ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Cold intolerance

Definition

Cold intolerance is an abnormal sensitivity to a cold environment or cold temperatures.

Alternative Names

Considerations

Cold intolerance can be an indication of a metabolic problem.

Some people (often very slender women) do not tolerate cold environments simply because they have minimal body fat and are unable to keep warm.

Causes

• Anemia (low blood counts)
• Anorexia nervosa
• Chronic severe illness
• General poor health
• Hypothyroidism
• Vascular problems, such as Raynaud's phenomenon

Home Care

Follow recommended therapy for treating the underlying cause.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have prolonged or significant intolerance to cold.

Your health care provider will take a medical history and perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions may include:

• Time pattern
  • Have you always been intolerant of cold?
  • Has this developed recently?
  • Has it been getting progressively worse?
  • Do you often feel cold when other people do not complain of the 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?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Blood tests
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Serum TSH

After seeing your health care provider:

If your health care provider made a diagnosis related to cold intolerance, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.