As scorching temperatures become the daily trending topic across the UK and beyond, many people are asking the same question: why does extreme heat seem to affect some groups more than others? Doctors say heatwaves can be particularly tough on women, while older adults, children, people with health conditions, and those taking certain medicines may also face a higher risk when the mercury climbs.
With forecasts warning of severe heat in parts of the country, understanding how the body responds to high temperatures is more than timely — it could help prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion, and more serious complications.
Daily Trending Topic: Why Women May Struggle More During Heatwaves
The current daily trending topic around heat health has sparked renewed attention on biological differences in how men and women regulate body temperature. According to medical experts, women may find hot weather more uncomfortable for several reasons tied to sweating, circulation, hormones, and menopause.
1. Sweating may begin later and cool less efficiently
Sweat is one of the body’s key cooling systems. Research suggests women often need to reach a slightly higher body temperature before sweating starts. Even when sweating does occur, it may be less efficient at releasing heat compared with men. That matters during a heatwave, when cooling the body quickly is essential.
While body size can play a role, studies have also pointed to differences in sweat response and heat regulation, making high temperatures feel more intense for some women.
2. The menstrual cycle can raise core temperature
Another reason this issue has become a daily trending topic is the role hormones play in body heat. In the second half of the menstrual cycle, progesterone levels rise after ovulation. This can increase core body temperature by roughly 0.3°C to 0.7°C, meaning a person may already be running warmer before stepping into extreme summer heat.
That subtle increase may not sound dramatic, but during a heatwave it can make sleeping, exercising, commuting, and working outside feel significantly harder.
3. Menopause and hot flushes can intensify discomfort
For women going through menopause, heatwaves may be especially punishing. Hot flushes already create sudden feelings of intense warmth, sweating, and discomfort. When outdoor temperatures are already very high, those symptoms can feel amplified and more difficult to manage.
Lower oestrogen levels after menopause may also affect blood vessel function, which is important because the body relies on widening blood vessels near the skin to release heat.
4. Blood flow and heat release may differ
The body also cools itself by sending more blood toward the skin surface, where heat can dissipate. Some experts say this process may be less efficient in women due to smaller blood vessels and heart chambers on average. In postmenopausal women, reduced vasodilation may further limit how effectively heat is released.
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Who Else Is Most Vulnerable in Extreme Heat?
This daily trending topic is not only about women. Health authorities warn that several groups are more likely to suffer during periods of extreme heat, especially if they are exposed for long periods or cannot cool their environment effectively.
People at higher risk include:
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Babies and children under five
- People with heart disease, breathing problems, diabetes, kidney disease, dementia, Parkinson’s, or mobility issues
- People taking certain medications, including some antidepressants and antipsychotics
- Those with serious mental health conditions
- People who are already dehydrated or unwell
- Those affected by alcohol or drug dependence
- Outdoor workers and people doing heavy manual labour
- Runners, cyclists, walkers, and others who spend long hours being physically active outside
- People experiencing homelessness or living in spaces they cannot keep cool
- People living alone who may struggle to care for themselves in hot weather
For these groups, heat stress can develop faster and become more dangerous, especially when nights remain warm and the body gets little chance to recover.
How to Stay Safe When Heat Becomes the Daily Trending Topic
When extreme weather becomes the daily trending topic, practical steps matter. NHS guidance is clear: avoiding the hottest part of the day can reduce the risk of heat-related illness.
Heatwave safety tips
- Stay out of direct sun between 11am and 3pm where possible.
- Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel very thirsty.
- Plan walks, workouts, or dog walking for early morning or later evening.
- Wear light, loose clothing and a wide-brimmed hat outdoors.
- Use sunscreen and reapply it as directed.
- Keep indoor spaces shaded with curtains or blinds during the day.
- Check on older relatives, neighbours, and anyone living alone.
- Be aware of signs of heat exhaustion, including dizziness, headache, nausea, heavy sweating, and weakness.
If symptoms worsen or someone becomes confused, stops sweating, or collapses, urgent medical help may be needed.
The Bigger Takeaway
The reason this remains a daily trending topic is simple: heatwaves do not affect everyone equally. Women may face added challenges because of hormonal shifts, sweating patterns, menopause, and circulation differences, while older adults, children, people with chronic illness, and those on certain medications are also at increased risk.
As hotter summers become more common, recognising who is vulnerable and acting early is crucial. In any daily trending topic about extreme weather, the smartest response is preparation: stay cool, stay hydrated, and look out for people who may struggle most in the heat.
Article/Image Courtesy: BuzzFeed
