Women living in Indian districts with extreme heat face serious health and financial challenges, a new study by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) reveals. Conducted across seven states—Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Odisha, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu—the study found 70% of women in high heat vulnerability areas suffer from fatigue, dizziness, dehydration, and stomach issues during hot months. Women aged 20-45 are most affected, with many reporting reproductive and menstrual problems like urinary tract infections and irregular bleeding. Despite the severity, almost no women seek treatment. Financially, nearly all (97%) lost over ₹1,500 during April to June due to heat-related disruptions. Heat also takes a toll on mental health. Women report more anxiety, anger, and trouble sleeping, worsened by overcrowding and power cuts. Alarmingly, 72% reported more violence during hot months, linking heat stress with increased household tensions. MSSRF Chairperson Soumya Swaminathan stresses that gender-focused research on heat stress is rare and crucial for framing climate and health policies. The study combined National Family Health Survey data with heat maps to analyse gender-specific heat impacts, including in poor, rural, and lower caste women who face higher risks. Priyadarshini Rajamani, part of the research team, highlighted the extensive survey of 3,300 women, supplemented with detailed group discussions to enrich findings. The study follows earlier work on climate’s impact on women and children and plans further detailed research in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Dr. Swaminathan urges governments to strengthen labour policies ensuring women’s access to water, toilets, and healthcare during heat waves, calling it vital as extreme heat becomes the new normal.