Have you ever found yourself shivering while your friends, family, or colleagues are perfectly comfortable? Do you always feel like you need to bundle up with extra layers while others are fine in short sleeves? If so, you might be wondering why you are always cold. In this article, we'll explore some possible reasons for feeling chilly all the time.
Low Body Weight
If you are underweight or have a low body mass index (BMI), you may feel colder than others. This is because body fat helps to insulate the body and keep it warm. When you have less body fat, you may feel colder because your body has less insulation.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition in which you have a low red blood cell count or low levels of hemoglobin, which is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Anemia can make you feel cold because your body is not getting enough oxygen, which can cause your metabolism to slow down.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This can cause a variety of symptoms, including feeling cold all the time. Thyroid hormone helps to regulate your body's metabolism, so when your levels are low, your metabolism slows down and you may feel cold.
Raynaud's Disease
Raynaud's disease is a condition in which the blood vessels in your fingers and toes narrow, which can cause them to feel cold and numb. This condition is more common in women and may be triggered by cold temperatures or stress.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which the arteries in your legs become narrowed or blocked, which can reduce blood flow to your extremities. This can cause your feet and legs to feel cold, especially when you are sitting or standing for long periods of time.
Anxiety
Anxiety can cause physical symptoms, including feeling cold or shivery. When you feel anxious, your body releases adrenaline, which can cause your blood vessels to constrict and your body temperature to drop.
Lack of Sleep
Not getting enough sleep can also make you feel cold. Sleep helps to regulate your body temperature, so when you are sleep-deprived, your body may have a harder time maintaining a consistent temperature.
Low Blood Pressure
If you have low blood pressure, you may feel cold because your body is not circulating blood as effectively. When your blood pressure is low, your blood vessels may constrict in order to maintain blood flow to your vital organs, which can cause your extremities to feel cold.
Dehydration
Not drinking enough water can also make you feel cold. When you are dehydrated, your body may have a harder time regulating your body temperature, which can cause you to feel cold.
Poor Circulation
Poor circulation can cause your extremities to feel cold, especially your hands and feet. This is because when your blood vessels are not functioning properly, your body may have a harder time maintaining a consistent temperature in your extremities.
Cold Temperatures
Of course, one of the most obvious reasons why you might feel cold is simply because you are in a cold environment. If you are outside in cold temperatures, or if you are sitting in an air-conditioned room, you may feel cold even if others around you are comfortable.
Age
As we age, our bodies may become less efficient at regulating our body temperature. This means that older adults may feel cold more often than younger people, even in the same environment.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why you might feel cold all the time, from medical conditions like hypothyroidism and anemia to environmental factors like cold temperatures and dehydration. If you are concerned about your symptoms, it's important to talk to your doctor to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan.