Dr Amir Khan reveals the science behind women feeling hotter than men in the UK heatwave

Dr Amir Khan reveals the science behind women feeling hotter than men in the UK heatwave Dr Amir Khan explained that the notion women feel the heat more strongly is far from mere perception. "They are not being dramatic," he said. "They are being factual, and it's really fascinating in terms of the reason behind it. Britain is enjoying yet another heatwave this week, with temperatures expected to soar to 40 degrees in some parts of the country. While this is wonderful news for sun-worshippers, those who struggle in the heat are going to find it thoroughly uncomfortable. And if you've ever heard someone grumbling about sweltering while you feel perfectly fine, it turns out there's actually a scientific explanation for it. Dr Amir Khan is a well-known face on ITV's Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, where he regularly shares invaluable health tips and guidance. Now he has shed light on why women tend to feel the heat more intensely than men, reports the Express. In a TikTok clip, Dr Khan explained that the notion women feel the heat more strongly is far from mere perception. "They (women) are not being dramatic," he said. "They are being factual, and it's really fascinating in terms of the reason behind it. "So we know that hormones play a role, and that's true. Estrogen and progesterone can affect how your body regulates temperature, and menopause and hot flushes can make things so much worse. "So absolutely that is true. But there are some other things that people just don't think about." He went on to explain how the typical physical differences between women and men contribute to the issue. "Women tend to have smaller bodies and less blood volume than men," he said. "That means, when temperatures rise, the body has less circulating blood available to move heat from the core to the skin, where it can escape. So that takes longer. "Women also tend to have smaller hearts and narrower blood vessels, so shifting blood around the body to get rid of excess heat may be slightly less efficient than that of a man's. "And here's a really interesting one I think. Research suggests women often have a higher skin temperature, but a lower core temperature than men. So, even when their body isn't actually overheating, they can feel hot and more uncomfortable as well." Dr Khan further noted that women's generally smaller frames can also make them more susceptible to dehydration at a faster rate, particularly through perspiration. "A litre of sweat lost affects a petite woman much more than a large man, for example," he said. Continuing, he said: "There's also things like iron deficiency. Women are much more likely to be low in iron because of periods. And if your iron levels are low, hot weather can leave you feeling absolutely wiped out, dizzy, and exhausted. "And let's not forget all those things like sleep. Women are already more likely to be struggling with sleep disruption during perimenopause and menopause. So hot weather just adds to that awfulness. And poor sleep then makes you feel less able to cope with the heat the next day." He concluded by saying: "I know hot weather is nice for lots of us, but, if you're struggling and if you're feeling it, particularly as a woman, you know why that is, and you can absolutely complain about it. It is your biology, and complain about it if you need to." How to stay cool during the heatwave There are several methods to keep yourself comfortable when temperatures soar. The government has provided the following recommendations: - Avoid the sun when it is strongest, usually between 11am and 3pm - If outdoors, apply high protection sunscreen regularly, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and seek shade - Keep windows and curtains closed in rooms that face the sun during the day, and open windows if it is safe to when the air feels cooler outside than inside - Limit strenuous physical activity, or plan physical activity for times of the day when it is cooler, like the early morning or evening - Avoid hot, closed spaces like stationary cars - Wear loose, light-coloured clothing made from breathable natural fabrics such as cotton or linen - Stay hydrated throughout the day, not only when thirsty. If sweating heavily, consider rehydration drinks to replace lost electrolytes. Limit caffeine and alcohol - Spray or sponge your skin with cool water. Cold packs wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck can also help - Turn off non-essential electronics