Symptom

Feeling cold all the time

Feeling cold all the time means sensing that the body feels cold even when the surrounding temperature is comfortable for most people. The symptom may appear as chills, cold extremities (especially hands and feet) or a general feeling of coldness. For many people in Finland, occasional chills are familiar especially in winter, but if feeling cold continues for a long time or is unusually severe, it is worth paying attention to.

The most common causes of feeling cold all the time are related to circulation, metabolism and the body's temperature regulation. For example, cold feet may simply be due to cold weather, but there can sometimes be circulation problems behind them. In addition, hypothyroidism, anaemia, too little nutrition or too little muscle mass can cause persistent coldness. In some cases, cold reactions such as chilblains can occur especially in children and young women on skin areas exposed to the cold.

Persistent or unexplained feeling cold should be discussed with a healthcare professional, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, shortness of breath or abnormal skin colour. A professional can assess whether it is a normal reaction or a symptom of a possible illness.

Practitioners – Feeling cold all the time

Frequently asked questions

Why do I feel cold all the time when others do not complain about the cold?

Feeling cold all the time can have many causes, such as circulation problems or changes in metabolism. If the symptom continues for a long time or affects daily life, it is worth discussing it with a healthcare professional.

Is feeling cold all the time dangerous?

Feeling cold is often harmless, but in some cases it may be related to conditions such as anaemia or thyroid dysfunction. If feeling cold is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, seek a professional assessment.

Can feeling cold all the time be caused by an illness?

Yes, for example hypothyroidism or anaemia can cause persistent coldness. Determining the cause of the symptom requires a professional assessment.

When should I be concerned about feeling cold all the time?

If feeling cold is a new symptom, continues for a long time, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes or shortness of breath, seek an appointment with a healthcare professional.