Gender differences in thermoregulation

Abstract

Women differ from men in thermal responses to exogenous heat load and heat loss as well as to endogenous heat load during exercise, because they usually have a larger ratio of body surface to body mass, a greater subcutaneous fat content, and lower exercise capacity. When these differences are eliminated in experimental studies, it appears that women's sweating response to heat load is still smaller than that of men, but they are able to maintain their core body temperature on a similar level to that of men as a result of greater evaporative efficiency of sweating. In addition, the changing rate of sex hormone release during the menstrual cycle modifies thermoregulation in women, so there are differences in resting body temperature and thermal responses to positive or negative heat loads depending on the phase of the cycle. In this review, the changes in thermoregulation in young women taking oral contraceptives and those associated with the menopause and hormonal replacement therapy are also described.

Thermal stress, human performance, and physical employment standards

“…However, they do not address the considerable inter-individual variability in the response to heat stress in relation to performance and heat-related illnesses. Individual factors that influence heat tolerance include level of aerobic fitness, heat acclimatization status, body composition, age, sex, and certain genetic predispositions (Cheung and McLellan 1998b;Havenith and van Middendorp 1990;Havenith et al 1995aHavenith et al , 1995bInoue et al 2005;Kaciuba-Uscilko and Grucza 2001;Wang et al 2001;Lin et al 1997). For example, highly aerobically fit individuals were found to have superior exercise-heat tolerance compared with less fit individuals (Cheung and McLellan 1998b).…”

“…For example, highly aerobically fit individuals were found to have superior exercise-heat tolerance compared with less fit individuals (Cheung and McLellan 1998b). Regarding sex differences, women generally have a lower sweat response than men (Inoue et al 2005;Kaciuba-Uscilko and Grucza 2001). In addition, women in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle tend to have a higher core temperature at rest and during heat exposure, compared with women in the follicular phase (Inoue et al 2005).…”

Gender- and Sex-specific Sports-related Injury Research in Emergency Medicine: A Consensus on Future Research Direction and Focused Application

“…44,45 Sweating is both more delayed and less intense in women, and sweat production per gland is lower. 46,47 This difference is greatest in hot-wet conditions where women are better able to radiate heat due to their larger surface area-to-weight ratio. 46,47 It is debated whether women start sweating at a higher core temperature compared to men.…”

“…46,47 This difference is greatest in hot-wet conditions where women are better able to radiate heat due to their larger surface area-to-weight ratio. 46,47 It is debated whether women start sweating at a higher core temperature compared to men. However, this may be due to women demonstrating less demand for evaporative cooling.…”

Do Glucose Containing Beverages Play A Role In Thermoregulation, Thermal Sensation, And Mood State?

“…The sample consisted of males, as exercise intensity and duration could be confounded with a co-ed sample (i.e., males vs. females may require a different level of exercise to produce the level of dehydration desired) [13][14][15]. Further, only Caucasian males were utilized, as non-whites and female have demonstrated differences in thermoregulation [16,17]. The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board at Kent State University.…”