How many women friends do you know who complain about having cold hands and feet?

Well, there’s a good reason for it. Women’s core body temperatures are a degree or two lower than men’s and women respond to the cold differently than men.

While a woman’s core body temperature cools more slowly, she has trouble creating as much body or metabolic heat through exercise or shivering. Plus, a woman’s hands and feet cool faster than a man’s.

In some cases, Raynaud’s Syndrome may be the culprit. This condition affects the flow of blood to the fingers and sometimes the toes. While everyone gets cold hands and feet in the winter, those with Raynaud’s Syndrome will develop episodes of temporary spasm in the circulation to their fingers or toes at the slightest temperature variation.

Cold hands and feet may also indicate a thyroid problem. The thyroid regulates the body’s metabolism and temperature. Cold hands and feet, as well as general chills, may be a sign of an under-functioning thyroid, especially in women over 40 years of age.

For more information, call the UI Family Care office near you or visit www.uihealthcare.com/familycare.