Are you someone who turns up the heat even when it feels warm inside? Do you constantly feel cold, even when everyone else around you is comfortable? Feeling cold all the time, especially when there’s no apparent reason why, can be a sign of an underlying health problem.

Here are 7 probable health reasons why you may be feeling cold all the time:.

1. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones to regulate various functions of the body efficiently. This can include the body’s ability to regulate temperature.

When the thyroid gland produces too few hormones, it can slow down the body’s metabolism, causing you to feel cold all the time, despite warm temperatures.

2. Iron Deficiency Anemia

Anemia is a condition that results from a lack of healthy red blood cells in the body. Iron deficiency anemia, one of the most common types of anemia, occurs when there isn’t enough iron in the body to produce hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Hemoglobin helps carry oxygen through the body, which helps regulate temperature. When there isn’t enough hemoglobin flowing through the body, it can cause cold hands and feet, as well as overall coldness throughout the body.

3. Raynaud’s Disease

Raynaud’s disease is a condition in which the small arteries that supply blood to the skin constrict, limiting blood flow to the affected areas. This can cause fingers, toes, ears, and nose to turn white or blue and feel cold and numb.

Stress or exposure to cold temperatures can trigger the narrowing of the arteries in individuals who have Raynaud’s disease.

4. Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition caused by atherosclerosis, in which the arteries in the legs narrow or become blocked due to a buildup of plaque. PAD can cause legs and feet to feel cold or numb.

The reduced blood flow to the legs and feet can also cause changes in skin color, muscle pain, and swelling.

5. Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t process it properly. Diabetes can cause nerve damage, which can result in a number of symptoms, including cold feet or hands.

Nerve damage can also cause a lack of sweat glands in the feet, which can make the feet drier and more prone to cracking.

6. Anorexia Nervosa

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by self-starvation that results in low body weight and malnutrition. Anorexia can cause a decrease in body temperature, which can cause individuals to feel cold all the time.

Individuals with anorexia may also have a decreased ability to regulate their bodily functions, leading to a decreased ability to change their temperature easily if they’re feeling cold.

7. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition characterized by chronic fatigue that can’t be explained by any underlying medical condition.

The fatigue associated with CFS can be debilitating, and individuals with CFS may experience cold hands and feet, as well as feeling cold in general.

Conclusion

Feeling cold all the time can be a sign of an underlying health problem. If you’re experiencing other symptoms along with the coldness, it’s important to speak with a health care provider to determine the underlying cause.

Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment can be tailored to the specific condition.