Feeling Colder During Period? Doctor Explains Causes and Tips to Manage

Period causes various changes in a woman’s body, be it cravings to mood swings. Did you know that some women feel colder during this time of the month? In fact, this is an extremely common phenomenon, often known as period chills. But what causes women to feel colder during their cycle? Today, this article will explain it for you.

To understand this better, we reached out to a top gynaecologist, Dr Lavanya Kiran, Director and Lead Consultant, Obstetrics, Gynaecology, KIMS Hospitals, Electronic City, Bengaluru.    

What Makes You Feel Colder During Your Period?

Dr Kiran says that it is fairly common to feel colder than normal during your period. Explaining this, the expert says, “In most instances, this is due to usual hormonal fluctuations. Following ovulation, progesterone levels go up and cause the body's core temperature to rise a little. When progesterone levels fall just before the onset of menstruation, this change in temperature can make some women feel colder, especially in the hands and feet.”

She continues, “Menstruating women may also feel cold, particularly if their periods are heavy. If blood loss is repeated or substantial it can deplete the body's iron reserves and eventually result in iron-deficiency anaemia, a condition which can cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness and a greater sensitivity to cold. Additionally, a decreased appetite, dehydration, bad sleep and period cramps can all make a person feel unwell or cold.”

period chills 1

Tips To Deal With Period Chills

Dr Kiran shares some practical and effective tips that can help you deal with period chills:

• Keep yourself hydrated.
• Have plenty of foods rich in iron, such as greens, lentils, beans, sesame seeds and lean meat, coupled with foods rich in vitamin C (to help absorption).
• Wear layers.
• Have warm drinks.
• Keep yourself active.

period chills 2

What Study Says About Period Chills

A 2025 study, published in the journal BMC Women's Health, states that during your periods, the body goes through intense hormonal changes. This directly affects how your body regulates heat. Before your period starts, the hormone progesterone rises, which slightly raises your core body temperature. When your period starts, those progesterone levels suddenly drop, causing your body temperature to return to a lower baseline. This  can make you feel colder. 

Moreover, the hormone-like chemicals called prostaglandins, which cause your uterus to contract and cramp, can also enter your bloodstream. These prostaglandins can impact the hypothalamus (your brain's internal thermostat). This temporarily confuses the brain and mimics the chill you may feel during a fever. 

The study adds that during menstruation, your body naturally redirects a significant amount of blood flow away from your arms and legs and toward your pelvic region to help the shedding of the uterine lining. Since warm blood is heavily concentrated in your core, your extremities, such as the hands and feet, are left freezing. 

period chills 3

The findings add that heavy period bleeding can cause a temporary drop in red blood cells and mild iron depletion. Since red blood cells carry oxygen that helps keep your tissues warm, minimised circulation from lower iron levels can make it harder for your body to stay warm during periods. 

ALSO READ- Can Stress Delay Your Periods? Gynaecologist Explains

Conclusion

Feeling noticeably colder during your menstrual cycle is a common physiological response. It is driven largely by the sudden drop in progesterone and the release of cramp-inducing prostaglandins. This temporarily alters your body's internal thermostat. This drop in temperature is often intensified by heavy menstrual bleeding; this can also lower iron levels and redirect warm blood flow away from your hands and feet toward your pelvic region. To deal with period chills, medical experts recommend staying hydrated, eating iron-rich foods coupled with vitamin C, and utilising warm layers or hot drinks. By taking these measures and understanding natural hormonal shifts, women can prepare for their cycles better using effective coping strategies to stay comfortable.