Why Heatwaves Are Harder on Women: The Hidden Struggles Revealed

Overwhelmed, irritable, dizzy, bloated, exhausted. These are the words frequently seen in comments sent to the BBC by women who are still recovering from the record-breaking heat in June and are now bracing for even more scorching weather. Extreme heat doesn’t discriminate; it can affect anyone. However, experts say heatwaves serve as a “stress-test” for women’s health. According to Dr. Cat Pinho-Gomes, an academic public health consultant at UCL, women may be slightly more vulnerable to heatwave-related deaths than men, although more evidence is needed to fully understand this disparity.

Digging deeper, the research reveals that women generally have a higher core body temperature and a greater body fat percentage compared to men. This additional layer of insulation can intensify their heat stress. Combine this biological reality with the natural fluctuations of women’s hormones, and it’s clear that their brain’s temperature regulation systems are often “out of kilter.” Dr. Pinho-Gomes emphasized that it’s not just biology at play; socioeconomic factors like lower pay and caregiving responsibilities further hinder women’s ability to care for themselves during heatwaves.

Age also plays a crucial role in this equation. The older you get, the more susceptible you are to heat-related health issues. Since women tend to live longer than men, they face increased risks associated with extreme temperatures. Additionally, elderly individuals are more prone to dementia, which can impair their ability to recognize thirst—a critical warning sign during heat stress.

Imagine dealing with all of this without air conditioning. Michaela Finn from North London shared her experience of being on her period during the late June heatwave, describing how the drop in estrogen, which drives the thermoregulatory system, put extra pressure on her heart to cool down. Similarly, Charlie Paddock, a 27-year-old from South London, remarked that her period symptoms felt amplified during the heatwave, making it hard to find relief from cramping without her trusty hot water bottle. Jess Allingham, 26, echoed these sentiments, saying she felt “absolutely exhausted, more than normal,” and experienced “total brain fog.” You could almost feel the collective sigh of frustration among them: “It was just about survival.”

Pregnant women face unique challenges as well. They struggle to regulate body temperature due to increased metabolic heat and fluid needs, making them more vulnerable to heat stress, as highlighted in a recent study published in the Lancet. Fluctuating progesterone levels during early to mid-pregnancy can exacerbate feelings of heat, but thankfully, estrogen levels rise in the later stages of pregnancy, which helps cool the body down.

For those carrying a human inside them, being heavily pregnant in the thick of summer is nothing short of hellish. One expectant mother lamented, “Sometimes a Mars ice cream would join me,” as a small comfort amidst the sweltering heat. It’s crucial to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke: drink plenty of fluids, use fans, and exercise before sunrise or after sunset.

In this context, Dr. Pinho-Gomes suggests we should treat heat like a cardiovascular stress test, calling for more awareness and understanding of women’s needs in healthcare and policy-making. “We need more women sitting at the decision table in positions of power and influence,” she said. This isn’t just a woman’s issue; it’s a public health concern that affects everyone.

So, as the temperatures rise again, the question remains: What can be done to safeguard women’s health during these heatwaves?

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber