Are Women More Vulnerable to the Effects of Heat?

As global temperatures continue to rise and extreme heat events become more frequent, understanding how heat impacts different groups is crucial—especially when it comes to gender. Recent studies suggest that women may be more vulnerable to the effects of heat than men, due to a complex mix of biological, physiological, and social factors.

Biological and Physiological Differences

1. Body Composition and Thermoregulation

On average, women have a higher percentage of body fat and lower muscle mass than men. This difference can influence how heat is stored and dissipated. Fat acts as an insulator, potentially making it more difficult for the body to cool down quickly.

Additionally, women typically have a lower sweat rate compared to men. Sweating is a key mechanism the body uses to regulate temperature, and a lower sweat rate can limit the ability to cool down in extreme heat.

2. Hormonal Factors

Hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which fluctuate during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, can impact the body's ability to regulate temperature. For example, during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (after ovulation), women’s core body temperature naturally increases, making it harder to cope with heat.

Health Impacts and Vulnerabilities

Heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke, can affect anyone—but data shows that women may be at greater risk in certain situations. Older women, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing health conditions such as cardiovascular disease may be especially susceptible to heat stress.

Pregnant women, in particular, are a high-risk group. Excessive heat can lead to complications such as dehydration, preterm labor, and even low birth weight in newborns.

Social and Occupational Factors

1. Workplace Exposure

While more men may work in physically demanding, outdoor jobs, women working in agriculture, textile factories, or other heat-exposed environments—especially in developing countries—often lack proper protections and healthcare.

2. Caregiving Roles

Women often serve as caregivers, whether for children, the elderly, or the sick. During heatwaves, this responsibility can increase both physical and emotional stress, raising their overall risk of heat-related health issues.

3. Access to Resources

In many parts of the world, women have less access to healthcare, information, and resources like air conditioning or transportation. These disparities can worsen the effects of extreme heat, especially in lower-income or marginalized communities.

What Can Be Done?

As climate change intensifies, addressing gender differences in heat vulnerability is more important than ever. Policymakers, urban planners, and healthcare providers need to:

• Design early warning systems that consider gender-specific needs.

• Provide access to cooling centers, especially for pregnant women and caregivers.

• Promote research on how heat affects different populations, including gender-based differences.

• Educate communities about heat-related health risks and preventive actions.

  Final Thoughts

  While everyone is affected by extreme heat, women—particularly those in vulnerable life stages or living in disadvantaged conditions—may face greater challenges. Recognizing and addressing these differences can lead to more inclusive and effective public health strategies in our warming world.