Chronic low body temperature

I have always had a lower than 98.6 body temp. I just thought I ran a little cold, but I have run across a few articles that state this is a sympton of greater problems. I am 23, healthy weight (130 5'6.5") and know I eat enough since my weight is stable (occasionally lose/gain a 1/2lb), but I do know that I have to eat less than this calculator says to maintain. Does anyone else have this issue or know of sources to find more? I do not currently have health insurance and would like to find out more before I go to a doctor. My "normal" temp is about 96.5*F.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks.

subclinical hypothyroidism maybe? do you also have dry skin and fatigue?

it doesn't necessarily have to be a sign of something else.

Much as I don't think people should try to self-diagnose on the web, I feel sort of obligated to give you links to websites that are at least scientifically accurate:

www.webmd.com
www.medicinenet.com

Trusty's right.  It may be hypothyroidism.  Or it may be nothing.  Check with your doc, it's a simple hormone level test to see if it's hypothyroidism.

Even if it is, you don't have to accept the medication (synthyroid probably) that they prescribe.  The condition can be livable like it is, but if you get frequent colds and sore/swolen throats then take the meds.  You should at least get re-tested periodicly to see if the hormone levels fluctuate.  And if you ever get pregnant it'll likely throw the whole thing out of whack.  My ex went from hypo-thyroid to hyper-thyroid when pregnant, then back to hypo-thyroid after delivery, but at a much lower level than before (which contributed to post-natal depression and weight gain).

Besides the excellent suggestions above, consider the following:

Are you sure your thermometer is accurate? How often do you check? Is it consistently low without change? Females have altered body temperature during the menstrual cycle, so depending on when you check it, it could be a little "off" what you might expect.

I have the same problem with my body temperature always being low. It's actually pretty nice sometimes considering I'm an endurance athlete--I can ride my bike in 100 degree heat without getting too hot (also really heat trained). The downside is when I'm in air conditioned places I'm always freezing....I never go to a restaurant or out anywhere without a jacket. Winter is Hell to me (paradox?) and I am already dreading it. I know mine is not thyroid, I've had blood work done and it's all normal. I think mine is due to losing quite a bit of weight rather quickly and also because I have a pretty low body fat percentage.

I do not suffer from hypothyroidism, but I have always had a lower temperature, around 95. 98.6 is a fever for me, LOL...

I don't have circulatory problems, either. My physician - and he is a very good and thorough one -  says (for me) this is something normal and hereditary, as is my low blood pressure. He says that 98.6 is a generalization, and that not everyone is going to have the same internal body temperature; some will be warmer, some will be cooler.

Still, by all means, have it checked out! Get the recommended tests. Your health is precious.  :-)