Are you always the only one shivering? You might have a natural tendency to coldness, or you might be sensitive to cold. Here are five conditions that RedRiver Health and Wellness Center says can increase your risk for cold intolerance.
Anemia
Classic symptoms of anemia include fatigue, looking pale, and irregular heartbeats. Increased sensitivity to cold could also mean your system is not making sufficient normal red blood cells. Address the cause of your abnormal or low hemoglobin to manage cold intolerance associated with anemia.
Hypothyroidism
Fatigue, depression and weight management problems are among the common symptoms of an underactive thyroid. Many hypothyroid people also have an enhanced sensitivity to cold.
Inadequate levels of the thyroid hormone slow down body metabolism. Since slowed-down cells require less energy, the body then produces less heat. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the leading cause of hypothyroidism. Visit a clinic offering help for Hashimoto's in Boise to manage your underactive thyroid.
Diabetic Nephropathy
You could develop a higher sensitivity to cold if diabetes damages your kidneys. Other signs of diabetic kidney disease include fatigue, swelling, itchiness, confusion, shortness of breath and loss of appetite. Management of diabetes and high blood pressure helps prevent kidney damage.
Blood Vessel Issue
Are your hands and feet cold and numb and your fingers and toes whitish or bluish? A blood vessel disorder could be restricting blood flow to these body parts. The problem could be a clotting disorder, arteriosclerosis, or Raynaud's disease.
Anorexia
Poor nutrition or anorexia can increase your sensitivity to cold temperatures. People with anorexia feel cold frequently because of their malnutrition and low body fat. If you strongly fear gaining weight or becoming overweight, talk to a person you trust about what you're going through.
Feeling chilly when everyone else around you is comfortable could be a sign of cold intolerance and an underlying serious condition. Don’t ignore chronic coldness. Talk to your doctor to check if a medical condition is affecting your ability to regulate your body temperature.
