Experiencing Persistent Feelings of Coldness? Find Out Why.
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If you find yourself constantly feeling cold, even in warm environments, it might be more than just a chilly day. Several medical conditions could be the culprit, often linked to poor circulation, reduced oxygen delivery, or metabolic issues.
Anemia, especially iron deficiency anemia, is one such condition. When your body has fewer red blood cells or low hemoglobin, oxygen transport to tissues decreases, leading to symptoms such as feeling cold all the time, tiredness, pale skin, and a fast heartbeat. Iron deficiency anemia is common, particularly in women and vegetarians, and is associated with cold intolerance even if not full anemia.
Hypothyroidism, or a low-functioning thyroid, is another potential cause. This condition reduces metabolism and body temperature regulation, causing chronic cold sensations. Other symptoms include weight gain, dry skin, fatigue, and thinning hair.
Poor circulation and blood vessel disorders, such as Raynaud’s disease, peripheral artery disease (PAD), arteriosclerosis, or blood vessel blockages, restrict blood flow, especially to extremities. Symptoms include cold fingers or toes, numbness, bluish tint, pain while walking, and poor wound healing in severe cases.
Diabetes can also cause feelings of cold due to peripheral neuropathy—nerve damage in hands and feet—that creates sensations of cold, tingling, or numbness alongside other signs like frequent urination and fatigue.
Low body fat or low BMI can cause feelings of coldness due to aging, changes in diet and exercise, or malnourishment. People with low body weight, such as in anorexia, may feel cold frequently since fat insulates and helps maintain body warmth.
Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can cause cold, damp feet or hands even in cool environments, sometimes linked with nerve conditions. This is less common but relevant when coldness occurs with sweating.
In summary, the common thread in these conditions is impaired oxygen or blood flow, or reduced metabolic heat production, which leads to a persistent feeling of cold. Symptoms like fatigue, pale or dry skin, numbness, and changes in hair or weight are important clues indicating these underlying health issues. Evaluation of thyroid function, iron levels, blood circulation, and blood sugar is often necessary to identify the cause.
If you notice a sudden change in your feelings of coldness or if you are experiencing other symptoms in combination with feelings of coldness, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider. Debilitating or acute feelings of coldness are reasons to seek medical attention. If everyone else in your household is warm and you are consistently cold, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Cold hands and feet: Causes and treatment. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cold-hands-and-feet/symptoms-causes/syc-20372046
[2] American Diabetes Association. (2021). Diabetic neuropathy. [online] Available at: https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/diabetes-care/complications/neuropathy
[3] NHS. (2021). Anemia. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anemia/
[4] American Society of Hematology. (2021). Iron deficiency anemia. [online] Available at: https://www.hematology.org/patients/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia
[5] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hyperhidrosis. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperhidrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20373711
- Maintaining good health and wellness in the workplace can help prevent chronic diseases like anemia, which can lead to feelings of coldness and other symptoms.
- Fitness and exercise, in addition to a balanced diet, can help improve nutrition and bolster the body's immune system, potentially reducing the risk of medical conditions associated with chronic cold sensations.
- Adequate skin care is important for overall health, and skin issues such as dryness can be a sign of hypothyroidism, a condition that may cause chronic cold feelings.
- The use of therapies and treatments, like CBD oil known for its anti-inflammatory properties, might potentially alleviate symptoms of conditions related to reduced blood flow or poor circulation.
- Mental health care is essential for maintaining overall well-being, as stress and anxiety can exacerbate chronic cold sensations or other symptoms associated with underlying health issues.
- By focusing on health and wellness, fitness, mental health, nutrition, and skin care, individuals can work towards achieving a holistic approach to overall well-being that may help prevent or manage symptoms of coldness.
