Why Are Women More Susceptible To Cold?

We all have a friend who claims to always be cold, or a partner who can’t be without blankets even in summer. It’s a phenomenon that we’ve all experienced, but did you know there’s a very real scientific reason that women feel the cold more keenly than men do? This difference is largely due to how our bodies’ circulatory systems work...

Why Are Women More Susceptible To Cold?

Why Are Women More Susceptible To Cold?

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Time to Read

5 minutes

Key Topics
  • What's different for women?
  • How does menopause affect body temperature?
  • Other causes of poor circulation
We all have a friend who claims to always be cold, or a partner who can't be without blankets even in summer. It's a phenomenon that we've all experienced, but did you know there's a very real scientific reason that women feel the cold more keenly than men do? This difference is largely due to how our bodies' circulatory systems work. Women in particular have a higher core body temperature, smaller bodies and slower metabolic rates, all of which causes them to feel colder.

What's Different for Women?

Generally speaking, women are smaller in stature with less heat-producing muscle tissue and slower blood flow due to the increased amount of oestrogen present in their bodies. Despite the fact that women's extremities are colder, they are recorded as having consistently warmer core temperatures than men and it's speculated that this is probably to protect any potential foetus a woman may carry. For most women, the relative coldness of their hands and feet is manageable with the help of warm clothing or by partaking in cardiovascular activities that improve circulation. But if you struggle with feeling consistently, uncomfortably hot or cold, your GP could suggest ways to manage this using medication or by recommending some lifestyle changes.

How does menopause affect body temperature?

The onset of menopause brings an entirely new and almost opposite set of circulatory challenges for women, namely the flashes of heat that result from a drop in oestrogen levels before and during menopause. These symptoms can be eased with natural remedies, adjusting the climate in your house, or by wearing compression socks. However, you can also take a more preemptive approach towards boosting your circulation by improving your diet and exercising more often- establishing a good lifestyle before menopause approaches.

Other Causes of Poor Circulation

Outside of gender, there's a myriad of other reasons a person may find themselves suffering from poor circulation, including Diabetes, Raynaud's, blood clots or an underactive thyroid among others. If you constantly feel coldness, tingling or numbness in your extremities you should bring it up to your GP in case there is any such underling issues that require treatment.

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