With temperatures falling nationwide as autumn arrives, a pharmacist has issued a warning about a crucial red-flag symptom that might indicate a severe medical condition—one that people could easily mistake for just being caused by cold weather.
Constantly experiencing coldness may signal a serious health issue you might be unaware of. However, it is not necessarily linked to outdoor conditions.
Niamh McMillan, Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent, has highlighted the warning signs to monitor in order to prevent severe health complications, reports the Mirror.
Hypothyroidism
The pharmacist explains that feeling chilly ‘constantly’ might be connected to hypothyroidism, also referred to as an underactive thyroid.
Hypothyroidism develops when the thyroid gland, which controls numerous bodily functions, including bone wellness, metabolism, and cellular development, fails to generate sufficient thyroid hormones.
She explained: “Hypothyroidism can slow down your metabolism, leading to a drop in your overall temperature, leaving you to feel permanently cold and especially sensitive to cold surroundings. Additional symptoms can include constipation, depression and aching muscles.”
If you feel chilly whilst others appear comfortable, particularly if this is a fairly new sensation for you, it’s advisable to consult a medical professional. They can examine your thyroid hormone (TSH) concentrations to determine whether an underactive thyroid could be the cause.
According to the NHS, signs of an underactive thyroid may be subtle and might not be straightforward to spot. They typically emerge gradually and worsen progressively. Frequent indicators include:
- feeling extremely tired (fatigue)
- feeling cold more than usual
- putting on weight
- constipation
- difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- low mood or depression
- dry skin, dry hair or hair loss
- a croaky (hoarse) voice
- irregular or heavy periods if you have them
Keep in mind that the NHS does say: “Some of the symptoms are common and can be caused by other conditions. But it’s important to get them checked by a GP.”
The British Thyroid Foundation provides information and assistance, including patient experiences, online discussion boards and telephone guidance. Thyroid UK also delivers information and help, including web-based forums, local support networks and phone assistance.
Raynaud’s Disease
Niamh has also cautioned about additional medical conditions that can make people feel chilly. She explains: “It’s so cold, I can’t feel my toes is a common expression used during the Winter months.
“However for those suffering from Raynaud’s Disease not being able to feel their hands or toes during colder temperatures is a reality, making them feel numb and turning either white or blue.”
She continued: “Raynaud’s Disease is a condition that causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to narrow, restricting the blood flow to body parts, including the nose, nipples or lips.”
Anaemia
Anaemia is a condition characterised by a lack of healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen to the body’s tissues and organs, resulting in an insufficient supply of oxygen-rich blood. Symptoms can include cold hands and feet due to poor circulation, as well as fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
Niamh explains: “A common type of anaemia is linked to iron deficiency, which develops if you don’t get enough iron from food, or you have lost a lot of blood from an injury or illness.”
Type 2 Diabetes
“Diabetes can cause nerve damage in the extremities that can make you feel cold all of the time,” Niamh adds. “Additional symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, an increased need to pass urine more frequently, feeling tired and losing weight.”
If you are experiencing or concerned about any of the above conditions, it is always advisable to seek further advice from your GP.