Kate Huntress - Department of Women’s Health
Brain diseases are one of the most devastating global health crises, being described as a pandemic far worse than COVID-19. However, the issue at hand is made far worse by the fact that past data is ill-inclusive of gender differences pertaining to brain disease. The progression of these diseases is influenced heavily by gender and sex, but the lack of diverse populations in the data makes it difficult to provide adequate treatment to affected individuals. The Women’s Brain Project Report states, “This gap in clinical research leads to inequitable service provision, from delayed diagnosis to inappropriate treatment and caregiving.” (n.d.).
Our brains are made up of neurons (which are cells that use electrical impulses to talk to one another) and supporting cells called neuroglia that make up the bulk of our brain matter. Historically, most research has been centered around neurons, with glial cells thought to simply be nutritional and structural support for neurons. It is now understood that neuroglia play important roles in brain development, memory, learning, and neuron regulation. Glial cells can be involved in disease processes and health conditions with interesting differences in disease progression, severity, and outcomes based on sex. Studies have shown that women have a higher prevalence of chronic pain disorders, and are three times more prone to suffering from migraines. Additionally, the pain pathways in males and females have been found to take different routes. Male pain pathways involve microglial cells, whereas in women, these cells are not involved in pain sensitization at all. Dr. Jeffrey Mogil spearheads many of these studies, and states that, “It’s an interesting story because when it comes to pain, in most ways females have it worse” (n.d.). These studies hold value in their ability to portray the idea that neurological function in men and women is vastly different, from pain pathways to disease progression, and should be treated as such. Unfortunately, treatments that are in place today do not often account for sex differences, leading to skewed health outcomes. “Clearly, robust pain research and the development of future pain treatments rely on experimental designs, data analyses, drug development processes, and clinical trials that consider [sex as a biological variable]” (n.d.)
Further, it is important to note the effect of motherhood on brain function and disease processes. Mothers undergo many essential hormonal changes throughout pregnancy, which are controlled by different areas of the brain. The amygdala is a particularly important player, as it is the specific part of the brain that is attentive to babies’ needs. Studies have shown that damage to the amygdala in mothers has been correlated with higher rates of depression. Other research has shown that pregnancy and the postpartum period are linked to memory changes.
In all, while the human mind is a mysterious place, what is not so mysterious is that differences exist between male and female brain function. Sex as a biological variable in medicine and research is an essential aspect that is too often brushed over, yet would prove to be valuable in treatment of things like chronic migraines or postpartum memory changes. Knowledge that the female brain requires separate consideration opens new doors for treatment options, and sparks hope that personalized care for women may provide the answer to many problems related to the brain.
Reference:
Sex Differences in Neurological Health Conditions. (n.d.). Retrieved September 12, 2023, from https://orwh.od.nih.gov/sites/orwh/files/docs/ORWH2023InFocusVol6Iss3_508.pdf
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