India is in the peak of summer, with heatwave conditions affecting several parts of the country. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that these extreme heat conditions will continue over the next few days, especially across North and Central India.
According to IMD's latest bulletin, heat wave conditions are likely in isolated pockets of Bihar, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, Punjab, East Rajasthan, Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
The IMD has also forecast a yellow alert for heatwave conditions at isolated places in Delhi from today, with maximum temperatures expected to climb between 41 °C and 44 °C through April 24. The state government has issued guidelines for all schools, focusing on hydration and safety measures.
As temperatures rise, health experts highlighted the disproportionate burden of heat on women and the related physical, social, and financial effects. Studies show women often have higher heat-related mortality rates and suffer from increased fatigue, dehydration, and reproductive health issues.
Women typically face higher risks during heatwaves than men due to
- physiological factors (higher body fat, lower sweat rate),
- hormonal changes (menopause, pregnancy),
- social roles.
Read: Heatwave in India: Delhi Govt Issues Advisory For Schools, Urges Hydration And Reduced Outdoor Activity
How Heatwaves Affect Women Differently
Heat stress is known to interfere with the endocrine system, which disrupts hormonal balance. This means that severe heat can cause delay or interrupt menstrual cycles, causing heavier or more painful periods, and, in severe cases, absence of menstruation. Women with conditions like PCOS or endometriosis face compounded stress.
"Many women report feeling unusually tired, irritable, or drained during heat waves, and hormones can play a role," Dr. Tripti Raheja, Director - Obstetrics & Gynecology at the CK Birla Hospital (R), Delhi, told HealthandMe.
Women are more likely to feel this during certain hormonal phases, such as menstruation, PMS, pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause.
"Women's core temperatures rise after ovulation. That, combined with a higher surface area-to-mass ratio, means they absorb heat more quickly," Mike Tipton, professor and leading expert in applied physiology at the University of Portsmouth, was quoted as saying to Thisdaylive.com.
Women in perimenopause or menopause may experience hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances, making heat waves exhausting.
Also read:Heatwave Hassles: What Body Odour Could Say About Your Health
Iron deficiency or heavy bleeding can also lower energy levels, and extreme heat may worsen weakness.
Pregnant women naturally have higher metabolic demands, so dehydration and fatigue can set in faster.
Without sufficient hydration, blood flow to the placenta might be reduced, potentially harming the baby. Heat exhaustion in pregnancy can cause early labor or stillbirth. Thyroid disorders and PCOS can also contribute to fatigue and reduced overall energy levels, Dr. Raheja said.
"Long exposure to high temperatures can disrupt the balance between hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones, which regulate energy, mood, and metabolism," Dr. Sakshi Goel, Senior Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology at Rainbow Children's Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe.
Dehydration further worsens this by affecting circulation and temperature control, leading to exhaustion, headaches, and dizziness.
Moreover, sleep disturbances from hot nights can impair melatonin production and disrupt overall hormonal rhythms. This leads to poor recovery and low energy the next day.
How Women Can Protect Their Health From Heatwaves
Read: Excessive Energy Drinks Damaging Young Adults' Livers, Experts Warn
Understanding how heat affects hormonal health lets women take steps to manage fatigue and maintain overall well-being during extreme weather.
To cope better, the experts suggested prioritizing hydration and including ORS when needed.
Dr. Goel noted that even mild fluid loss can hurt circulation and lower the body's ability to regulate temperature. This can lead to exhaustion, headaches, and dizziness. Other preventive measures include:
- Avoiding long sun exposure during peak hours.
- Eating lighter, balanced meals and avoid stepping out during peak afternoon heat.
- Wearing breathable clothing and ensure adequate sleep in a cool environment.
- Gentle movements, such as walking or stretching, can improve circulation and mood.
- If fatigue is severe, persistent, or associated with dizziness, palpitations, irregular periods, or excessive weakness, it is important to seek medical evaluation rather than dismissing it as just the weather.
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