Disorders such as anemia, anorexia or hypothyroidism can cause us to develop cold intolerance. Therefore, it is important to consult a specialist if you notice that your sensitivity to temperature is higher than normal.
Cold intolerance can be a problem. While it’s common to see people outside in short sleeves and even swimming in lakes during cold weather, it’s not uncommon to come across people who don’t want to leave their homes during the winter. So what makes some people more sensitive to the cold?
Every person has a greater or lesser sensitivity to temperature . However, if this sensitivity is so extreme that cold cannot be tolerated, it may be a sign of illness.
Certain factors, such as low body fat or a chronic health condition, increase the risk of cold intolerance. In this article, we will explain the main causes of this condition and how to diagnose it.
Cold intolerance – why are some people more sensitive to low temperatures?
Cold intolerance, the kind where a person can’t stand being outside, is usually a sign that something is wrong with the body. One of the most common causes is a low body fat index, as we mentioned above.
This is because fat is an insulator that helps us maintain body heat. Women tend to be more sensitive to cold because they have a much higher rate of weakness than men.
Hormonal changes during certain stages, especially during menopause, can also trigger this problem. You’ve probably heard of hot flashes, but increased sensitivity to temperature changes is also common.
It can also be a symptom of an infection, such as a cold or the flu. The same goes for those with metabolic issues. Specifically, in those suffering from hypothyroidism, the body produces less body heat in the absence of thyroid hormones.
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Other conditions that cause cold intolerance
Anemia is a disease in which the red blood cells in the blood change. This change may be due to insufficient hemoglobin, the substance responsible for transporting oxygen, or a decrease in the number of red blood cells or their abnormality.
The symptoms of anemia are variable and often nonspecific. People suffering from this condition often feel tired and weak, and some are intolerant to cold. In this case, the symptom is due to the circulatory failure that causes the anemia.
Certain blood vessel problems are also associated, including Raynaud syndrome , a disorder in which blood vessels narrow abnormally in response to certain stimuli, such as cold or stress.
Cold intolerance can be a symptom of underlying problems such as thyroid problems and anemia.
Cold intolerance may be due to a chronic condition known as fibromyalgia. People with this condition often experience generalized muscle and bone pain associated with hypersensitivity. It is much more common in women.
In this case, there is no lesion that could explain this type of reaction, but it still significantly reduces the quality of life. This is because it alters the rest patterns and therefore the psychological well-being .
Finally, remember that in rare cases, the cause can be found in the hypothalamus. This is the area of the brain that regulates body temperature, so any disease that affects it can also alter temperature regulation.
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How is this problem diagnosed?
To diagnose the cause of cold intolerance, a doctor will need to perform a thorough physical exam. First of all, they will likely check a person’s weight and body fat index, as well as order a blood test.
This test will reveal thyroid hormone levels and determine if you have anemia or another condition. Your doctor will likely do other tests to rule out a more serious problem, such as a hypothalamic disorder .
Therefore, remember that prolonged cold intolerance is a reason to consult a doctor, as it can be a symptom of another disease. You should be careful about this.
