Cold intolerance
Definition
Cold intolerance is an abnormal sensitivity to a cold environment or cold temperatures.
Alternative Names
Sensitivity to the cold; Intolerance to cold
Considerations
Cold intolerance can be a symptom of a problem with metabolism.
Some people (often thin older women) do not tolerate cold temperatures because they have very little body fat to help keep them warm.
Causes
Some causes of cold intolerance are:
- Anemia
- Anorexia nervosa
- Blood vessel problems, such as Raynaud phenomenon
- Chronic severe illness
- General poor health
- Problem with the hypothalamus, (a part of the brain that controls body temperature)
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Home Care
Follow the recommended therapy for treating the cause of the problem.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if you have long-term or extreme intolerance to cold.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your provider will take a medical history and perform a physical examination.
Your provider's questions may include the following topics.
Time pattern:
- Have you always been intolerant of cold?
- Has this developed recently?
- Has it been getting worse?
- Do you often feel cold when other people do not complain of being cold?
Medical history:
- What is your diet like?
- How is your general health?
- What are your height and weight?
- What other symptoms do you have?
Tests that may be performed include:
If your provider diagnoses cold intolerance, you may want to include the diagnosis in your personal medical record.
References
Akamizu T, Jonklass J. Hypothyroidism and thyroiditis. In: Medmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Rosen, CJ, Kopp PA, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 15th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier: 2025:chap 11.
Pearce EN, Hollenberg AN. Thyroid. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 207.
Sawka MN, O'Connor FG. Disorders due to heat and cold. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 95.
Reviewed By: Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. Editorial update 08/09/2024.
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