Why Am I Always Cold? 5 Possible Causes - Medical News Today

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Medical News TodaySubscribe5 causes of cold intolerance or always feeling cold

Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — Written by Shannon Johnson — Updated on April 14, 2025

Hypothyroidism
Raynaud's phenomenon
Anemia
Anorexia nervosa
Peripheral artery disease
Males and females
Contacting a doctor
FAQ
Summary

Some people naturally tend to feel colder than others without any discernible cause. However, cold intolerance can also indicate an underlying medical condition, such as hypothyroidism or anemia.

Dysfunction of the thyroid gland, decreased arterial blood flow, and low body fat can all cause a person to feel cold. A doctor can help determine the underlying cause and advise on suitable treatments or ways to feel warmer.

Read on to learn more about some of the possible reasons for cold intolerance. This article also discusses when to contact a doctor about always feeling cold.

1. Hypothyroidism

Side View Of Young Man Standing In Forest — Anna Rammelkamp/EyeEm/Getty Images

Cold intolerance is a common symptom of hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. These hormones help regulate metabolism and temperature.

When the thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormones, the body’s processes tend to slow down.

Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

fatigue
depression
thinning hair
constipation
menstrual issues
a low heart rate

A doctor can diagnose hypothyroidism with a simple blood test. Treatment often consists of thyroid hormone replacement.

»Learn more: Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)

2. Raynaud’s phenomenon

Raynaud’s phenomenon causes blood vessels to narrow when a person experiences cold or stress. This decreases blood flow and may cause affected areas to feel cold.

It commonly affects the arteries in the fingers and toes. Some people may also experience symptoms of Raynaud’s in their lips, ears, and nipples.

During episodes, the affected areas can turn pale. As blood flow returns, the fingers and toes can feel numb or painful.

Treatment involves avoiding triggers if possible and, for some people, medication or surgery.

3. Anemia

Anemia occurs when a person does not have enough red blood cells circulating and carrying oxygen throughout the body. Symptoms of anemia, including feeling cold, result from a relative lack of oxygen.

Other symptoms can include:

weakness or fatigue
dizziness or lightheadedness
rapid breathing
increased heart rate
headache
pale skin

There are several kinds of anemia.

Iron-deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. It typically occurs due to blood loss but can also result from low iron absorption.

People who are pregnant or menstruating are at risk of iron deficiency anemia.

Vitamin deficiency anemia

Anemia can also result from nutritional deficiency. Low levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid can lead to anemia, usually from inadequate dietary intake.

4. Anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterized by weight loss or inadequate weight gain and a distorted body image.

People with AN may intensely restrict their food intake, exercise excessively, or purge with laxatives or by vomiting.

People with anorexia often have a low core temperature. They may also have low levels of body fat and a reduced basal metabolic rate. All of these factors can cause a person to feel excessive cold.

Anorexia can also cause:

stomach problems, such as constipation or cramping
trouble concentrating
dizziness or fainting
irregular periods
dry, brittle hair or nails
weakness
slow wound healing
intense fear of becoming overweight
restricting certain foods or categories of food
being secretive about food intake
fear of eating in public
social isolation

Treatment of anorexia nervosa often involves a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, and nutritionists. A person may benefit from talk therapy in addition to medication and a nutrition plan.

5. Peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that carry blood to the rest of the body. Another name for this buildup is atherosclerosis.

The accumulation of plaque in the arteries makes them narrower, which means that it is more difficult for blood to flow through them.

Peripheral artery disease often causes decreased blood flow to the extremities, creating a feeling of coldness, numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands, feet, or both. In severe cases, peripheral artery disease can lead to tissue death.

Treatment for peripheral artery disease often includes lifestyle changes, such as exercising and quitting smoking. Some people also need surgery.

Do females feel colder than males?

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.

Research suggests that people assigned female at birth may feel colder or have a higher preferred temperature than people assigned male at birth.

A 2021 study looked into the lower metabolic rates of 40 college students — 20 females and 20 males — when sedentary in a room for 90 minutes at various fixed temperatures each, ranging from 14°C to 34°C.

The study found that females typically had lower metabolic rates at all temperatures, with significant differences at 14°C, 16°C, and 18°C.

The study suggests that this may be due to lower metabolic rates and skin temperatures in females.

A higher metabolic rate can keep the body warmer, while a low metabolic rate may keep someone feeling cold.

When to contact a doctor

If cold intolerance is a new symptom or a person’s tolerance for cold is diminishing, it is best to contact a doctor.

The doctor may ask for a detailed history of symptoms and conduct a physical exam.

Depending on the exam results, the doctor may order additional testing, such as blood tests to check hormone levels or blood counts to determine if there is an underlying medical cause.

Frequently asked questions

How do I stop being cold all the time?

If a medical condition is making a person feel cold, then treating that condition can help prevent them from feeling cold all the time. Other tips for keeping warm include:

eating at least one hot meal per day

wearing warm clothing

getting enough regular physical activity

If a medical condition is making a person feel cold, then treating that condition can help prevent them from feeling cold all the time. Other tips for keeping warm include:

eating at least one hot meal per day
wearing warm clothing
getting enough regular physical activity

Is it bad if your body is always cold?

If a person’s body always feels cold, this may be due to a medical condition, such as hypothyroidism, Raynayd’s phenomenon, or anemia. Treating the condition can help the body to feel less cold, as well as reducing the risk of complications associated with the underlying condition.

Why do I feel cold when it's hot?

Cold intolerance and feeling cold when it’s hot may indicate an underlying medical condition, such as hypothyroidism, peripheral artery disease, or anemia.

What vitamin deficiency causes you to feel cold?

Having a deficiency in vitamin B12 or folate can cause anemia. Anemia can cause a person to feel cold.

Summary

Some people tend to feel colder than others. This does not always indicate that there is a medical issue.

However, if a person is experiencing new or worsening cold intolerance, it might be a sign of an underlying condition, such as anemia, hypothyroidism, Raynaud’s phenomenon, peripheral artery disease, and anorexia nervosa.

Anyone concerned about cold intolerance or anyone who experiences additional symptoms should contact a doctor for an evaluation.

Hypothyroid
Blood / Hematology
Cardiovascular / Cardiology

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Anemia. (n.d.).https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/anemia
Hypothyroidism (underactive). (n.d.).https://www.thyroid.org/hypothyroidism/
Iron deficiency anemia. (2024).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/
Raynaud's. (2023).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/raynauds/
Smith LL. (2021). The central role of hypothermia and hyperactivity in anorexia nervosa: A hypothesis.https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/behavioral-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2021.700645/full
Staying warm in winter. (n.d.).https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/staying-warm-winter
Symptoms – anorexia nervosa. (2024).https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/anorexia/symptoms/
What is peripheral artery disease? (2022.).https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/peripheral-artery-disease
Yang L, et al. (2021). Gender differences in metabolic rates and thermal comfort in sedentary young males and females at various temperatures.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378778821006447

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Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — Written by Shannon Johnson — Updated on April 14, 2025

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Why Am I Always Cold? 5 Possible Causes - Medical News Today

1. Hypothyroidism

2. Raynaud’s phenomenon

3. Anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia

Vitamin deficiency anemia

4. Anorexia nervosa

5. Peripheral artery disease

Do females feel colder than males?

A note about sex and gender

When to contact a doctor

Frequently asked questions

How do I stop being cold all the time?

Is it bad if your body is always cold?

Why do I feel cold when it's hot?

What vitamin deficiency causes you to feel cold?

Summary

How we reviewed this article:

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