While feeling cold during the winter is perfectly normal, some people continue to experience persistent chills even in the summer. This cold intolerance could be harmless, but it's also a potential sign of an underlying medical issue. If you find yourself bundled up when others are comfortable, it's worth mentioning it to your doctor to rule out any treatable conditions. Take a look at some of the possible causes behind why you’re always cold.
Get Yourself Examined For Hypothyroidism
Feeling cold at all times could be a sign of hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, is a medical condition that occurs when your thyroid glands do not produce enough thyroid hormones necessary for regulating metabolism and temperature. Low levels of thyroid hormones can, therefore, slow down metabolism, leading to a drop in core body temperature.
This condition can be identified through other symptoms, including fatigue, a low heart rate, constipation, menstrual problems, and mood changes.
You May Have Anaemia
Anaemia is a global health concern that particularly affects young children, menstruating adolescent girls and women, and pregnant and postpartum women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 40% of children 6–59 months of age, 37% of pregnant women, and 30% of women 15–49 years of age worldwide are anaemic.
Anaemia occurs when the number of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) or haemoglobin in them is lower than normal. RBCs help circulate and carry oxygen throughout the body, which is why a lack of RBC in anaemic people can also influence body temperature, making them feel colder.
Why Poor Blood Circulation Could Be A Possible Cause![]()
The circulatory system comprises blood vessels that carry blood away from and towards the heart. Blood circulation throughout the body helps carry oxygen, nutrients, and other important substances from the heart, through the blood vessels, to the rest of the body. Decreased blood flow due to poor circulation can, therefore, cause the extremities, like fingers, toes, hands, and feet, to feel much colder.
Dehydration
Dehydration can also lead to cold extremities, i.e., cold hands and feet. This is because when you're dehydrated, your body prioritises blood flow towards your core to keep your heart, brain, and other essential organs functioning properly, rather than letting it flow towards the extremities. This reduced blood flow makes the area colder even when your core body temperature remains normal.
It is crucial that you drink plenty of fluids to rehydrate and restore normal blood circulation.
Not Eating Enough
If you're constantly feeling the chills, it could be a sign of low food intake. It is important to understand that your body needs to burn a certain amount of calories to create heat and maintain a healthy body temperature. When you skip meals, the body naturally conserves energy, producing less heat, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
As per Medical News Today, people with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder associated with severe weight loss and a distorted body image, have a low core temperature. This is because they restrict food intake, exercise too much, or "purge with laxatives or by vomiting."
Conclusion
Some people feel colder than others. They cannot tolerate air conditioning, even in hot summers. While this is mostly normal and nothing to worry about, in certain cases, it could mean something bigger. The key is to visit a doctor and get yourself examined for medical conditions associated with a low body temperature. If you’re consuming less food, ensure a balanced diet with the needed amount of calories and other nutrients.