Why You Might Always Feel Cold

The hypothalamus regulates body temperature around a set point. The precise value of this set point follows a circadian rhythm and can also rise with trauma and sepsis.

In thermoregulation, the body is regarded as having a ‘central’ compartment containing the heat-producing organs, surrounded by a cooler ‘shell’ consisting of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, particularly in the arms and legs. Heat is generated by basal metabolism, muscle contractions (shivering, voluntary activity and behaviour), food intake, and, in newborns, non-shivering thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue.

Information reaches the hypothalamus via receptors that respond to heat and cold. Heat-sensitive receptors are found mainly in the central compartment, including the spinal cord, hypothalamus, abdominal viscera and large blood vessels, whereas cold-sensitive receptors are found mainly in the skin.

Heat is retained through vasoconstriction of peripheral blood vessels, which helps create the ‘heat shell’, and is lost through conduction, convection, radiation, and perspiration.

Core temperature can be measured at various sites, including the tympanic membrane, external auditory canal, nasopharynx, oesophagus, rectum, axilla, and under the tongue. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages and yields slightly different readings.

Excessive sensitivity to the cold, also known as hypersensitivity to the cold, is a condition characterised by increased sensitivity or an excessive reaction to the cold. People with excessive sensitivity to the cold may feel cold constantly, even in moderate ambient temperatures. This sensitivity can be linked to a variety of causes, including problems with thermoregulation, underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism (reduced thyroid function), circulatory disorders, metabolic problems, or other health conditions.

Each person has different sensitivity to cold, especially in the extremities, such as the hands and feet, even at the same ambient temperature. Scientific studies suggest that the body’s response to cold varies with body fat distribution. For example, in cold conditions or during emotional stress, hand temperature tends to be higher in people with obesity than in those of normal weight.

The skin temperature of the extremities is negatively correlated with abdominal skin temperature. This may be influenced by heat retained in the abdomen beneath an insulating layer of subcutaneous fat. Core heat can be released through the extremities, where subcutaneous fat provides less insulation. Furthermore, people with a higher body mass index (BMI) tend to have warmer hands.

Fat accumulation is associated with the secretion of adipokines by adipose tissue, notably increased leptin secretion and decreased adiponectin secretion. These two adipokines influence thermogenesis in response to cold stress. Adipose tissue is therefore closely linked to the activity of the sympathetic nervous system during cold exposure, through a reduction in plasma adiponectin levels, without changes in leptin levels.

Furthermore, adipose tissue interacts with glucose metabolism during cold exposure, facilitating diet-induced thermogenesis and increasing circulating adiponectin levels, which can be used in glucose metabolism. This is accompanied by a decrease in leptin levels. These findings suggest that adiponectin and leptin levels associated with fat accumulation may be linked to the sensation of cold in the extremities.

A problem with thyroid function is often cited in cases of unexplained weight gain but is rarely discussed in cases of excessive sensitivity to the cold. And yet, excessive sensitivity to the cold can be linked to thyroid problems, particularly hypothyroidism. The thyroid is an endocrine gland in the neck that produces hormones that regulate various metabolic processes in the body, including thermoregulation. In the case of hypothyroidism, the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which can lead to a slowed metabolism and difficulty regulating body temperature. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, excessive sensitivity to the cold, dry skin, and constipation, amongst others.

Excessive sensitivity to cold may be associated with nutritional deficiencies. Fat intake varies considerably, ranging from 10 to 180g per day in cold regions. In temperate climates, typical daily fat intake for adults is around 20 to 50g. Intakes below 10g have been associated with symptoms of increased sensitivity to cold.

Lipids, also known as fats, play an important role in energy production and thermoregulation. They are a major source of energy and are involved in building cell membranes, producing hormones and regulating various physiological processes. Insufficient fat intake can make it harder to maintain body heat. Body fat also provides insulation and helps reduce heat loss, particularly in cold weather. If the body has insufficient fat stores, it may be less able to retain heat, potentially increasing sensitivity to cold.

Furthermore, excessive sensitivity to the cold may result from iron deficiency, or anaemia. Anaemia is characterised by a reduction in the number of red blood cells or the amount of haemoglobin in the blood, which can reduce the blood’s ability to transport oxygen to tissues and organs. This may affect cellular energy production and contribute to feeling cold. Anaemia can also be linked to changes in circulation, which may affect heat distribution around the body.

If you regularly feel unusually cold, consult a healthcare professional for an assessment and personalised advice.

Gipsy is a graduate of ESJ Paris. After 10 years’ experience in general and women’s magazines, she decided to specialise in writing about health and wellbeing. With a certification in yin yoga under her belt, she now skilfully combines her writing with her yoga mat. Her aim goes far beyond mere words. Her commitment runs deep: to help readers incorporate small tips into their daily lives that help them look after themselves and their environment. Every word is an invitation to adopt a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.