6 Possible Causes of Low Body Temperature and What They Mean

Common knowledge says that your body temperature should be 98.6 degrees F and that a high or low body temperature signals something is wrong. But that's not quite true.

Your average body temperature will increase or decrease depending on factors like your age, sex and the time of day — it can even be an effect of exercise. And you can have a low body temperature when you're sick or healthy.

What Does a Low Body Temperature Mean?

In general, a slightly lower-than-normal temperature is usually nothing to worry about.

What temperature is too low for a person, then?

Hypothermia is a medical emergency, so if your temperature is lower than 95 degrees F, you should seek care immediately.

Here’s a list of possible causes of low body temperature, along with when to see your doctor.

1. Hypothermia

Your body temperature reflects the balance between the heat your body generates versus how much it loses. Prolonged exposure to a cold environment can potentially lead to hypothermia because of excessive heat loss.

Serious hypothermia is more likely to occur in extreme conditions — say, if your car breaks down in a blizzard and you can’t find a nearby heat source — versus spending a few hours bundled up at a football game on a cold day.

Still, if you plan to spend time outside in cool or cold weather, dress in warm clothing and avoid drinking alcohol, as it dilates your superficial blood vessels and increases loss of body heat.

Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you're concerned hypothermia is setting in. In the meantime, here's how to increase core body temperature:

• Get out of the cold.
• Remove any wet clothing.
• Bundle up in blankets.
• Sip warm beverages.
• Avoid applying direct heat, like hot water.

2. Hypothyroidism

3. Nervous System Disorders

Nervous system disorders can disrupt this temperature regulation or your response to external sources of cold, leading to a low body temperature. Examples of these conditions include:

• Stroke
• Spinal cord injury
• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple sclerosis

4. Infection or Illness

Most people think a fever and infection go hand in hand — and they often do.

Having a low body temperature but feeling hot may also be a sign of this condition if accompanied by other signs of sepsis (like rapid breathing, fast pulse and disorientation).

5. Certain Medications

A slight decrease or subnormal temperature is a potential side effect of some medications, including certain drugs used to treat depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

6. Other Health Conditions

Additional uncommon causes of low body temperature include:

• Anorexia nervosa

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• Chronic vitamin B1 deficiency, also known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome

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• Certain skin conditions, such as erythrodermic psoriasis

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How to Take Your Temperature Correctly

• Always use a digital thermometer: The different types include rectal, oral, temporal artery (which scans the outside of your forehead) and armpit or ear thermometers. Oral and rectal thermometers tend to be more accurate than the other types, which can be affected by the temperature of the environment you're in.
• Make sure the thermometer is touching skin.
• Hold the thermometer still while it's reading.
• Don't remove the thermometer until it has beeped or indicated that it's done reading.
• Take your temperature a few times to ensure the reading is correct.

When to See a Doctor

You don't need to run to the doctor every time your body temperature rises or dips a degree or two. A temperature as low as 97 degrees F (36 degrees Celsius) can be perfectly normal if you otherwise feel well.

But you should see your doctor if your body temperature is regularly less than 97 degrees F, especially if you experience other symptoms.

Call 911 if you or anyone you know experience any warning signs or symptoms of hypothermia or sepsis, including:

• Shivering
• Slurred speech or mumbling
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Weak pulse
• Lack of coordination
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Loss of consciousness
• Bright red, cold skin (in babies)

The Takeaway

• It is generally accepted that normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees F, but in fact, there is a range of what is considered normal.
• When body temperature goes too low, however, it can be a sign of illness, hypothermia, or a thyroid disorder. Hypothermia is an emergency.
• Low body temperature that is associated with other symptoms such as dizziness, weak pulse, shivering, or confusion needs immediate medical treatment.