Expert: Walter Hintz - 12/29/2009

Question
Body temperature and blood pressure is regulated in the first few months after birth. Could it be possibly that the reason I always seem to be much colder than other people is that I was born in Australia, where it was very warm, then moved to Canada, where it's colder? Perhaps my body temperature was regulated for Australia?

Answer
Hi Meg
Thermoregulation of the body is regulated by feedback mechanisms involving both the nervous system and the endocrine system. These systems may change with age. When somebody moves to a different climate there is a period of adjustment of the metabolism system. I cannot answer whether the feedback mechanisms are set at birth  It seems unlikely but you may be correct. I have an adopted Vietnamese son who came to us at age 16 who lived in Ohio and New England. He is finally in Florida.  I have also heard that the natives who live in the Arctic and come to a warm climate eventually return to the cold climate.
At any rate whether or not your birth in Australia is a factor in your body temperature you will either have to move back to a warm climate or put on warmer clothes.
Age is a factor also. I grew up in Ohio and was never cold until the last few years and I am now approaching 80 years old
walter