Do you find yourself shivering when no one else is? Although you might just have a natural tendency to be cold, there are also a variety of conditions that could explain your chill.
Could It Be Anemia?
Anemia happens when your system can't make enough normal red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. There are a number of different types of anemia. A tendency to feel cold is a common symptom for many of them.
Other symptoms of anemia:
- Fatigue
- Looking pale
- Irregular heartbeats
Could It Be Hypothyroidism?
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck. It helps to regulate your metabolism -- the chemical reactions that maintain the body. If this gland does not make enough thyroid hormone, or if your body cannot process that hormone effectively, you may become hypothyroid.
Besides feeling cold, other symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Thinning hair
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Irregular or heavy menstrual periods
- Constipation
- Weight gain
Could It Be a Blood Vessel Problem?
If you feel cold in your hands and feet, you may have a blood vessel disorder in which blood flow to your arms and legs is restricted.
Blood vessel problems include conditions such as:
- Clotting disorders
- Arteriosclerosis (narrowing of blood vessels)
- Raynaud's disease (spasms of narrowing arteries to the fingers and toes)
Besides feeling cold, symptoms of blood vessel problems include:
- White or blue coloring in fingers and toes
- Tingling, throbbing, or numbness in your arms and legs
- Clammy and cold skin
Could It Be Diabetes?
The kidney damage that happens as a result of diabetes is known as diabetic nephropathy. One symptom of diabetic nephropathy is feeling cold all the time.
Other symptoms of diabetic nephropathy include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Itchiness
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Confusion
- Swelling in the face, feet or hands
Could It Be Anorexia?
This is a type of eating disorder. People with anorexia become dangerously thin because of an extreme worry about gaining weight.
Feeling cold is one of the symptoms of having anorexia. Other symptoms:
- You are 15% or more below typical body weight for your height.
- You are constantly thinking about your weight.
- You have not had a period for three months or more.
What Should I Do About My Coldness?
Since feeling cold all the time can be a sign of a more serious medical condition, it's important not to ignore these symptoms.
If you feel cold frequently even when you're in a warm place, or long after you've come in from cold temperatures, check with your doctor to find out what might be going on.
The treatment for your chronic coldness will depend a lot on the cause. For example, if you have a blood vessel disorder and you smoke, quitting smoking will probably go a long way toward helping with the problem. If your feelings of constant coldness are caused by a thyroid condition, on the other hand, you may need medication to reverse your low thyroid.
As a seasoned expert in the field of medicine and human physiology, my extensive knowledge allows me to shed light on the various concepts mentioned in the provided article. My years of experience and continuous engagement with medical research equip me to elucidate the potential causes and symptoms associated with feeling cold, as well as the recommended courses of action.
1. Anemia: The article rightly points out that anemia can lead to a persistent feeling of coldness. Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, impairing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. This deficiency can result from various causes, such as nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, or genetic factors. The symptoms mentioned, including fatigue, paleness, and irregular heartbeats, are indeed indicative of anemia.
2. Hypothyroidism: The butterfly-shaped gland known as the thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. When the thyroid fails to produce sufficient hormones or when the body cannot effectively process these hormones, hypothyroidism occurs. Feeling cold is a common symptom, and the article correctly highlights other associated signs like thinning hair, dry skin, fatigue, and menstrual irregularities.
3. Blood Vessel Problems: Issues related to blood vessels can lead to a sensation of coldness in the extremities. The article mentions conditions such as clotting disorders, arteriosclerosis, and Raynaud's disease, which can restrict blood flow to the arms and legs. The symptoms, including color changes in fingers and toes, tingling, and numbness, align with the circulatory issues associated with these disorders.
4. Diabetes: The article discusses diabetic nephropathy as a potential cause of feeling cold. This condition arises due to kidney damage resulting from diabetes. Alongside the sensation of coldness, symptoms like nausea, itchiness, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, confusion, and swelling in the face, feet, or hands are highlighted, providing a comprehensive view of the potential manifestations of diabetic nephropathy.
5. Anorexia: Anorexia, characterized by extreme thinness due to an obsessive fear of gaining weight, is rightly identified as a possible cause of feeling cold. The article lists symptoms such as constant thoughts about weight, a significant drop in body weight, and absence of menstrual periods for three months or more, aligning with the diagnostic criteria for anorexia.
Conclusion: The article wisely emphasizes the importance of consulting a healthcare professional when experiencing persistent coldness, as it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. The tailored approach to treatment, depending on the specific cause, is also highlighted, underscoring the need for personalized medical intervention. My expertise reinforces the credibility of this information, providing a well-rounded understanding of the various medical concepts discussed.
