Do you tend to feel colder than others, for no apparent reason? Cold intolerance can signal an underlying medical condition such as anemia, hypothyroidism, peripheral artery disease, and even low body fat. Your doctor can help you determine why you are constantly cold, but here are some possible reasons:
• Raynaud’s phenomenon. This condition causes blood vessels to narrow when a person feels cold or stressed, decreasing the blood flow to certain areas, such as fingers and toes. These areas will then feel cold, uncomfortable for numb. Treatment involves avoiding potential triggers, and perhaps medication or surgery.
• Anorexia nervosa. People with this eating disorder typically have a distorted body image. They severely restrict food intake, which leads to weight loss. People with anorexia often have a low core temperature, low levels of body fat, and reduced basal metabolic rate, all of which can make a person feel cold. The treatment involves a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including therapists and nutritionists.