Women, children, and the elderly experience more severe symptoms during heatwaves than men [1].
This disparity suggests that public health responses to extreme heat may need gender-specific strategies to protect vulnerable populations from physiological strain.
Research and anecdotal reports from European heatwaves in June and July 2026 highlight the distinct impact of extreme temperatures on women [2]. These effects include higher core body temperatures, exhaustion, and the disruption of menstrual cycles [1, 3].
Physiological differences play a significant role in this vulnerability. Dr. Amir Khan said that when the hormone progesterone rises, it can increase a woman's core body temperature by up to one degree Fahrenheit [3]. This internal rise makes it more difficult for the body to cool down during external heat spikes.
Beyond hormonal factors, social variables contribute to the strain. Factors such as clothing and occupational exposure often leave women more susceptible to the elements [3]. Prof. Chloe Brimicombe, an Oxford climate scientist, said women bear the brunt of extreme heat, from body-temperature regulation to disrupting the menstrual cycle [1].
During the June 2026 heatwave, women submitted comments to the BBC describing themselves as overwhelmed, irritable, dizzy, bloated, and exhausted [2]. These reported symptoms indicate a combination of biological stress and the social pressures of managing heat in various environments.
While some reports emphasize the hormonal drivers of heat sensitivity, others point to behavioral and social factors as primary causes [2, 3]. Regardless of the primary driver, the result is a heightened state of physical and mental discomfort compared to men during the same weather events.
“"Women bear the brunt of extreme heat, from body-temperature regulation to disrupting the menstrual cycle."”
The intersection of biological vulnerability and social roles suggests that heatwaves are not gender-neutral events. As global temperatures rise, failing to account for hormonal impacts on thermoregulation and the specific occupational risks faced by women could lead to gaps in emergency medical response and urban planning.
