Low Body Temperature: What It Means for Your Health

Everyone knows that a fever signals your body is fighting something off but what about when your body temperature dips below normal? While it's easy to dismiss feeling cold as just poor circulation or a chilly room, consistently low body temperature can be a red flag for deeper health concerns, particularly for women.

What Counts as Low Body Temperature?

The average body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C), but anything between 97°F (36.1°C) and 99°F (37.2°C) is considered normal. A temperature below 95°F (35°C) is categorized as hypothermia, a medical emergency. However, even mild, persistent dips say in the 95°F to 97°F range may indicate underlying issues if not related to external cold.

Common Causes of Low Body Temperature

There are several reasons your internal thermostat might be out of sync, including:

• Hypothyroidism: An underactive thyroid slows metabolism, which can reduce body heat. Women are up to eight times more likely than men to develop thyroid disorders.

• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels can lower body temperature, particularly in people with diabetes or adrenal fatigue.

• Infection: While fever is common, certain infections like sepsis or urinary tract infections in older adults may instead cause a drop in body temperature.

• Anorexia or malnutrition: Low body fat and caloric intake reduce heat production. A study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that underweight individuals often had lower core body temps.

• Medications: Sedatives, antipsychotics, and beta-blockers can interfere with your body's heat regulation.

Age and Hormones Play a Role

Women may notice changes in body temperature during different phases of their menstrual cycle due to hormonal shifts. Estrogen and progesterone affect heat regulation. During ovulation, body temperature slightly rises, while drops can occur in the luteal phase or during perimenopause. As we age, body temperature naturally trends lower especially after age 60 making older adults more vulnerable to cold and infections.

When to Be Concerned

Occasional cold hands or feet aren’t usually cause for alarm. But if you notice consistent low readings on a thermometer especially paired with fatigue, weight gain, depression, or irregular periods it’s worth getting checked. Seek immediate care if:

• Temperature is below 95°F (35°C)

• You experience confusion, slurred speech, or drowsiness

• Shivering is uncontrollable or stops suddenly (a late sign of hypothermia)

What You Can Do

If your low body temperature is mild and not tied to a serious medical issue, lifestyle adjustments may help:

• Dress in layers to help your body retain heat

• Stay hydrated, as dehydration affects thermoregulation

• Eat regular, balanced meals to fuel your metabolism

• Get your thyroid tested, especially if you also notice hair thinning or mood changes

• Limit alcohol, which can widen blood vessels and promote heat loss

Monitoring Matters

Keeping track of your body temperature with a digital thermometer at different times of day can help identify patterns. Pair it with notes on symptoms, food intake, and activity levels to get a fuller picture of your body’s signals.

Your Body’s Clues Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Persistent low body temperature isn’t just a quirky body trait it could be your system's way of waving a quiet red flag. Listening to these subtle shifts can help you catch and manage underlying health issues early.

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