Myth or Truth: Do Women Really Feel Cold Faster Than Men?

Almost every woman knows this: while men happily jog around in shorts even in freezing temperatures, women shiver at the mere sight of it. But is this all just imagination? No—it has been scientifically proven that women actually feel the cold more than men.

Why is that? Let’s take a quick look beneath the skin:

Muscle power as a heat factory:
Muscles generate heat. On average, men have more muscle mass, which means they produce more body heat during exercise.

Fat distribution matters:
Women tend to store fat mainly under the skin, while men store more fat closer to vital organs. This affects how heat is retained and perceived.

Thinner skin, faster cooling:
Women’s skin is, on average, thinner—so heat escapes more quickly.

More surface area, more heat loss:
At the same body weight, women have a larger skin surface area relative to body mass. More surface area = faster cooling.

Hormones play a role:
Estrogen can influence blood vessels, making hands and feet feel colder more easily. The menstrual cycle also matters: during the second half of the cycle or shortly before menstruation, women are often more sensitive to cold.

Running tip for cold days:

Dress in layers that you can easily put on or take off as needed, and make sure to keep your hands and feet especially warm. When running, being cold means using more energy and running less efficiently—and nobody wants that!

Conclusion:
Feeling cold is not a myth – but with the right clothing and a bit of knowledge about your own body, you’ll stay warm even during winter runs and be perfectly prepared for the VITAMIN WELL Women’s Race Berlin.

Find more tips on the right running outfit here.