Factors Affecting Body Temperature

Body temperature is affected by age, exercise, gender, circadian rhythm, stress, environment, and temperature changes.

Age alters body temperature, especially in newborns, as their thermoregulatory system is immature.

Similarly, older adults are more sensitive to temperature extremes due to reduced subcutaneous tissue density, sweat gland activity, and metabolism.

During exercise, muscles demand more blood supply, which increases metabolism and causes a change in body temperature.

Gender influences body temperature. Women experience more temperature fluctuations than men, particularly during menstruation and menopause, due to hormone changes.

The circadian rhythm, a physiological process that occurs every 24 hours, also affects the body temperature. It is lower in the morning and peaks in the afternoon.

Physical and mental stresses raise body temperature via hormonal and neurological stimuli that enhance metabolism.

Ambient temperature also affects body temperature. A warm environment elevates, while a cold environment reduces body temperature.

The internal body states, such as excessive heat production or heat loss, can also directly affect body temperature.