So Cold My Teeth Chatter: What's Wrong?

Posting Date: 01/25/1999

Question from 20-year-old woman: I can't figure out what's wrong, but I get so cold that my teeth chatter. This happens all the time. What should I do?

Dr. Dean: First of all, ask others if they're cold. Have you had a checkup? You may have iron deficiency or a thyroid condition.

Caller: I've had blood tests and the doctor says I'm okay.

Dr. Dean: Tell me more about yourself.

Caller: Well, I'm 20, weigh 95 pounds and am 4'10." I try to exercise three or four times a week. My hands and feet really get cold.

Dr. Dean: The coldness of your hands and feet could be related to something specific - like drinking too much coffee or smoking cigarettes.

Caller: But I don't smoke or drink.

Dr. Dean: Well, cold hands and feet can also result from poor blood circulation. This doesn't sound like your problem. Have you had any problems like anorexia or bulimia?

Caller: No.

Dr. Dean: This is mysterious, but if your teeth chatter it indicates something is wrong with your body.

I'd recommend you have your iron levels and thyroid retested.

The other thing that comes to mind is your body fat.

If you exercise a lot, you may be keeping your body fat to such a low level that you no longer have the natural insulation it provides. You might want to put on a few pounds. Again, this is something you should discuss with your doctor.

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