The health specialist says feeling cold more than normal can be caused by a serious health condition rather than the cold weather
With temperatures plunging across the UK, the chill has become part of daily life as the nation braces itself for winter ahead. As autumn takes over, a pharmacist has warned of a red-flag sign that could be linked to a serious health condition that people may assume is just caused by the cold weather.
Feeling persistently cold can be a sign of a serious health concern that you may not be aware of. However, it has very little to do with the conditions outside. Niamh McMillan, Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent, has spoken out about the important signs to look out for in order to avoid more serious health issues.
The pharmacist says feeling cold ‘all the time’ could be linked to hypothyroidism, otherwise known as an underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland, responsible for many functions, including bone health, metabolism, and cell growth, doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones.
She said: “Hypothyroidism can slow down your metabolism, leading to a drop in your overall temperature, leaving you to feel permanently cold and especially sensitive to cold surroundings. Additional symptoms can include constipation, depression and aching muscles.”
If you always feel cold while everyone else seems fine, especially if this is a new or strange feeling for you, it’s wise to talk to a healthcare professional. They can test your thyroid hormone (TSH) levels to see if an underactive thyroid might be the reason.
According to the NHS, symptoms of an underactive thyroid may be mild and may not be easy to notice. They usually develop slowly and get worse over time. Common symptoms include:
- feeling extremely tired (fatigue)
- feeling cold more than usual
- putting on weight
- constipation
- difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- low mood or depression
- dry skin, dry hair or hair loss
- a croaky (hoarse) voice
- irregular or heavy periods if you have them
However, the NHS does say: “Some of the symptoms are common and can be caused by other conditions. But it’s important to get them checked by a GP.” The British Thyroid Foundation offers information and support, including patient stories, online forums and telephone support. Thyroid UK also offers information and support, including online forums, local support groups and telephone support.
Raynaud’s Disease
Niamh has also warned of other health conditions that can cause people to feel cold. She says: “It’s so cold, I can’t feel my toes is a common expression used during the Winter months. However for those suffering from Raynaud’s Disease not being able to feel their hands or toes during colder temperatures is a reality, making them feel numb and turning either white or blue.”
She added: “Raynaud’s Disease is a condition that causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to narrow, restricting the blood flow to body parts, including the nose, nipples or lips.”
Anaemia
Anaemia is a condition where the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues and organs, meaning that your body does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. Symptoms of this condition can sometimes include cold hands and feet, due to poor blood circulation, as well as fatigue, dizziness, pale skin and shortness of breath.
Niamh says: “A common type of anaemia is linked to iron deficiency, which develops if you don’t get enough iron from food, or you have lost a lot of blood from an injury or illness.”
Type 2 Diabetes
“Diabetes can cause nerve damage in the extremities that can make you feel cold all of the time,” Niamh says. “Additional symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, an increased need to pass urine more frequently, feeling tired and losing weight.”
Always seek further advice from your GP if you experience or are worried about any of the conditions listed above.