difficult to maintain body heat, regulate body temperature, and stay warm in cold environments.

3. Low body weight

In general, low body weight may be linked to lesser body fat. The fat that lies below your skin can serve as an insulator. Thus, having less might mean you’re more likely to experience cold intolerance and therefore feel cold more often.

There are several possible causes of a reduction in body fat. Aging can naturally decrease body fat. An eating disorder, mental health condition, or digestive and kidney diseases may also be linked to low body weight, weight loss, and fat loss. If you experience rapid weight loss that concerns you, it’s always best to seek professional medical advice.

4. Side effects of certain medications

You may feel cold after starting certain medications. For example, you might be more susceptible to feeling cold or chronic coldness after commencing beta-blockers, such as propranolol, commonly used to treat high blood pressure and other heart-related conditions. Some research also suggests that medications used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may contribute to cold hands and feet and greater cold sensitivity.

If you do experience this side effect, seek your doctor’s advice. Avoid making any changes to your medication regimen without consulting your treating physician first.

5. Raynaud’s disease

Raynaud’s disease is a disorder that affects blood flow to certain parts of the body, particularly your fingers and toes. It might also lead to reduced blood flow to the ears, knees, nipples, and nose. Because the supply of blood to these areas is limited, you might feel cold and numb.

Other symptoms associated with Raynaud’s disease include the following:

Numbness in the hands and feet
Changes in skin color to white, then blue
Pain and swollenness in the hands and feet when warmed

Experts still don’t know the exact cause behind this condition. But it happens when your blood vessels respond too strongly to cold temperatures, and this causes them to narrow, restricting blood flow to various parts of your body.

6. Peripheral artery disease

This phenomenon refers to the narrowing of the blood vessels that carry blood around your body. This is usually due to the accumulation of fat and cholesterol deposits known as plaque in the arteries, which impedes blood flow to the heart and other body parts. This can lead to cold hands and feet. Other symptoms of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) include:

Weakness or numbness in your legs
Weak pulse in your legs and feet
Cramping and discomfort in your buttocks or legs
Pale, shiny, smooth, or dry skin
Discomfort in your leg and hip muscles

7. Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that occurs when your blood sugar levels are too high. If your blood glucose levels are constantly raised, this might damage your blood vessel lining and contribute to a buildup of deposits inside your blood vessels. Hence, diabetes is associated with poor blood circulation, which might make a person feel cold.

In certain cases, people with diabetes may also develop diabetic neuropathy. This form of nerve damage results from persistently high blood sugar levels, leading to discomfort, numbness, pain, and cold intolerance.

8. Sleep deprivation

When you don’t get enough sleep, this can impact your ability to regulate body temperature. A lack of sleep can also make you more susceptible to catching a cold and experiencing flu-like symptoms and chills.

There are various ways you can ensure that you get enough quality sleep at night. For example, it’s best to stick to a regular sleeping schedule, which means you’d go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Creating a comfortable, dark, and quiet environment that’s just the right temperature can also help improve the quality of your sleep.

When to see a doctor

If your cold intolerance persists despite your best efforts to stay warm, it’s best to seek your doctor’s advice. You should also consult your healthcare professional if you experience any other accompanying symptoms, such as pain, numbness, or changes to your skin color.

Your doctor can perform a physical examination and simple blood tests to assess if it is suspected that an underlying medical condition is responsible for your cold intolerance and discomfort. This enables you to gain access to proper treatment, which can help improve your symptoms and reduce cold sensitivity.

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