A thread for anyone who feels the cold!

[TheChosenTwo]

I’m permanently cold, always have felt the cold and can’t see that changing.
But other than dressing like the Michelin man every day in 23 layers does anyone have helpful tips of what they’re wearing to keep warm?
I appreciate lots of people don’t think it’s cold yet, fair enough, but I do and I’m struggling in the office mainly. Luckily we don’t have to be smart!
today I had thermal leggings (fleece lined, M&S) and a thermal long sleeved top (Uniqlo heat tech, absolutely shit, bought loads of it last year and will never buy it again!). Thermal socks and normal ones over the top. Trousers, a shirt and a wool jumper over the top of that and still my hands were frozen!
What am I missing?!

I’m 90% sure mine is down to Mounjaro, but god I’m cold. All the time. My hands are freezing. Not during my the summer, so I don’t think it’s a health issue- just a side effect.

Currently freezing with a top and cardigan on :(

Two people I work with who were extremely cold people ended up with ostopenia and osteoporosis at a relatively young age despite being very fit. It was a strange coincidence.

It definitely isn’t at all normal to need thermals at 20 degrees.

When I was younger I used to run outside in the early morning and I did find this massively improved my cold tolerance.

I have Raynauds, live in Scotland, rural and high up where we get hard winters. Today it’s a windy day and our old farmhouse feels a little draughty. While we are slowly renovating and making it warmer, I’ve learned to deal with the cold with clothes.
My favourite thermals are the warmest ones from Tesco, including their socks. I have m and s thermal fleece and velour lined tights and leggings.
I wear similar to turtle dove gloves on the hand affected most by raynauds.

I have thinner thermals for this time of the year and into October but then it will be thermals as a base layer and usually wool or similar on top.

Sheepskin insoles
Wool rich socks.
Woollen jumpers
Merino wool baselayers

Actual wool, actual sheepskin. Much, much warmer than synthetics.

Cashmere wristwarmers are fantastic.

but also see the GP - best to rule any illnesses out.

I’m permanently freezing but I have an underactive thyroid and raynauds - made worse with other medication unfortunately. Enjoying the search for warm things but also think you should get checked out!

An update - I have felt a bit better today!
Merino bottoms and top, thermal socks, then jeans over the top and another thin layer plus a cashmere cardigan and gigantic scarf.
I do have an electric blanket I have sometimes brought in to work but probably shouldn’t!!
I’ve called the gp to request a blood test, someone should get back to me…

Bloody hell @PeanutGallerist that was dramatic 😳

Yup … I’m ok now though.

(Took a fair bit of surgical and medicinal intervention.)

I had anemia because of heavy periods and I don't even have pcos so defo worth getting it checked.
Doctor prescribed me iron pills for a bit and tranexamic acid to lighten them and no more freezing hands! They were like ice blocks before in winter especially

I am another one with an underactive thyroid and have had anaemia in the past and feel the cold terribly. i am already suffering too with my hands and feet like ice if I sit still for too long.

I find the best thermals are Icebreaker merino wool. They are in a whole other category for warmth. I don't know that I would have survive a trip to the Artctic circle without them. And then the rest of my ski wear layered over the base layer. They do some great mid layers in merino wool too.

I find once I get chilled that just being in a warm room isn't enough to take the chill off and I have to have warm bath or use a heated blanket. I am going to buy some electric hand warmers for my handbag. For socks I recommend the Darn Tough merino wool ones. Superb.

@TheChosenTwo i am glad you are following this up but be very specific about what you are asking for. This is where AI can help.

When you're experiencing a symptom like feeling cold all the time, especially with a pre-existing condition like PCOS, a GP in the UK would likely consider several potential causes and order blood tests to investigate. The goal is to rule out or confirm a diagnosis, which can then guide treatment.
Here are the key blood tests that would be appropriate in this instance:
1. Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs)
• Why it's important: The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate your metabolism and body temperature. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a very common cause of feeling cold all the time, along with other symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin. PCOS can be associated with an increased risk of thyroid issues.
• What it measures: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and often T4 (thyroxine). An elevated TSH and low T4 would indicate an underactive thyroid.
2. Full Blood Count (FBC)
• Why it's important: This test provides a complete picture of your blood cells, including red blood cells. A low red blood cell count or low haemoglobin (anaemia) can cause coldness, fatigue, and weakness because there aren't enough cells to transport oxygen efficiently throughout the body. Iron deficiency is a common cause of anaemia.
• What it measures: Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and haemoglobin.
3. Vitamin and Mineral Levels
• Why it's important: Deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals can affect your body's ability to regulate temperature.
• What it measures:
• Vitamin B12: A deficiency can lead to anaemia and nerve damage, which can cause a sensation of coldness.
• Iron/Ferritin: Low iron stores (measured by ferritin) can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.
• Vitamin D: While not a direct cause of coldness, Vitamin D deficiency is common and can be linked to other symptoms that may overlap with those you are experiencing, such as fatigue.
4. Hormone Tests related to PCOS
• Why it's important: While PCOS itself may not directly cause you to feel cold, the condition is a hormonal imbalance. Your GP may want to check certain hormones to assess your current state and rule out other conditions that can mimic PCOS.
• What it measures:
• Testosterone: High levels of "male" hormones like testosterone are a key feature of PCOS.
• **Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): An imbalance in the ratio of these hormones is a classic diagnostic marker for PCOS.
• Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG): This protein binds to sex hormones and can affect the amount of "free" hormones available in your body.
• Prolactin: A blood test for prolactin can help rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms to PCOS.
5. Blood Glucose and Insulin Levels
• Why it's important: Insulin resistance is extremely common in people with PCOS. This can affect your energy levels and overall metabolic function.
• What it measures:
• Fasting Glucose: A measurement of your blood sugar after not eating for a certain period.
• HbA1c: This test provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months and is a key tool for screening for diabetes or pre-diabetes.
The GP will use the results of these blood tests, along with your symptoms and medical history, to determine the underlying cause of your constant coldness and formulate an appropriate management plan. It is a good idea to bring a list of your symptoms and any questions you have to your appointment.