Why do my fingers get numb when it's cold?

Hi Erin!

Thank you so much for sharing your question with the EmpowHER community! You must be experiencing this Polar Vortex taking the nation by storm!

Many people experience this sensation during winter so you are not alone.

However, if it is problematic and your fingertips change colors it can be more severe such as Raynaud's syndrome. Raynaud's syndrome is a condition in which blood flow to fingers and toes, as well as the nose and ears, is disrupted by spasms in the blood vessels. It is very rare, affecting only five to seven percent of all otherwise healthy women.

Typically, the onset of symptoms occur between the ages of 15 and 30 and science has yet to discover what causes the abnormal physiologic response to cold.

Erin, do your hands get cold when holding something cold like a can of soda or walking through the freezer section at the supermarket? I don't want to alarm you, but the fact that the tips of your fingers turn white is something you might want to mention to your physician. 

As mentioned above, Raynaud's syndrome is very rare, but something you might want to look more into. 

When you have a chance, you can read more information about it here on the EmpowHER site.

Erin, did this help?

Best,

Kristin