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Cited by 143Thermoregulation and physiological responsesCardiovascular and exercise physiologyThermal Regulation in Medicine

Reproductive Hormone Influences on Thermoregulation in Women

Charkoudian, Nisha, Stachenfeld, Nina S.·2014·Comprehensive Physiology
DOI 10.1002/cphy.c130029
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Abstract

The present discussion reviews current knowledge regarding influences of the primary reproductive hormones on mechanisms of thermoregulatory control in women. The human body is remarkably capable of maintaining body temperature within a few tenths of a degree of normal (37°C) over a wide range of activity and environmental exposures; this regulation is accomplished via integration of central and peripheral thermal information at the preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus (PO/AH). We describe both central and peripheral mechanisms involved in controlling thermoregulation in humans, and how these mechanisms are affected by sex and hormone exposure. Estrogens generally promote vasodilation, heat dissipation, and lower body temperature and progesterone or progestins generally have the opposite effect. Estrogens and progesterone/progestins can also interact with androgens; this is an important point because androgens in the body can increase in both older and younger women. The study of reproductive hormone (estrogens, progesterone, luteinizing, and follicle stimulating hormones) effects on body systems is challenging because of the complex and multifaceted influences of these hormones, both individually and in combination. Thus, a number of methods to alter hormone exposure are explained in this article. We conclude that men and women do not exhibit major quantitative differences in physiological thermoregulatory responses to exercise and/or body heating when factors such as fitness and body size are taken into account. However, female and male reproductive hormones have important influences that can significantly alter individual thermoregulatory responses at various points throughout the lifespan.

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  • The balance of estrogen and progesterone is likely critical for thermoregulatory control.

    “As emphasized by Charkoudian and Stachenfeld (2014) [3] in their seminal review, estrogen can modulate progesterone-related increases in body temperature through its actions in the POA and through peripheral vasodilation effects, meaning that the balance of these hormones is likely critical for thermoregulatory control.”

    From Temperature regulation in women: Effects of the menstrual cycle (2020) · cites this paper as [3]

  • Estrogen and progesterone influence local cutaneous blood flow.

    “Estrogen and progesterone influence local cutaneous blood flow, although mechanisms are complex and still not completely understood [3].”

    From Temperature regulation in women: Effects of the menstrual cycle (2020) · cites this paper as [3]

  • Progesterone and estrogen could influence thermoregulation via peripheral effects on the cutaneous vasculature in addition to their central action.

    “Progesterone and estrogen could influence thermoregulation via peripheral effects on the cutaneous vasculature in addition to their central action.”

    From Temperature regulation in women: Effects of the menstrual cycle (2020) · cites this paper as [3]

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Authors
Charkoudian, N., & Stachenfeld, N. S.
Affiliations
  • U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (US)
  • Yale University (US)
Corresponding author
Stachenfeld, Nina S.
ORCID
Venue
Comprehensive Physiology
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2014-03-19
Volume
4
Issue
2
Pages
793-804
ISSN
2040-4603 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1002/cphy.c130029
OpenAlex
W1916029026
Cited by
143
References
69
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 18 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 29 · 2020: 17 · 2019: 11 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 2
Type
other
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
doi.wiley.com/10.1002/tdm_license_1.1 (tdm)
Locations
  • Comprehensive physiology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Thermoregulation and physiological responses
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Complementary and alternative medicine › Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine › Thermal Regulation in Medicine
Keywords
thermoregulation, reproductive hormones, estrogen, progesterone, androgens, preoptic area, vasodilation, heat dissipation, sex differences, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, exercise thermoregulation, body heating, menopause
MeSH terms
Body Temperature Regulation, Female, Humans, Male, Sex Characteristics, Gonadal Steroid Hormones

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