Published on: 3/17/2025
Your legs feeling hot may be due to your body’s natural way of moving more blood to the skin to help cool you down.
Inside your body, there is a process that helps keep you at a comfortable temperature. This process is called thermoregulation. When your core temperature rises a little, your body sends extra blood to your legs to help release heat. This extra blood flow makes your legs feel warm. This response, known as vasodilation, happens when the small blood vessels open up more so that heat can leave your body more easily. In some people, especially as they age or during certain times like after menopause, hormonal changes can make this process even more noticeable, such as during hot flashes. The research shows that under heat stress, the human leg experiences both increased temperature and higher blood flow. This switch in blood flow is a normal way your body uses to manage heat and does not usually indicate a problem unless it becomes too frequent or uncomfortable. If you notice other symptoms or if the feeling disrupts your daily activities, then it may be a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
(References)
Chiesa ST, Trangmar SJ, González-Alonso J. Temperature and blood flow distribution in the human leg during passive heat stress. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2016 May 1;120(9):1047-58. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00965.2015. Epub 2016 Jan 28. PMID: 26823344; PMCID: PMC4894946.
Low DA, Davis SL, Keller DM, Shibasaki M, Crandall CG. Cutaneous and hemodynamic responses during hot flashes in symptomatic postmenopausal women. Menopause. 2008 Mar-Apr;15(2):290-5. doi: 10.1097/gme.0b013e3180ca7cfa. PMID: 17700502; PMCID: PMC2840382.
Cramer MN, Gagnon D, Laitano O, Crandall CG. Human temperature regulation under heat stress in health, disease, and injury. Physiol Rev. 2022 Oct 1;102(4):1907-1989. doi: 10.1152/physrev.00047.2021. Epub 2022 Jun 9. PMID: 35679471; PMCID: PMC9394784.
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