Dr Nighat Arif, a women's health GP and broadcaster known for appearances on Loose Women and This Morning, has explained why heatwaves can feel more severe for women. In an Instagram video, she highlighted the biological differences that cause women to struggle more in hot weather, a phenomenon known as the thermoregulatory divide.
Biological Differences in Heat Regulation
According to Dr Arif, women's bodies cool differently from men's due to variations in body fat, hormones, and heat regulation mechanisms. She stated: 'Women are more affected by heatwaves due to differences in body fat, hormones, and how they regulate heat, so we actually sweat later and less than men.' This delayed and reduced sweating means evaporation cooling is less effective, forcing the body to rely on shifting blood to the skin to release heat.
This process can drop blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting. Dr Arif described a heatwave as 'a real cardiovascular stress test' for women, especially those who are vulnerable.
Impact of Body Fat and Hormones
Dr Arif explained that higher body fat in women acts as insulation, trapping heat. Additionally, hormones play a significant role: progesterone in the second half of the menstrual cycle raises core temperature, while after menopause, lower estrogen impairs vascular function and skin blood flow, making temperature control less stable.
She noted that studies show women often begin sweating at a higher core temperature and produce less sweat overall. This increases cardiovascular strain, contributing to dizziness, low blood pressure, and fainting. Dr Arif emphasised that cardiovascular issues in women are often overlooked, and heat exposure has been linked to higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, with reviews suggesting women may have higher susceptibility to heat-related cardiovascular death in some settings.
Practical Advice for Women
Dr Arif urged women to take heatwaves seriously: 'Don't just think about the comfort, think about hydration, circulation and the heart strain.' She advised those in the luteal phase, perimenopausal, or pregnant to treat heat as a medical trigger and use cooling strategies. Symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, heart symptoms, or unusual fatigue should prompt medical assessment rather than being dismissed as normal heat effects.
The NHS warns that symptoms of heatstroke include a very high temperature, fast heartbeat, and fast breathing or shortness of breath, and advises calling 999 immediately if these signs appear.
