Feeling chilly is a common experience in winters, or when you come out of a cold room in summers. However, if you are experiencing constant chills for a prolonged period of time, then it could indicate an underlying medical condition.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition when your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for regulating your metabolism, temperature and heart rate.

If you have an underactive thyroid gland, then it could cause you to feel cold all the time. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, fatigue, and dry skin.

Anemia

Anemia is a medical condition when you don’t have enough red blood cells in your body. These red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to different parts of your body.

If you don’t have enough red blood cells, then your body will not be able to circulate enough oxygen and you could feel cold all the time. Other symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that is responsible for the health of your nervous system and blood cells. If you don’t have enough vitamin B12 in your body, then you could develop anemia.

In addition to feeling cold all the time, other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include fatigue, weakness, and tingling in your hands and feet.

Raynaud’s disease

Raynaud’s disease is a medical condition that affects your blood vessels. The blood vessels in your hands and feet narrow, and restrict blood flow to your fingers and toes. This can cause them to turn blue or white and feel cold.

Other symptoms of Raynaud’s disease include numbness and tingling in your fingers and toes, and discomfort when you are in cold environments.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

COPD is a group of lung diseases that make it difficult for you to breathe. If you have COPD, your lungs may not be able to take in enough oxygen, which can cause you to feel cold all the time.

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Other symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.

Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when you don’t drink enough fluids to replace the ones that you lose. When you are dehydrated, your body may be unable to regulate your internal temperature, which can cause you to feel cold.

Other symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dry mouth, and fatigue.

Cancer

While rare, feeling cold all the time can be a symptom of cancer. In particular, blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma can cause chills, fever, and other symptoms such as fatigue and weight loss.

Anxiety and depression

Anxiety and depression can cause a range of physical symptoms, including feeling cold all the time.

When you are anxious or depressed, your body may be under increased stress, which can cause your blood vessels to constrict and limit blood flow to your extremities. Other physical symptoms of anxiety and depression include fatigue, headaches, and muscle pain.

Medication side effects

Certain medications can have side effects that cause you to feel cold all the time. For example, beta blockers, which are used to treat high blood pressure, can cause your blood vessels to constrict and limit blood flow to your extremities.

Other medications, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, can also cause chills and other physical symptoms.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing constant chills, it’s important to speak with your doctor. Feeling cold all the time could be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, and getting a proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.