What causes cold intolerance?

Feeling cold can be a normal response to a cool environment, low food intake, fatigue or limited movement. It becomes more useful to investigate when it is persistent, disproportionate to the surroundings or accompanied by other changes.

Anaemia and iron deficiency anaemia may present with cold intolerance, tiredness, headaches, dizziness or breathlessness. Hypothyroidism may present with cold sensitivity alongside constipation, dry skin, slowed thinking, low mood or weight change. Reduced circulation can make particular areas feel cold, numb or painful. These conditions require different tests and treatments.

Keep a short record of when the cold feeling occurs, whether it affects your whole body or particular areas, and any related symptoms. Dress in layers, eat regular balanced meals and use gentle activity to support warmth. Avoid relying on alcohol to feel warm, because it can increase heat loss.

A clinician may check your temperature, pulse, skin and thyroid area, then request blood tests such as a blood count, iron assessment or thyroid tests. Treatment is directed at the cause; thyroid hormone replacement may be considered when hypothyroidism is confirmed. See [Cold Intolerance](/symptoms/cold-intolerance/) and [Hypothyroidism](/conditions/hypothyroidism/).

Book a medical review if cold intolerance persists or comes with marked tiredness, faintness, breathlessness, confusion, skin changes or unexplained weight change. Seek urgent help for severe shivering followed by drowsiness, confusion, clumsiness or slowed breathing after cold exposure. [Anaemia](/conditions/anaemia/) and [Iron Deficiency Anaemia](/conditions/iron-deficiency-anaemia/) provide related information.

Ask which blood tests could clarify the cause, whether menstrual or gastrointestinal blood loss may matter, and whether your medicines, diet, weight or thyroid history change the assessment. Mention pregnancy, recent illness and symptoms that began after a treatment change.