Women Face Higher Health Risks from Heatwaves, Experts Say

Medical researchers report that extreme heat places a greater physiological burden on women than on men. Women tend to start sweating later, produce less sweat, have slightly higher core temperatures and a higher proportion of body fat, which slows heat loss. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause further impair temperature regulation, increasing the risk of fatigue, dizziness, sleep disruption and cardiovascular strain.

Social factors also raise women's vulnerability: they are more likely to perform caregiving duties, work in lower‑paid jobs with limited access to cooling, and, on average, live longer, placing more older women in the heat‑sensitive age group. Experts recommend ample hydration, scheduling physical activity for cooler times of day, and that employers and policymakers develop measures specifically protecting women during heatwaves. They warn that climate change will make such extreme temperature events more frequent and intense, amplifying these gender‑specific health risks.