Is Extreme Heat the Enemy of Women? The Reality of the "Progesterone Heatwave" That Set Social Media Ablaze

1. Introduction: "The Heat Cage Continues in the UK"

The cobblestones in central London shimmer like a mirage, and Big Ben marks 34.7°C at 3 PM—such images flooded social media in early July. According to the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London, the heatwave persisting since late June 2025 has resulted in an estimated 260 excess deaths in London, with over 60% attributed to climate change.Imperial College London

(Here, citing meteorological data and the UKHSA blog, an explanation of temperature trends and urban heat island effects)UK Health Security Agency Blog

2. Dr. Amir Discusses "Three Physiological Reasons Women Are More Vulnerable to Heat"

On the 12th, Dr. Amir Khan, a GP, explained on 'Independent TV' that during the luteal phase, when progesterone levels rise, a woman's core body temperature can increase by up to 1°F (approximately 0.55°C). Women, who have fewer sweat glands than men and rely on skin blood flow for heat dissipation, experience delayed cooling through sweat evaporation—this is the first factor.The IndependentThe Independent

Secondly, the generally higher body fat percentage acts as insulation, hindering heat dissipation. Thirdly, during menopause and pregnancy, when hormonal fluctuations are significant, regulatory mechanisms are more likely to be disrupted.

3. Scientific Evidence: The 0.5°C Barrier of Progesterone

An Australian review paper reported that progesterone administration resulted in a "clear increase in body temperature" in both men and women. The cutoff value was 0.3–0.6°C, and it also showed an increase in the onset temperature of sweating (cutoff).PMCMayo Clinic Proceedings

Estrogen, conversely, lowers body temperature, but during the luteal phase, the effects of progesterone dominate. This has been observed in contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and is being reflected in drug design.

4. "Women's Heatwave" Reflected on Social Media

• X (formerly Twitter): The women's group NWCI posted that "elderly women bear the greatest economic and physical burden of heatwaves."X (formerly Twitter)

• Reddit /Mommit: A thread by a mother puzzled by a 27°C children's room gathered over 300 comments. Many expressed concerns such as "My 2-year-old cried when I pointed a fan at them."Reddit

• Instagram: The 19th released a reel warning that "pregnant women face a skyrocketing risk of heatstroke."Instagram

Comments on these posts lament the UK's status as a "cooling laggard," with remarks like "air conditioning installation appointments are a month out," "room temperature is 31°C even at 10 PM," and "going to work with an ice pillow."

5. Everyday "Heat Disparity": Housing and Income

UK homes excel in insulation but lack air conditioning, unable to dissipate heat at night. Low-income women living in studios or social housing face the double burden of "fans running all night × soaring electricity bills." A trick involving opening the loft hatch, introduced by The Sun, went viral, with "#LoftHack" trending.The Sun

6. Expert Prescriptions: Tackling a "Non-Sweating" Body

Dr. Khan suggests "2 liters of water, moderate salt intake, and avoiding going out during high UV index hours of 2–4 PM." Meanwhile, sleep experts recommend "pillowcases with ice packs" and "100% cotton pajamas."The Independent

Yahoo UK also suggests "using the heat of vaporization with a lukewarm shower before bed," connecting "grandma's wisdom" with science.Yahoo Style UK

7. Menopausal, Pregnant, and Elderly Women: Overlooked Risk Groups

Menopausal "hot flashes" worsen with heatwaves, with 70% in the UK reporting severe irritation.The Daily Telegraph
A medical journal review notes "negative impacts on fetal development," with reports that heatwaves increase hospitalization rates for pregnant women.X (formerly Twitter)

8. The Intersection of Climate Crisis and Gender

The United Nations UNDP warns that "the adverse effects of climate change amplify existing gender disparities," and the current UK heatwave is a microcosm of this. The burden of household chores and caregiving falls on women, with "the presence or absence of air conditioning" becoming a lifeline in elderly care.

9. Changing Cities and Workstyles: Policy and Corporate Movements

The UK Parliament previously scrapped the "Indoor Temperature Ceiling Bill" in 2024, but in light of the current death toll, its reintroduction is under consideration. Companies are beginning to adopt hybrid work models and adjust daylight saving time, with coworking spaces prominently advertising air conditioning.

10. Conclusion: A Future Seen Through "0.5°C Body Temperature"

A small rise in body temperature can trigger a chain reaction affecting respiratory, circulatory, and mental health, diminishing societal productivity—if this disproportionately affects women, it cannot be ignored from the perspective of "climate justice." Evidence-based improvements in living environments and workstyle reforms considering hormonal cycles are key to surviving the era of extreme heat.