Received March 24, 2025
Accepted November 21, 2025

Objective: This study assessed the effect of heat exposure on gonadal-related hormones in male and female Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty (20) rats (140 – 160) were divided into 2 groups (male and female rats) and further sub-grouped into control and heat-exposed rats. Rats were exposed to heat for 4 hours daily for 21 days after which the rats were necropsied, and blood collected from the jugular veins. Results: Heat exposure caused appreciable decreases in the levels of luteinizing hormones and follicle-stimulating hormones in both the male and female rats., Also, heat exposure caused a decline in the level of testosterone in male rats and decreased progesterone and oestrogen in their female counterparts. Furthermore, heat exposure caused oxidative stress by elevating the levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, but lowering the antioxidants such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and thiols in rats. Conclusion: This study thus showed that heat exposure significantly disrupts hormonal balance and induces oxidative stress in both male and female Wistar rats. Findings have implications for climate change impact on health.