Cold intolerance

Considerations:
Cold intolerance is often an indication of a metabolic problem.

Some people (often very slender women) do not tolerate cold environments simply because they have minimal body fat and are unable to keep warm.

Common Causes:

Note: There may be other causes of cold intolerance. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for cold intolerance, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Follow recommended therapy for treating the underlying cause.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

  • there is prolonged or significant intolerance to cold.



What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your cold intolerance in detail may include:

  • time pattern
    • Have you always been intolerant of cold?
    • Has this developed recently?
    • Has it been getting progressively worse?

  • medical history
    • What is the diet like?
    • How is the general health?
    • What are the height and weight?

  • other
    • What other symptoms are also present?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to cold intolerance, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.