Cold, Ladies? Here's Why

Now that the weather's gotten colder, you might be bundling up in blankets and fuzzy socks. You might also notice that women tend to wear more layers in winter or prefer the heat cranked up a little higher than men do. That’s not just a joke among couples, either—we truly do experience the cold differently.

While men and women both maintain a body temperature of 98.6 degrees, studies show that men tend to be comfortable in 72-degree rooms, while women prefer the thermostat at 77. But why is that?

The primary factor influencing our internal warmth is our metabolism—or the rate at which our bodies convert food into energy and heat. Because men have higher muscle mass, they tend to have a faster metabolic rate and produce more heat, even at rest. This is why they often feel warmer than women.

Women, on the other hand, are typically smaller and have less muscle mass but a higher body fat percentage. And while body fat is good at keeping your core (where your organs are) warm, it doesn’t bode so well for your fingers or your toes. That fat can block blood flow to the extremities, causing your hands and feet to get cold.

Ladies also have their hormones to contend with. Estrogen, for example, widens blood vessels in the skin, allowing more heat to escape. Some women may also notice temperature changes during hormonal fluctuations, such as during their menstrual cycles or menopause.

And while it's common for families to tease about someone being “cold-natured,” keep in mind that being persistently chilly could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. So, if you’re cold no matter the season, when other people are comfortable or if it interferes with your daily life (even when you dress warmly), it may be time to talk to your doctor. They can help determine if you may have a thyroid condition, anemia, diabetes or a vitamin deficiency that’s causing you to feel cold.

But if you’re in perfect health, maybe you can use being cold as an excuse to get a new pair of slippers or fuzzy throw.

Back