It’s frustrating when you feel like you’re always cold while others around you seem comfortable. Here are some quick answers to common questions about why some people tend to get chilled more easily, along with more in-depth explanations of the science behind feeling cold.
Quick Answers
Why am I cold when others aren’t?
You may have a lower metabolic rate, lower muscle mass, lower subcutaneous fat levels, smaller body size, poor circulation, anemia, or an underlying health condition.
What makes some people cold all the time?
Low body temperature set point, low metabolism, low muscle mass, low fat levels, poor circulation, medical conditions like anemia or hypothyroidism, smaller body size, genetics, gender (women tend to be colder), low iron levels.
Why is my wife always cold?
Women tend to have lower metabolic rates, less muscle mass, and less subcutaneous fat than men. Hormonal fluctuations, anemia, thyroid issues, poor circulation, or a naturally low body temperature set point could also contribute.
Why am I cold but my husband isn’t?
Differences in metabolism, muscle mass, fat levels, hormones, circulation, body size, or temperature set points between genders lead to women feeling colder than men in the same environments. Underlying health issues may also cause you to feel colder.
What causes sensitivity to cold?
Low metabolism, muscle mass and fat levels, poor circulation, anemia, thyroid issues, smaller body size, female gender, genetics, low iron levels, low body temperature set point, Raynaud’s phenomenon.
Am I anemic if I’m always cold?
Feeling cold all the time can be a symptom of iron-deficiency anemia. Anemia causes poor circulation which makes it hard to maintain body heat. Get tested for anemia if coldness persists.
Why Do I Feel Colder Than Everyone Else?
If you’re frequently chilled when the people around you appear comfortable, there are a several possible explanations:
1. Lower Metabolic Rate
Your metabolic rate determines how many calories you burn at rest. People with slower metabolisms tend to feel colder than those with faster metabolisms:
– Having a lower metabolic rate generates less body heat to keep you warm.
– Thyroid issues like hypothyroidism can slow metabolism and cause increased cold sensitivity.
– Aging slows metabolism, making older adults more prone to feeling chilly.
2. Less Muscle Mass
Muscle generates heat, so having less muscle mass equals feeling colder:
– Women naturally have less muscle mass than men.
– Thinner body frames have less muscle to produce heat.
– Muscle mass declines with aging, contributing to coldness in seniors.
3. Lower Subcutaneous Fat Levels
Subcutaneous fat located just under the skin acts as insulation to retain body heat. People with less fat feel colder:
– Women generally have more subcutaneous fat than men. But very lean individuals can lack sufficient insulation.
– Low body fat percentages, like in endurance athletes, may cause increased cold sensitivity.
4. Smaller Body Size
Larger bodies retain more heat than smaller ones:
– Given the same subcutaneous fat and muscle levels, a smaller person will feel colder than a larger person. There’s less body mass to be heated.
– Shorter people also tend to be more chilled since they have a higher surface area to volume ratio, increasing heat loss.
5. Poor Blood Circulation
Poor circulation inhibits blood flow and makes it harder to regulate body temperature:
– Medical conditions like anemia, diabetes, and Raynaud’s reduce circulation to the extremities.
– Smoking and chronic conditions damage blood vessels and impair circulation over time.
6. Lower Iron Levels
Iron is vital for producing red blood cells that transport oxygen. Low iron leads to anemia and poor circulation:
– Iron deficiency is common in women due to blood loss from menstruation. This increases cold sensitivity.
– Vegetarians and vegans may need iron supplements to avoid deficiency.
7. Underactive Thyroid (Hypothyroidism)
The thyroid controls metabolism. Hypothyroidism causes a slower metabolism and reduces heat generation:
– Hypothyroidism is more common in older women.
– Other symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin and hair loss.
8. Naturally Low Body Temperature
Some people have naturally low body temperature set points in the 97-98F range:
– While normal body temperature is 98.6F, set points vary by individual.
– Lower set points mean your body doesn’t heat up as much and you feel colder.
9. Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Raynaud’s causes blood vessels to excessively constrict when cold or stressed, leading to reduced circulation. This causes coldness, numbness, and color changes in the extremities:
– Primary Raynaud’s occurs on its own. Secondary Raynaud’s stems from an underlying disease.
– Women are more likely to have Raynaud’s, as are those living in cold climates.
10. Anemia
Anemia is a common cause of increased cold sensitivity. It develops when you lack sufficient healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body:
– Iron deficiency anemia is most prevalent, especially in women due to blood loss from menstruation.
– Anemia impairs blood circulation making it harder to regulate body temperature.
Why Are Women Colder Than Men?
Women are notorious for having ice cold hands and feet, even when men around them seem comfortable. Why is this? Several factors contribute to women feeling chilly more often than men:
Lower Metabolic Rate
Women generally have a lower metabolic rate than men, meaning they generate less body heat:
– Having less muscle mass and more fat accounts for around 5-10% lower metabolic rates in women.
– Estrogen may also affect cellular metabolism pathways.
Less Muscle Mass
The more muscular a person is, the more heat their body produces. Women have around 30% less muscle mass and 10% more fat than men:
– Muscle burns more calories than fat, resulting in greater heat generation.
– Testosterone is responsible for men having higher muscle mass.
More Subcutaneous Fat
Women tend to store more fat just under the skin (subcutaneous). But too much subcutaneous fat can inhibit heat generation from muscles:
– Fat acts as insulation to keep heat inside the body core. But after a point, it prevents heat diffusion to the extremities.
– Estrogen promotes subcutaneous fat storage, particularly around the hips and thighs.
Smaller Body Size
A smaller body has more surface area relative to its volume, so it loses heat faster:
– Women generally have smaller frames and shorter heights than men.
– Having a larger body size helps retain more heat.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Female reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone affect body temperature regulation:
– Changes across the menstrual cycle cause core temperature to rise and fall by up to 0.9F°.
– Menopause and related hormonal changes also influence thermoregulation.
Higher Incidence of Iron Deficiency
Due to blood loss from menstruation and pregnancy, women have higher rates of iron deficiency and anemia:
– Up to 20% of women have iron deficiency, compared to just 2% of men.
– Anemia impairs circulation and makes it harder to stay warm.
Hypothyroidism
Women are 5-8 times more likely to develop hypothyroidism. The underactive thyroid slows metabolism and causes cold sensitivity:
– Up to 10% of women over age 50 have hypothyroidism compared to just 2% of men.
– Other hypothyroid symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, and dry skin.
| Factor | Females | Males |
|---|---|---|
| Metabolic Rate | 5-10% lower | 5-10% higher |
| Muscle Mass | ~30% less | ~30% more |
| Subcutaneous Fat | More | Less |
| Iron Deficiency | Up to 20% | 2% |
| Hypothyroidism | 5-8x more likely | Less likely |
Tips for Staying Warm
If you’re prone to feeling chilly, here are some tips to help you stay warm:
Rule Out Medical Causes
See your doctor to check for anemia, thyroid issues, Raynaud’s or other underlying conditions making you cold. Treat any identified health issues.
Exercise Regularly
Working out increases muscle mass, metabolic rate, and blood circulation. All of which generate more body heat:
– Mix cardio and strength training to maximize metabolism boosting benefits.
– Even light activity like walking helps.
Eat Sufficient Calories
Consuming enough calories gives your body fuel to burn and keeps your metabolism humming:
– Not eating enough can cause your body to conserve energy and decrease heat production.
– Focus on nutrient dense foods over empty calories.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol which have diuretic effects:
– Hydration is key for proper blood volume and circulation.
– Carry a water bottle to continually sip throughout the day.
Take Warm Baths
Soaking in a warm bath can raise internal body temperature. The effects may persist for a couple hours after getting out.
Use Heat Packs
Apply heat packs or hot water bottles to your core body, hands and feet to provide warmth when needed.
Dress in Layers
Layer clothing to better retain body heat. Choose breathable natural fabrics:
– Having an insulating base layer, mid layer fleece, and waterproof outer shell works best.
– Make sure your hands, feet, head and neck are covered.
Stay Active Indoors
When stuck inside, do light exercise like yoga, pilates or marching in place to generate heat. Also, try drinking hot tea or soup.
Maximize Insulation at Night
Use thick blankets and comforters to prevent nighttime heat loss. Wear socks or mittens to bed and sleep with a hat on to reduce excessive heat loss from extremities.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, habitual coldness is simply caused by normal variations in metabolism and body composition. However, consistently feeling cold may sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition. See your doctor if:
– You feel cold all the time for no apparent reason
– Coldness is accompanied by excessive fatigue, unexpected weight gain, hair loss or other changes
– Your hands and feet frequently change color or feel numb
– Coldness persists despite efforts to stay warm
– You have risk factors like iron deficiency anemia
– Coldness is impacting your quality of life
Let your doctor know if any other unusual symptoms accompany your cold sensitivity. Diagnostic tests like complete blood count, iron studies, thyroid testing or cold exposure thermoregulatory tests may be warranted to determine if a health issue is causing your cold intolerance.
Addressing any underlying condition and focusing on proven methods to stay warm should help you manage persistent chilled feelings. But some people are just more sensitive to cooler temperatures due to normal variations in metabolic rate, body size and gender. Focus on adding more insulating layers before reaching for the thermostat. Stay active to generate internal heat, and you’ll be comfortable in your own skin in no time.
Conclusion
Feeling colder than those around you can be frustrating. But in most cases it simply comes down to normal differences in age, gender, metabolism, body composition and circulation between individuals. Simple steps like exercising regularly, eating nutritious calorie-sufficient meals, staying hydrated, and wearing insulating layers in cold environments can help you stay warm. Check with your doctor if chilliness persists to address any underlying causes. Pay attention to your body’s needs for warmth and adjust your clothing and surroundings accordingly so you can thrive at any temperature.