Why do I feel cold when everyone else is warm?

Feeling colder than the people around you is pretty common. People can differ a lot in how they generate and conserve heat because of body size, muscle mass, body fat, circulation, hormones, and overall health.

Common reasons

• Lower muscle mass: Muscle helps produce heat, so less muscle can mean you feel cold more easily.
• Lower body fat or low body weight: Body fat provides insulation, so having less of it can make you feel colder.
• Circulation differences: If blood flow to your hands and feet is reduced, they can feel cold even when the room feels warm.
• Not eating enough: If you’re in a calorie deficit, your body may produce less heat.
• Poor sleep, stress, or dehydration: These can sometimes make you feel less comfortable or more sensitive to temperature.

Medical causes to consider if this is frequent or new

• Hypothyroidism: A slow thyroid can cause cold sensitivity, fatigue, dry skin, and weight changes.
• Anemia or low iron: These can reduce oxygen delivery and make you feel cold, especially in your hands and feet.
• Raynaud’s phenomenon: This causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to tighten too much, which can make them cold, pale, or blue.
• Vitamin B12 deficiency: This can sometimes contribute to anemia-like symptoms and tingling.

When to get checked

If you’re consistently colder than others, if it came on suddenly, or if you also have fatigue, hair loss, weight changes, numbness, or paleness, it’s worth seeing a clinician. A simple exam and blood tests can help look for causes like thyroid problems or anemia.

This information is educational and doesn’t replace medical advice.