I've basically had this all my life...I get cold very easily, and my hands and feet will get ice-cold, and I may begin to shiver if I'm really cold.
And I also tend to have a slightly extreme reaction to heat...walking around for a few minutes sometimes results in me breaking a great big sweat, even if it's not particularly hot out. But anyway...I think the cold intolerance is worsening a bit. It's been typical where I live as far as weather, and while everyone else is okay temperature-wise, I often am in a sweatshirt or wrapped in a blanket. As I type, I'm in a sweater and on a heating pad and I'm still cold.
I know hypothyroidism is said to be a cause of cold sensitivity, but I had hypo ruled out a couple years ago. I don't think it's anemia, even though I do have several of the symptoms (may just be a coincidence)...especially since I began taking a multivitamin about a month ago.
So what else could cause this? I've just kind of dealt with it as best I could because I figured it was normal, but now I'm wondering if it's maybe not? I'm not worried about this...it's just annoying to have to be wrapped up like a present all the time when it's not even horribly cold.
Please go to your doctor and have them recheck all levels of your thyroid, t3, t4, tsh, antibody titer, even your b12 and iron levels. It sounds miserable and many doctors do not know to check for vitamin and all levels of thyroid issues. Sometimes you have to be very assertive about your blood tests and what you want them to run and it can be uncomortable to talk with your doc about that, but if you are his patient, he should respect your wishes. Best of luck.
Don't assume because you tested neg for hypothyroid a few years back that it may still be the case if you are having symptoms. It took 20 yrs to confirm mine because it was "starting and stopping" so to speak- being masked by both hormonal and a malabsorbtion condition.
They did finally catch it in the "off" phase during testing and prescribed Synthroid.
You may also want to have them check iron,calcium, vit d and b12 even though you take daily supplements as they don't always absorb/convert into our bodies as they should...especially as we get older. Calcium and vit d levels can contribute to blood pressure/circulation/healthy marrow production so don't just assume I mentioned it for good bones.
Blah49, I didn't know there were different levels of thyroid tests. All I got was, I think, the TSH test, and even then I didn't get an actual number/level...my results simply said "acceptable". I can't get treatment or tests right now anyway since I am currently without insurance, but if my symptoms are still here by next winter (when I can hopefully get insurance again), I'll see about getting testing done then.
Auntbarb, I had no idea hypo could do that...I mean sort of start and stop. I've got some odd symptoms that could be either signs of anemia or hypothyroidism, such as shortness of breath and fatigue (and other symptoms more specific to the aforementioned conditions), and of course, the cold feelings. As mentioned above, though, testing will need to wait until next year if/when I have insurance again.
I agree with others who suggest it may indeed by your thyroid. A more complete thyroid panel is needed. Also, if your fingers turn white and numb on the ends that would suggest Raynauds Syndrome.
It could be a sign of PVD or poor circulation especially if it is in your feet. There is also Raynaunds snydrome which causes hands and feet to be blue/purple from poor circulation, I don't know if you smoke, but that can make it worse. I know what you mean, I hate to be in pain and cold!
This is a bit late, but from what I can tell, my hands and feet don't turn purple or blue. And my fingers look okay too. My mother has told me my father had bad circulation too, so maybe it is just a circulation problem. I never asked the man myself because I never met him.
