Prepubescent children, regardless of sex, sweat similarly. However, after puberty, boys tend to sweat more than girls.
The Role of Hormones
The difference in sweating between boys and girls after puberty is primarily attributed to hormonal changes. Specifically, testosterone, a hormone more prevalent in males, significantly enhances the sweat response. This means boys will often start sweating earlier and produce a larger volume of sweat during physical activity or in hot environments.
- Before puberty: Sweating is roughly equal between boys and girls.
- After puberty: Boys generally sweat more due to the influence of testosterone.
Why the Difference?
The increased sweat production in boys is a direct physiological consequence of higher testosterone levels. This hormone influences the body's thermoregulation system, leading to a greater capacity for sweating.
While girls also sweat, the hormonal differences result in a typically lower sweat volume compared to boys of the same age and activity level.
