BATTLE OF THE SEXES

Does Gender Affect Hydration Needs?

Q:  Is hydration for men and hydration for women different?

A:  Nope.

Males and females have similar sweating and hydration-related responses to physical activity. Although there seem to be differences in some fluid-regulatory hormones and in regional sweating rates between females and males, hydration for men and hydration for women are more similar than different in overall sweating responses, voluntary drinking, and rehydration.

It has been suggested that fluid balance during and after physical activity is influenced by the menstrual cycle, but that does not appear to be the case.  The hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle do influence body water content, core temperature, and thirst, but not in ways that appear to make an appreciable difference in hydration for women and how females maintain fluid balance during or after physical activity. 

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