Last updated: October 2026
Feeling cold more than others is often harmless: being slim, not eating enough, poor sleep, little movement or simply a chilly home. But being always cold can also be a sign of an underactive thyroid, Raynaud’s or anaemia, especially if you’re also tired. See a GP if it’s new, getting worse or comes with other symptoms.
Below: common everyday causes, medical causes to rule out, cold hands and feet, tips to warm up and when to see a GP.
Everyday reasons you’re always cold
- Not eating enough, or skipping meals. Your body makes heat when it digests food.
- Low body weight: less body fat and muscle means less insulation and less heat.
- Sitting still for long periods, such as at a desk. Moving makes heat. See working from home.
- Poor sleep. See sleep deprivation.
- Stress and anxiety. The NHS notes that in people with Raynaud’s, fingers and toes can change colour when they’re anxious or stressed, as well as cold. See stress symptoms.
- A cold home. Older people and people with health conditions are more at risk in cold weather.
Medical causes to rule out
| Cause | Other clues | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Underactive thyroid | The NHS lists “feeling cold more than usual” alongside tiredness, weight gain, constipation and dry skin | Underactive thyroid |
| Raynaud’s | Fingers and toes change colour (white, blue, then red) in the cold or when stressed, with numbness or pain | See a GP |
| Iron deficiency anaemia | Tiredness, pale skin, shortness of breath, palpitations | Iron deficiency |
| Vitamin B12 deficiency | Extreme tiredness, pins and needles, sore tongue | B12 deficiency |
| Hormonal changes | Temperature swings can come with perimenopause | Hormonal imbalance |
Many of these also cause tiredness, so if you’re always cold and tired, ask your GP about a blood test. See why am I always tired? and tired in winter.
Always cold hands and feet
Cold hands and feet are very common, because your body pulls blood towards your core to keep vital organs warm. It’s usually nothing to worry about. The NHS says Raynaud’s, where blood stops flowing properly to fingers and toes, is common and can often be managed by keeping warm. See a GP if your fingers or toes change colour, become painful, or if it affects one side only or started suddenly.
How to warm up and stay warm
- Eat regular meals, including warm food and drinks. See food and mood.
- Move every hour: walk, climb stairs or stretch.
- Layer up: several thin layers, warm socks, gloves and a hat outdoors.
- Keep your home warm, especially the rooms you spend most time in.
- Warm your bed with a hot water bottle or electric blanket used safely.
- Get enough sleep and manage stress. See winter wellness.
A warm drink is one of the simplest ways to feel cosier on a cold evening. Our Reishi Mushroom Adaptogenic Complex is a warming cacao drink, and our Magnesium Glycinate Sleep Complex is a caffeine-free bedtime drink; magnesium contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
When to see a GP
See a GP if feeling cold is new or getting worse, or comes with tiredness, weight changes, hair loss, pale skin, shortness of breath or changes in your fingers and toes. Call 999 if someone is very cold and confused, drowsy, has slurred speech or slow breathing, as these can be signs of hypothermia.
FAQs
Why am I always cold when others are warm?
Common reasons include low body weight, not eating enough, sitting still for long periods and poor sleep. An underactive thyroid, anaemia or Raynaud’s can also be the cause.
Why am I always cold and tired?
An underactive thyroid, iron or vitamin B12 deficiency, poor sleep or not eating enough are common causes. Ask your GP about a blood test.
Why are my hands and feet always cold?
Your body keeps blood near your core to stay warm, so hands and feet cool first. If they change colour or hurt, it could be Raynaud’s.
Can thyroid problems make you feel cold?
Yes. The NHS lists feeling cold more than usual as a common symptom of an underactive thyroid.
Sources
- NHS. Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
- NHS. Raynaud’s.
- NHS. Iron deficiency anaemia.
- NHS. Hypothermia.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Evopure makes the Reishi Mushroom Adaptogenic Complex and Magnesium Glycinate Sleep Complex.
