Sweating The Small Stuff: Why Summer Hits Women Harder

Extreme heat already has a disproportionate effect on women, both physically and financially, and this trend is only going to worsen as the pace of climate change increases. According to a recent study that compares the effects of heat on women in the US, India, and Nigeria, the latter three nations lose $120 billion a year to heat-related absences from the workforce. The paper states that current gender inequities are worsened when unpaid domestic labour is included, with women bearing a 260 per cent financial loss from heat compared to males at 76 per cent. According to the report, policymakers often fail to detect the repercussions of this on family health, income, and women's education, even if it is a factor in economic statistics.

Climate change and women’s health

For the time being, and maybe for some time to come, our planet will experience extreme heat. The year 2023 was the hottest ever recorded. There were reports of record-breaking temperatures in many regions of India in May and June 2024. The Global Gender Gap Index, which ranks India 18th from the bottom, shows that women suffer disproportionately from heat waves. This disparity is due to gender stereotypes, uneven power dynamics, and unequal access to resources. More than one in six women in the globe live in India, and now they have to deal with terrible heat. Maybe we should be worried about those statistics.

Gender disparities in scorching weather- the ground reality 

According to a new ADB analysis (Rising Above the Heat), severe heat disproportionately affects women in Asia and the Pacific. For example, increasing temperatures present several problems for women living in urban informal settlements, as well as those on the fringes and in slums. Their houses might become thermal chambers since tin, asbestos, and plastic are common building materials in informal urban communities. In addition, women often work in hot, stuffy kitchens that lack enough ventilation. Severe time poverty and the accompanying care burden exacerbate heat waves.

Common problems in women during summer 

Hot weather may affect women at any point in their reproductive lives, including during menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, and menopause. Scientific research has shown that heat stress may throw off a woman's menstrual cycle and other hormonal equilibrium. Dysmenorrhea is characterised by heavy bleeding, irregular periods, and increased period discomfort. Extreme heat stress may cause menstruation to stop altogether, a condition known as amenorrhoea. Dehydration is the first and most noticeable effect of high temperatures. Many symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and exhaustion, may manifest when the body loses too much water, a condition known as dehydration. When a woman is dehydrated, her cervical mucus production drops, which makes fertilisation more challenging for sperm. Fertility problems are caused by this, and it will have a detrimental influence on women's ability to conceive. 

If a pregnant woman overheats, it might cause hypertension or premature labour. Even the development of the newborn might be impacted by heat stress, according to studies. Particularly, individuals over the age of 65 who live alone or who suffer from illnesses like diabetes may find that their bodies are less robust and able to withstand high temperatures. Many women in low-income or rural locations lack access to basic necessities like clean water, fans, and air conditioning. This makes getting out of the heat more difficult. A further concern is that women who work long hours, whether inside or outdoors, may not have time to relax. Heat waves might worsen health problems due to this unfair strain.

How to have a cooler summer this 2025- some lifestyle tips to know

• The bright side is that women may take simple precautions to ensure their safety. Put water first; it doesn't matter whether you're thirsty or not. Keep a bottle on hand and drink from it throughout the day. Stay away from sugary beverages and excessive coffee since these might worsen dehydration.
• Avoid going outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when temperatures tend to reach their peak. Wear loose, airy clothing that covers your skin if you must go out. Protect your head with a scarf or hat. Pregnant women might greatly benefit from relaxing in a cool environment and seeking assistance with household tasks.
•  One way to keep heat out of a house is to utilise blinds or curtains. To alleviate any discomfort, try placing a damp towel on your neck or using a fan. Get some shade and inform someone if you're feeling nauseous or lightheaded.
•  Fruits and vegetables are great energy boosters since they are low in calories and do not cause your body to overheat.

Avoid these common mistakes to escape the sultry heat 

• Grooming requires caution. Summer is when most women pluck their pubic hair. Ingrown hairs, painful razor burn, and infections of the hair follicles, often known as folliculitis, are all possible side effects of grooming that depend on the way hair is removed. 
• Injuries sustained while grooming, such as burns from hot wax, cuts from shaving, and even microscopic abrasions visible to the naked eye, can all lead to infection and raise the likelihood of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as molluscum contagiosum and human papillomavirus (HPV). 
• Hiring a professional who takes cleanliness seriously (by using clean waxing tools and gloves) is your best bet if you're going to get your hair styled. After getting your hair trimmed or waxed, it's crucial to keep the area clean and watch out for infection symptoms.
• When it comes to vaginal cleanliness, don't be too strict. The vagina is an incredible component of the female anatomy that can endure a wide range of pH changes from fluids like menstrual blood and post-intercourse ejaculate; as a result, it does not need any special care or cleaning just because the weather is warmer. Nothing about the summer will affect your vagina's ability to self-adjust to typical circumstances.
• Myths are not real. Some people believe that prolonged exposure to a wet or tight bathing suit could upset the vaginal pH, increasing the risk of vaginitis, yeast infections, or bacterial vaginosis. This is completely false. Contrast this notion with vaginal inflammation or infection, which may be caused by internal factors such as friction or chafing caused by tight, damp garments. Even frequent friction from intercourse and the rubbing of clothes on a daily basis is no match for the vulva's tough skin. Therefore, you generally won't get into a major vaginal scenario unless your swimsuit is simply too tight.