Pharmacist warns feeling cold 'could be serious health condition'

With freezing weather hitting the UK over the past week, feeling cold has become the norm as the nation gets ready for a long winter. But one medical professional is warning that it might not be just the temperatures that make you feel cold.

She said feeling persistently cold can be a sign of more serious health concerns that you may not be aware of. Niamh McMillan, Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent, has explained the important signs to look out for in order to avoid more serious health issues.

When feeling cold could be a sign of health issues

Raynaud’s disease

Niamh said: “'It’s so cold, I can’t feel my toes' is a common expression used during the winter months. However, for those suffering from Raynaud’s disease not being able to feel their hands or toes during colder temperatures is a reality, making them feel numb and turning either white or blue. Raynaud’s disease is a condition that causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to narrow, restricting the blood flow to body parts, including the nose, nipples or lips.”

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Anaemia

Niamh said: “Anaemia is a condition where the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues and organs, meaning that your body does not get enough oxygen-rich blood. Symptoms of this condition can sometimes include cold hands and feet, due to poor blood circulation, as well as fatigue, dizziness, pale skin and shortness of breath. A common type of anaemia is linked to iron deficiency, which develops if you don’t get enough iron from food, or you have lost a lot of blood from an injury or illness."

Type 2 diabetes

Niamh said: “Diabetes can cause nerve damage in the extremities that can make you feel cold all of the time. Additional symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, an increased need to pass urine more frequently, feeling tired and losing weight. Superdrug Online Doctor offers a Diabetes Test Kit which can check if you are at risk of diabetes. Alternatively, seek advice from your GP.”

Hypothyroidism

Niamh said: "An underactive thyroid, otherwise known as hypothyroidism, occurs when the thyroid gland, responsible for many functions including bone health, metabolism and growth of cells, doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism can slow down your metabolism, leading to a drop in your overall temperature, leaving you to feel permanently cold and especially sensitive to cold surroundings.

"Additional symptoms can include constipation, depression and aching muscles. Superdrug Online Doctor offers a Thyroid Hormone Test Kit allowing you to check your thyroid hormone levels from home. Alternatively Superdrug high street clinics offer a Thyroid Screen Blood Test to check how your thyroid is working.”