Do you often find yourself shivering or needing extra layers even when others around you are comfortable? Feeling cold all the time can be a frustrating experience, especially when you can’t seem to warm up no matter what you do.

While occasional chills are normal, chronic coldness might indicate an underlying health issue. In this article, we explore some potential culprits behind persistent coldness and discuss when it might be necessary to seek medical advice.

1. Anemia

Anemia is a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. One common symptom of anemia is feeling cold or having cold hands and feet.

This happens because a reduced number of red blood cells means less oxygen is transported to your extremities. If you frequently experience coldness along with fatigue, weakness, and paleness, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

2. Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature. When it doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, a condition known as hypothyroidism, you may feel cold more often than usual.

Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, and hair loss. If you suspect that an underactive thyroid is causing your constant coldness, consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation.

3. Poor Circulation

Inadequate blood flow can contribute to feeling cold all the time. Several conditions can lead to poor circulation, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), Raynaud’s disease, or diabetes.

These conditions can restrict blood flow to the extremities, making your hands and feet feel persistently cold. If you notice any changes in your circulation along with coldness, tingling, or numbness in your limbs, it’s essential to seek medical attention to identify and address the underlying cause.

4. Low Body Weight

If you have a significantly low body weight or have recently lost a considerable amount of weight, you may find yourself feeling cold more often.

When your body lacks sufficient insulation due to low body fat, it becomes challenging to maintain a stable body temperature. This is particularly true for individuals with eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa.

It’s crucial to address any concerns regarding weight loss and constantly feeling cold with a healthcare professional who can provide appropriate guidance and support.

5. Dehydration

Proper hydration is vital for maintaining a healthy body temperature. When you don’t drink enough fluids, your body struggles to regulate heat efficiently.

Dehydration can be a common cause of feeling cold, especially when combined with other symptoms like dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, or dark-colored urine. Ensure you’re drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and to help your body regulate its temperature effectively.

6. Medications

Some medications, like beta-blockers or antipsychotics, can interfere with your body’s natural ability to regulate temperature. They may cause blood vessels to constrict or affect your metabolism, resulting in feeling chilly.

If you’re taking any medications and noticed a correlation between starting them and feeling cold, consult with your prescribing healthcare provider to discuss potential alternatives or adjustments to your dosage.

7. Anorexia Nervosa and Other Eating Disorders

Eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa, can significantly impact body temperature regulation. Severely restricted food intake and low body weight can lead to a drop in core body temperature.

Additionally, hormonal imbalances associated with eating disorders can affect circulation and contribute to feeling cold all the time. If you suspect you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, it is crucial to seek professional help as soon as possible.

8. Chronic Stress

Excessive or prolonged stress can wreak havoc on your body, affecting various systems, including your body’s ability to regulate temperature.

Stress leads to the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can constrict blood vessels and lead to cold sensations.

If you are constantly under significant stress and experiencing persistent coldness along with other stress-related symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, or sleep disturbances, consider stress management techniques and reach out to a healthcare professional for support.

9. Iron Deficiency

Iron is crucial for maintaining proper body temperature regulation. A deficiency in iron levels can lead to anemia, as mentioned earlier, but it can also directly affect your body’s ability to generate heat.

If you have symptoms like feeling cold, fatigue, pale skin, or brittle nails, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider who can conduct appropriate tests to determine your iron levels and recommend appropriate supplementation or dietary changes.

10. Inadequate Caloric Intake

If you’re not consuming enough calories to meet your body’s energy needs, your metabolism slows down to conserve energy. This reduction in metabolic rate can result in feeling cold, as your body isn’t generating enough heat.

Inadequate caloric intake is commonly seen in individuals with eating disorders or restrictive diets. If you suspect that insufficient calorie intake is causing your constant coldness, seek guidance from a registered dietitian or healthcare professional familiar with nutrition to ensure you’re meeting your body’s energy requirements.