Can low body temperature feel cold? Understanding the causes and symptoms

September 23, 2025 •

4 min read

While the average human body temperature is often cited as 98.6°F (37°C), a range of 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C) is also considered normal. Yes, a low body temperature can absolutely feel cold, and this sensation is often one of the first indicators that your body's thermoregulation is compromised.

Quick Summary

A low body temperature can indeed make you feel cold, with this sensation and accompanying chills serving as the body's natural defense mechanism when heat is being lost. It's a key symptom of hypothermia, but can also be caused by less severe issues like poor circulation, thyroid problems, anemia, or certain medications. Understanding the root cause is crucial for determining if it's a simple chill or a sign of a more serious underlying health concern.

Key Points

Low Body Temperature & Cold Sensation: Yes, a low body temperature can make you feel cold, as it triggers physiological responses like shivering and constricted blood vessels to conserve heat.
Know the Difference: A persistent feeling of cold can indicate an underlying issue like hypothyroidism or anemia, while a rapid drop in temperature can lead to hypothermia, a medical emergency.
Underlying Causes: Health conditions such as anemia, hypothyroidism, poor circulation, and low body fat can all contribute to a heightened or persistent sensation of cold.
Manage with Lifestyle: For non-emergency cases, staying warm with layers, consuming warm fluids, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in iron and B12 can help manage cold sensitivity.
Seek Medical Advice: If you have persistent unexplained coldness or symptoms of hypothermia, it is crucial to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Thermoregulation is Key: The feeling of cold is your body's way of signaling that its temperature-regulating system is actively working or facing a challenge.

The Science of Feeling Cold with Low Body Temperature

When your core body temperature begins to drop below the normal range, a complex physiological process is initiated to conserve heat. The feeling of being cold, including goosebumps and shivering, is a direct result of these bodily adjustments. This sensation is your body's alarm system, signaling that it needs to take action to warm up.

The hypothalamus in your brain acts as your body's thermostat. When it detects a drop in temperature, it triggers several responses. It constricts blood vessels in your skin, hands, and feet to reduce blood flow to the extremities and conserve heat for your core organs. This is why your hands and feet often feel cold first. Additionally, the hypothalamus stimulates muscle contractions, which we experience as shivering, a rapid, involuntary movement designed to generate heat.

Hypothermia vs. Persistent Cold Sensation

It's important to distinguish between a temporary feeling of coldness and the more serious medical condition of hypothermia. While both are related to a low body temperature, the severity and underlying causes differ.

Mild Hypothermia

Mild hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). At this stage, the feeling of cold is accompanied by more noticeable symptoms. These can include shivering, lethargy, drowsiness, and sluggish responses. The skin will often be pale and cool to the touch.

Moderate to Severe Hypothermia

As the body temperature continues to drop, the symptoms become more severe and life-threatening. Shivering may stop altogether as the body's energy reserves are depleted. The person may experience confusion, slurred speech, a slow heart rate, and shallow breathing. Their skin may appear bluish or grey, and they may lose consciousness.

Persistent Cold Sensation

For many, the feeling of being consistently cold may not be related to a life-threatening drop in temperature, but rather an underlying health condition. This is often referred to as 'cold intolerance.' If you constantly feel cold even in warm environments, it may be time to consult a doctor to investigate potential causes.

Health Conditions That Can Cause Cold Sensitivity

Several medical conditions can interfere with your body's ability to regulate temperature or produce enough heat, leading to a persistent feeling of coldness. Understanding these can help you address the root cause.

Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones to regulate metabolism, which is the body's engine for generating heat. A simple blood test can diagnose this condition, which is often treatable with medication.
Anemia: A low red blood cell count, often due to iron deficiency, means less oxygen is delivered throughout the body's tissues. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and feeling cold, especially in the hands and feet.
Poor Circulation: Conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) and Raynaud's phenomenon restrict blood flow to the extremities, causing them to feel cold.
Low Body Fat: Body fat acts as insulation to help retain heat. Individuals with a very low body mass index (BMI) or low body fat percentage may feel colder more easily because they lack this natural insulation.
Diabetes: High blood sugar over time can lead to nerve damage (neuropathy) that affects temperature sensation, particularly in the hands and feet.
Medications: Certain drugs, such as beta-blockers, can affect circulation and metabolism, leading to increased cold sensitivity.

Addressing Persistent Coldness: A Comparative Guide


Cause	Symptoms	Common Treatment	Key Takeaway
Hypothyroidism	Feeling cold, fatigue, weight gain, dry skin	Hormone replacement therapy	Easily diagnosed with a blood test
Anemia	Feeling cold (especially extremities), fatigue, weakness	Iron supplements, dietary changes	A common cause, especially in those with dietary deficiencies
Poor Circulation	Cold hands and feet, numbness, tingling	Lifestyle changes, warming measures, medication	Focus on improving blood flow to extremities
Low Body Fat	Feeling cold consistently, low BMI	Maintain a healthy weight and caloric intake	Insulation is key for temperature regulation
Hypothermia	Shivering (can stop in severe cases), confusion, slowed heart rate	Medical emergency; requires immediate rewarming	Requires swift, professional medical intervention

How to Manage Feeling Cold

For mild, non-medical-emergency cases, there are several things you can do to manage a persistent feeling of cold. Staying warm through layers of clothing and drinking warm beverages can offer immediate relief. Increasing your physical activity can boost your metabolism and improve circulation. It is also important to maintain a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals, especially iron and B12, which are critical for preventing anemia.

When to See a Doctor

While feeling cold is often normal, persistent or unexplained coldness should be checked by a healthcare provider. See a doctor if you consistently feel cold even after trying to warm up, or if your temperature is consistently below 97°F (36.1°C). Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of hypothermia, such as severe shivering that suddenly stops, confusion, slurred speech, or loss of coordination.

For more detailed information on a range of health topics, including temperature regulation and related conditions, the Mayo Clinic is an excellent resource. You can visit their website to explore a wealth of medical information and advice.

Conclusion: Don't Ignore the Chill

The question, can low body temperature feel cold?, has a clear affirmative answer. The feeling of cold is not just a perception; it is a vital physiological response to changes in your body's core temperature. Whether it’s a temporary dip due to environmental exposure or a persistent sensitivity caused by an underlying health issue, it is a signal that should not be ignored. By understanding the causes, from lifestyle factors to medical conditions, you can take appropriate action to manage the sensation and, when necessary, seek professional help to address any deeper health concerns. Prioritizing your body's signals is key to maintaining overall health and wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, absolutely. A low body temperature can feel cold, and this sensation is your body's natural response to losing heat. It constricts blood vessels and causes shivering to generate and conserve warmth.

While the 'normal' temperature is 98.6°F, a consistent reading below 97°F (36.1°C) or a sudden dip below 95°F (35°C) is considered low and warrants attention.

Common causes include hypothyroidism, anemia, poor circulation, low body fat, and side effects from certain medications. An underlying medical condition is often the culprit for persistent coldness.

You should be concerned if your temperature drops below 95°F (35°C), which is the threshold for hypothermia. You should also see a doctor if you feel persistently cold for no obvious reason or experience other symptoms like confusion, slurred speech, or weakness.

Yes, iron-deficiency anemia can cause you to feel cold because you lack enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. This often results in cold hands and feet.

For a minor temperature drop, you can warm up by putting on more layers, drinking warm fluids, and getting out of the cold environment. For more severe cases like hypothermia, seek immediate medical care.

Yes, it is common for body temperature to slightly decrease with age. Older adults often have less body fat and a slower metabolism, which can contribute to a lower baseline temperature and increased cold sensitivity.