Why Women Feel the Cold More Than Men: The Role of Testosterone and Thermoregulation

“These changes were only partial, testosterone did not completely reverse the differences between the sexes.”

Women struggle more with winter temperatures than men because their bodies are less resistant to the cold, according to a study published on October 28 in the Journal of Physiology by researchers at King’s College London. The findings show that while female bodies tolerate higher heat well, they offer less physiological resistance when the thermometer drops, explaining why many women feel chilled during colder months.

• Testosterone levels heavily influence skin temperature sensors, leaving low-testosterone organisms less equipped to generate cold resistance.
• Peripheral nerve endings in the skin contain specific ion channels that react differently to ambient shifts depending on sex hormones.

The study, conducted by the Wolfson Sensory, Pain and Regeneration Centre in the United Kingdom, analyzed laboratory mice to understand these thermal differences. Researchers placed heating plates beneath the rodents’ paws and gradually raised the temperatures to observe discomfort thresholds. Male mice displayed discomfort starting at 32 degrees Celsius, whereas females endured temperatures reaching up to 36 degrees Celsius.

Nerve endings in the skin carry ion channels that open depending on thermal shifts. The TRPM8 channel guides the search for coolness, while TRPM2 governs the avoidance of moderate heat.

Researchers discovered that both temperature sensors exhibit warmer activation ranges in females. When scientists manipulated sex hormones, blocking testosterone in males caused them to spend more time on warmer plates after a few weeks. Conversely, administering testosterone injections to females increased their aversion to heat.

Treating males with estrogen or progesterone did not alter their behavioral choices, identifying testosterone as the primary hormonal factor among those tested. These physiological mechanisms interact with broader systemic factors that influence human temperature regulation.

Human resistance to cold involves several overlapping biological systems beyond laboratory models. Speaking on TF1 Info, Dr. Vincent Valinducq noted that genetic factors play a primary role, citing research where the absence of a specific muscle protein improved cold endurance. Muscle mass also contributes to warmth generation.

“The muscle will produce a lot of heat when you do physical activity,” Valinducq explained on TF1 Info, adding that brown adipose tissue similarly helps insulate the body. Natural resistance often diminishes with age due to declining muscle mass, lower appetite, and slower vascular responses.

When environmental cold sets in, skin blood vessels normally constrict to prevent heat loss, but this mechanism weakens over time. Persistent sensitivity to cold in indoor settings can sometimes indicate underlying clinical issues such as thyroid imbalances, iron deficiencies, or vitamin B12 shortages requiring diagnostic evaluation by a general practitioner.

An American study cited by 24 Heures revealed that nearly two-thirds of couples disagree on bedroom temperatures. Thermostats spark daily arguments for a small percentage of respondents, while nearly half admitted to secretly adjusting home heating settings.

Behavioral economic research published under the title “Battle for the Thermostat” demonstrated that women performed better on cognitive tasks in warmer environments, whereas men achieved stronger results in cooler settings. When temperature conflicts arise, partners often resolve the issue through extra layers of clothing, electric heaters, or blankets.

Clinical trials and epidemiological studies will continue monitoring human thermoregulation mechanisms as researchers investigate broader environmental adaptations.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.