To go to the GP for being cold?

[Silverbook]

I know this sounds ridiculous but I’m always cold. Really, really cold. Currently have 4 layers on, including 2 wool jumpers and the heating on yet my hands are still freezing and I feel chilled. My core temp is always low, I frequently have a blue tinge to my lips and can only warm up with a bath or shower.

I very rarely go to the GP, I think I’ve been twice in the last 3 years and I feel ridiculous to go with the symptom of being cold I feel like it’s an abnormal level of coldness and my blue lips do freak me (and others!) out.

I know I have Raynauds so I’m aware of the importance of keeping my core warm etc. I’m generally very healthy and fit. I have a slim body build, don’t smoke or drink and take regular exercise (actually after exercise is one of the times I feel the cold the most and my Raynauds will be particularly painful). Should I bother the GP with this or will they think I’m a time waster?

You could be hypothyroid so yes go

Are you underweight, OP? That can cause a low body temperature.

I would go.

I’m slim but dont t think I’m underweight. Approx 5 ft 7 and about 50kg.

Well it could be the raynauds and depending on your age things like peri/menopause or losing weight or other things could be having an affect on it

I wouldn’t have said to go except you are mentioning the blue tinge which could be part of the raynauds but could also be serious conditions relating to your heart or something else but because you can’t possibly know it’s best to go and get seen.

the worst case is you get told it’s nothing and then you feel silly for going but then you know and can stop thinking about it but on the other hand if it turns out to be someone that needs treatment then you know and it can!

I had wondered about my thyroid.

If you are 50kg at 5 7 then you are underweight as that is under 8 stone!

I am 5 7 and even at 18 I was closer to 9.5 stone and very slim in a size 8 to 10

Oh that is low. Not likely hypothyroid then. You might want a dietician to direct you on best methods to put on some weight

Your BMI works out at 17.3 underweight. Perhaps get a referral for help on this

https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/why-do-i-feel-so-cold-all-the-time

Just jumped on the scales and I’m 55kg!

My hands always used to be freezing cold. Turned out I had an underactive thyroid, so it may be worth getting tested for that. Now I'm on the medication they're not.

Oh I’ve been anaemic in the past so I’ll ask to have that checked again. I don’t know coldness could be a symptom.

My hands are ALWAYS cold. Even in summer. Literally the last part of me ever to warm up.

Thank you all. This has reassured me that hopefully the GP won’t think I’m a time waster. I’ll get an apt this week.

55kg is still low for your height.

You could be iron deficient. I’d ask for a full
blood test to check ferritin, folic acid, b12, vit d, thyroid etc.

Id also talk about diet and whether youre
getting enough energy.

thats Not much better really it’s still 8.6 stone which is very low for someone of your height and it will not be helping especially when combined with the raynauds. Your body is already struggling to maintain your body temperature due to low weight so add it on top and it’s not surprising (to me) that you are having issues with being cold and not being able to warm up.

i am your height and have a sever form of Raynauds so i know how hard it can be on the body. I am absolutely not having a go at you I am just pointing out that I have experience of suffering from this condition too and knowing it doesn’t need any help to play up!

Definitely go, Raynauds can be either primary (just Raynauds) or secondary to another condition, often autoimmune. Secondary can leave you with tissue damage and can lead to ulcers. If you ever get swollen hands, sausage like, joint pain or any digestive symptoms mention them too.
I am much the same with cold, it is quite miserable at times. Obvious I know but thermal base layers, hand warmers, hot water bottles and hot drinks to clutch help. Nice gloves, scarves and wraps aren’t essential but make me feel a bit better! I obviously get very little exposure to sunshine as for a lot of the year only my face is exposed 😂.

Gosh you shouldn't be turning blue!

I have Raynauds, I had a period of few years ago where I was constantly cold moreso than usual, my GP investigated it to the max including going to the rheumatologist because it can be an indicator of other things. Deffo go.

Very low body weight, even without Reynauds, will make you feel cold all the time as you have little subcutaneous fat. Best to chat with your GP.

Vitamin D deficiency can also cause this issue.