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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 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.

Common Causes

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

Home Care

Follow recommended therapy for treating the underlying cause.

Call your health care provider if

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

What to expect at your health care provider's office

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.

Review Date:12/6/2007
Reviewed By:Nancy J. Rennert, M.D., Chief of Endocrinology Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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