Understanding Persistent Fatigue and Coldness: Potential Causes & When to See a Doctor

If you find that you are frequently cold and tired, you could have an underlying medical condition. Although there are a number of health issues that present with chills and fatigue, hypothyroidism is the most likely culprit. Other possible illnesses include anemia, hypoglycemia or anorexia. To determine the root cause of your symptoms, you should visit a doctor for testing.

Hypothyroidism

• Hypothyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid does not produce enough hormone. Hypothyroidism is most common in women over the age of 50, although it can occur in individuals of any age or gender. In addition to fatigue and sensitivity to cold, individuals with hypothyroidism may become depressed, gain weight, lose hair, experience brittle fingernails or have pale skin.

Anemia

• Anemia is a disorder in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. It is more common in women than men. Although fatigue is a common symptom, most anemic individuals do not experience sensitivity to cold. However, they may feel weak, have chest pain, struggle to breathe and get frequent headaches.

Hypoglycemia

• Hypoglycemia is a condition in which the blood sugar frequently drops below healthy levels. Diabetics and pre-diabetics are especially prone to hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include fatigue, shakiness, cold sweats and foggy thinking.

Anorexia

• Anorexia is a condition in which an individual refuses to eat for fear that they will gain weight. More common in women than men, anorexia can cause an individual to feel tired, cold, develop a yellow cast to their skin and grow a fine layer of hair across their body.