Phoenix, Arizona – Do women really get colder than men? Research suggests that temperature preferences do vary by sex, with men generally preferring colder environments and women opting for warmer ones. A study found that women tend to perform better on certain skills when the temperature is a little warmer, while men tend to perform better in cooler environments. In addition, standards for heating and cooling buildings tend to favor male comfort, leading to battles over the thermostat in many offices.
The reasons behind women’s sensitivity to cold are multifaceted. Physiologically, women are typically smaller, with a higher skin surface-to-volume ratio, causing them to lose heat faster. They also have less heat-generating muscle tissue and a lower metabolic rate, meaning their bodies burn fewer calories for energy, contributing to their cold sensitivity. Boris Kingma, a thermophysiologist at TNO, an applied scientific research organization in the Netherlands, explained that the smaller body of women needs to respond faster to defend itself against cold, resulting in a sensation of discomfort.
Research has shown that women tend to have a lower skin temperature, particularly on their hands, which may make them feel colder than men. Additionally, hormonal changes during perimenopause and postmenopause can contribute to hot flashes, night sweats, and temperature sensitivity.
Furthermore, women are at a higher risk for developing certain chronic illnesses and autoimmune conditions, including hypothyroidism, which can lead to cold sensitivity. These factors, alongside others, contribute to the overall heightened sensitivity to cold experienced by many women.
A study at Tel Aviv University’s School of Zoology observed that in higher elevations or cooler environmental temperatures, there is a higher proportion of males, while in warmer conditions there is a higher proportion of females. This discovery suggests that sex-related temperature preferences may have evolved due to geographical separation, reducing resource competition and helping females protect their young.
Overall, while women tend to be more sensitive to cold than men, various factors such as hormonal changes, medical conditions, and environmental influences can further heighten temperature sensitivity. The research sheds light on the unique physiological and environmental factors that contribute to women’s experiences with cold temperatures.