Always cold

[YingMei]

Is anybody else always cold? For me to be warm it needs to be a minimum of 25 degrees with no breeze, if there's even a moderate breeze I get goosebumps. The temperature has noticeably dropped where I live today and to be honest, the amount of time I spend worrying about winter and how cold and tense I'm going to be is starting to make me anxious. I wear as many layers as I can at home and I have a heated blanket - what else do perpetually cold people do to get through it? Or is this unusual?
For context I am not underweight as I know that might cause some people to be cold. , BMI of consistently 19-19.5 so healthy range. I did live in a tropical climate for a while but that was quite a long time ago now so I dont think I'm still in the acclimatisation phase!

Me! I’m always freezing. I do think a low (lower end of healthy range) BMI could contribute. My BMI is similar. Not much insulation! I’m thinking of getting an oodie for the winter.

@nomorespaghetti what's special about an Oodie over a standard blanket or fleece? Tbh I'll try anything to be a bit more comfortable!

What's your iron level like?
If you get tested ask about ferritin specifically and bear in mind the minimum "normal" level is often low enough to cause problems in reality.

@Scianel I don't know about my iron levels - can I ask a gp for a blood test for this reason?

Another one here who is forever cold. Also think it’s either low bmi, or being anaemic. I really struggled today with the “low” temperature to the point I felt feverish to the bones. I know it’s not a fever as I’m always like this when it’s not at least 24+C. I’m following this thread to see what works for others. Haven’t ever tried a heated blanket will order one now!

@2boysand1princess sympathies. I spent all day feeling super cold even with layers. Recommended the heated throw though it has kept me warm this evening without resorting to heating.

@YingMei You could. I get mine tested privately, its not hugely expensive and you get a home fingerprick test kit. I just find the whole faff of having to get a gp appointment, try and justify myself and then chase results.

@Scianel I might investigate a private test. It is nigh on impossible to see or speak to a GP at my practice so it might be worth it. I

How often do you exercise OP? @YingMei

I use a company called Thriva if thats of any use to you.
I just get my iron and vit D done once a year.

My DD is always cold, even on hot days always likely has a jumper on!
She has an oodie, wears constantly in hpuse heated blanket and Thick duvet too, often a water bottle.
She is a healthy weight and Iron level good.

@oatmilkicedchai not very often to be honest. I walk my kids to school and back most days which is 20 mins each way and I swim for half an hour once a week.

I’m always, always cold. I wear thermals from September to MY each year. I am a healthy weight, and exercise regularly lately.

To keep warm, I wear big knickers, cuffed trousers, boot type slippers, thermal socks, long sleeve thermal top s and layers.

I often have a bath in the daytime as that really warms me up. I sit in the sun indoors whenever possible.

I think the answer is to be warm and then ti try and stay warm. If I let myself be cold then it is hard to warm up.

Doing a short amount of cardio every morning (20 mins only) helped me to feel warmer throughout the day when I was having the same issue as you. Similar BMI too. Worth a try.

I hate exercise but I was getting desperate to find a fix

I have been like this all my life - husband is T shirt all year round while I dress in layers 9 months of the year. I can't have the heating on as much as I like this year and I've prepared - heated throw, Oodie, thermals, heat holder socks, fingerless gloves, the lot.

I would have had the heating on for an hour this evening, but resisted. Sitting under a throw (not plugged in though) and three cats.

I'm a fat menopausal runner, good fitness despite being fat, had recent health MOT and all levels fine. And yet I am bloody freezing all the time.
I figure my internal thermostat is broken, the heatwave was the only time I felt nice and warm.

Cynderella I'd also have put the heating on in the past. I'm wearing a hat, hooded top, thermal leggings and thick socks and also under a duvet.

Today is the only day I felt actually chilly for what seems like such a long time. Nice.

At least all summer while everyone else has been flagging in the heat, I've been quite comfortable, thank you.

I did think this evening, if this is me now, what am I going to be like in December? I really need to cut our energy bills, so I'm going to have to start some serious layers.

@oatmilkicedchai I would but I worry about losing weight tbh. I find it hard to keep weight on and if I start running I fear that I'll lose more and be even colder ! But I will try , thank you

I woke up this morning feeling cold and have got out all the scarves and thick socks, and have put the throws on the sofa. Winter draws on. The thermal t shirts are my must have (tescos are reasonable).

Maybe I need some fluffy pets too!

I have the same BMI and same anxiety, OP. I only ever seen to feel warm when I'm in direct sunlight or the temperature is 22c or higher. I sit at a desk all day and once I get cold it's hard to warm up again. I've found going for a brisk 20 min walk before I start, at lunchtime and again when I finish helps keep my body temp up. I wear lots of layers, thermals etc but end up feeling sweaty under my arms which I hate. DH is the complete opposite to me and calls me a reptile 😆

I used to feel the cold for years I finally had my thyroid checked and it was under active, sensitivity to the cold is one of the main symptoms!

Sipping hot water is a good way to keep warm if you don’t want to drink endless tea and coffee.

wrist warmers make a big difference,and a hat of course but it ruins your hair 🤣