Key takeaways

  • Cold intolerance is usually a symptom of an underlying condition, such as an underactive thyroid, anemia, nutritional deficiencies, or eating disorders.
  • Diagnosis involves a physical exam, questions about symptoms and medical history, and possibly additional tests to determine the underlying cause.
  • Management includes self-care measures like dressing warmly, consuming warm foods and drinks, and, most importantly, treating the underlying medical condition with guidance from a doctor.

When someone has cold intolerance, it means that they are usually extremely sensitive to cold temperatures. They may find themselves complaining about the cold temperature when other people are comfortable. Wearing extra layers of clothing may not be enough to reduce their discomfort.

This article will review cold intolerance, including its symptoms, potential causes, treatment options, and preventive measures. This article will also explain how doctors diagnose the causes of cold intolerance and its possible complications.

People with cold intolerance feel very uncomfortable in cold environments. They may begin to feel cold more quickly, or at less cold temperatures, than others.

Symptoms may include pain, shivering, and feeling numb. These symptoms may only occur in specific areas, or affect the whole body.

Depending on the cause, other symptoms of cold intolerance may include:

  • skin turning pale, red, or bluish
  • stiffness
  • weakness
  • swelling

Several different systems regulate the body’s temperature. A part of the brain called the hypothalamus acts as the thermostat, regulating body temperature.

The hypothalamus also sends messages to the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism. The thyroid gland can instruct the body to increase its calorie consumption. This provides the body with more fuel, producing more energy and allowing a person to warm up.

The circulatory system also distributes heat throughout the body via the bloodstream, and stores of body fat can also help maintain body temperature.

A disruption in this complex system may cause issues with thermoregulation. This may happen due to a great variety of underlying conditions, including:

  • anemia
  • nutritional deficiencies, such as B12 or iron deficiency
  • underweight
  • eating disorders, such as anorexia
  • problems with blood circulation, such as Raynaud’s disease
  • problems with blood vessels, including atherosclerosis
  • hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid
  • fibromyalgia
  • diabetes
  • hypothalamus disorders
  • upper limb trauma or diseases
  • having had frostbite in the past
  • nerve injuries

The occupational use of hand-arm vibration machinery may also increase the risk of cold intolerance.

A doctor may perform a physical examination and ask questions about a person’s symptoms, lifestyle habits, and medical history if they are reporting cold intolerance.

After the initial examination, doctors may also require a person to undergo additional tests to determine the causes of their discomfort and the other potential symptoms they may be experiencing.

The treatment for cold intolerance can depend on the root cause.

For example, if the cause is underweight, gaining weight may help a person feel warmer. Treatment for deficiencies, dietary changes, or therapy for eating disorders may also help if a person has these conditions.

A dietitian can recommend an eating plan tailored to the nutritional needs of each individual.

When the cause is a chronic condition, such as hypothyroidism or diabetes, a person may need ongoing medication to prevent the symptoms.

In some cases, such as atherosclerosis, individuals may require procedures to widen blood vessels and restore healthy blood flow.

Because the treatments are so variable, finding the underlying cause is key. People may need to work with a doctor to find it.

Self-care measures may help reduce the discomfort of cold intolerance. It may help to:

  • wear sufficient clothing in cold weather, using many thin layers rather than one thick layer
  • trying thermal underwear or base layers
  • wearing gloves and a hat
  • having hot drinks and warming foods
  • keeping the home warm, wherever possible
  • avoid going outside on very cold days
  • using heating devices such as hot water bottles or electric blankets

If a person has a nerve injury and can no longer sense heat accurately, they may need to avoid using heating devices that could cause burns.

People should contact a doctor if they keep feeling cold and their symptoms do not improve.

A doctor can perform a physical examination and other relevant tests to determine the underlying causes of cold intolerance. They can also recommend strategies or appropriate treatments for improving symptoms.

Cold intolerance is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of another underlying health condition. If a person does not receive treatment, the symptoms of that condition may worsen.

The exact complications will depend on the underlying cause. For example, untreated B12 deficiencies and diabetes can lead to permanent nerve damage, and some causes could potentially be fatal.

However, the outlook varies significantly depending on an individual’s circumstances, and many of the causes of cold intolerance are treatable.

Cold intolerance is a hypersensitivity to cold, and it may cause many symptoms such as pain, numbness, and shivering. Health conditions, such as anemia, anorexia, and hypothyroidism, may cause cold intolerance.

Doctors typically diagnose cold intolerance by asking questions and performing a physical examination. However, they may also require additional tests to understand the underlying cause of sensitivity to cold temperatures.

The treatment for cold intolerance mainly relies on treating the underlying condition that causes it.