Hormones play a significant role in regulating many of the body’s functions, including metabolism, mood, and reproductive health. One lesser-known but important aspect of hormonal regulation is its effect on body temperature. Both women and men can experience changes in body temperature due to hormonal fluctuations, though the causes and mechanisms differ between the sexes. Understanding how hormones impact body temperature can provide insights into normal physiological processes as well as signal potential health issues.

How Hormones Affect Body Temperature in Women

In women, hormonal changes are particularly linked to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause, all of which can influence body temperature. The primary hormones involved are estrogen and progesterone.

1. Menstrual Cycle and Basal Body Temperature

One of the most well-documented hormonal effects on body temperature in women is the rise in basal body temperature (BBT) during the menstrual cycle. BBT is the body’s temperature at rest, usually measured in the morning before any physical activity.

• Follicular Phase: During the first half of the menstrual cycle (the follicular phase), estrogen levels are higher, and the body maintains a relatively stable, lower temperature.
• Luteal Phase: After ovulation, the hormone progesterone rises, which causes a slight increase in body temperature. This rise in temperature—typically about 0.5 to 1 degree Fahrenheit—lasts throughout the luteal phase (the second half of the cycle) and returns to normal just before menstruation begins.

Tracking basal body temperature is commonly used by women to detect ovulation as part of fertility planning.

2. Pregnancy

During pregnancy, progesterone levels remain elevated to support the developing fetus. This prolonged increase in progesterone can lead to a sustained rise in body temperature. Many pregnant women report feeling warmer than usual, especially in the early weeks of pregnancy.

The increase in body temperature during pregnancy is usually mild and doesn’t pose any health risk. However, it is important for pregnant women to avoid overheating, especially during exercise or in hot environments, as this can lead to complications.

3. Menopause and Hot Flashes

As women approach menopause, the decline in estrogen can lead to a common symptom known as hot flashes. Hot flashes are sudden, intense feelings of heat that can last from a few seconds to several minutes. They are often accompanied by sweating and a rapid rise in body temperature.

During a hot flash, the body’s internal thermostat—regulated by the hypothalamus—becomes more sensitive to slight temperature changes. The drop in estrogen makes the hypothalamus more prone to mistakenly signal that the body is overheating, leading to a sudden flush of heat.

How Hormones Affect Body Temperature in Men

Hormonal fluctuations in men also influence body temperature, though they tend to be less pronounced than in women. The primary hormone responsible for these changes is testosterone.

1. Testosterone and Body Temperature

Testosterone plays a role in regulating metabolism, muscle mass, and fat distribution. Although its effects on body temperature are not as immediately noticeable as progesterone’s effects in women, it can still cause subtle temperature variations. For example, fluctuations in testosterone levels during the day may lead to small changes in body temperature. In men, testosterone tends to be higher in the morning, which may correlate with slightly elevated body temperature during that time.

2. Andropause (Male Menopause)

As men age, they may experience a gradual decline in testosterone levels, a condition often referred to as andropause or “male menopause.” Like women during menopause, men may also experience temperature-related symptoms, such as night sweats and hot flashes, though these are less common than in women. These symptoms are thought to result from hormonal shifts and the body’s altered ability to regulate heat.

Other Hormonal Factors Influencing Body Temperature

For both men and women, other hormones play a crucial role in regulating body temperature, including thyroid hormones, cortisol, and insulin.

1. Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid gland produces hormones, such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate metabolism. Thyroid hormones can significantly impact body temperature. People with hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) often experience an increase in body temperature due to a faster metabolism. They may feel warmer than usual or experience excessive sweating. In contrast, those with hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) may feel colder than usual because of a slowed metabolism and lower body temperature.

2. Cortisol

Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It follows a daily rhythm, peaking in the morning and gradually declining throughout the day. High levels of cortisol, particularly during periods of stress, can cause slight increases in body temperature as part of the body’s “fight or flight” response. Chronic stress, which elevates cortisol levels over the long term, can also impact body temperature regulation.

3. Insulin and Blood Sugar Levels

Insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar, can also influence body temperature. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels—particularly hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)—can cause sweating and a drop in body temperature. In people with diabetes or insulin resistance, dysregulation of blood sugar can result in issues with heat regulation, leading to feelings of being too hot or too cold.

Conclusion

Hormones play a key role in regulating body temperature for both women and men. In women, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can lead to noticeable changes in body temperature, including ovulation-related temperature rises and hot flashes. In men, testosterone levels can subtly influence temperature, especially as they age and experience andropause-related symptoms. Beyond sex hormones, thyroid hormones, cortisol, and insulin also contribute to the body’s ability to maintain a stable temperature.

Understanding how hormones affect your body temperature can help you recognize normal physiological changes and potential health issues. If you notice significant or prolonged temperature fluctuations, it may be worth consulting a healthcare provider to evaluate your hormone levels and overall health.