Health specialists in the UK have found that heatwaves affect women far more severely than men. Extreme heat acts as a physical stress test on a woman’s cardiovascular system, leading to higher risks of heat-related illness and death.
As rising temperatures bring more frequent hot weather, medical experts are calling for urgent public awareness and targeted health protections.
According to UN Women, extreme heat can pose particular health risks for women and girls because of biological factors, pregnancy, age and existing health conditions. Women generally sweat less than men, while menstruation and menopause can make heat more difficult to tolerate. Pregnancy also increases the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness and has been linked to complications such as pre-term birth and low birth weight.
UN Women also says extreme heat can deepen existing gender inequalities. Women and girls in rural areas, slums, disaster zones and conflict-affected communities may have less access to electricity, cooling, healthcare, safe housing and clean water. The burden of collecting water can also expose women and girls to greater heat risks, while inadequate sanitation can make menstruation and heat exposure more difficult.
Pregnant women face a higher risk because their bodies produce extra heat and need more fluids. Iron loss during menstruation also puts extra strain on the heart, and lower oestrogen levels during menopause make hot flashes and night sweats worse.
Older women face the greatest danger overall. They experience higher rates of dementia and are more likely to take diuretic medications, both of which make it much harder to recognise thirst and handle extreme heat.
