Stress affects men and women quite differently. A new study has shown that chronic tension in men more often leads to heart and metabolic problems, while women's immune systems and mental health suffer more.
Scientists from the Croatian University of UNIOS have concluded that male and female bodies respond differently to stressful situations. The differences manifest not only in emotions and behavior but also at the level of biochemical processes.
According to the researchers, during stress, men experience a sharp increase in cortisol levels — the so-called stress hormone. This leads to an increase in blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol, which over time increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders.
In women, stress triggers a different mechanism. Inflammatory processes are activated in the body, which can go unnoticed for a long time. This is why women more frequently encounter autoimmune diseases, anxiety disorders, and depression.
The study also revealed differences in brain function. During stressful situations, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for control, analysis, and decision-making, is more active in men. In women, the limbic system, associated with emotions and feelings, shows a more pronounced reaction.
Why Women Live Longer but Suffer from More Illnesses
The findings help explain a long-known medical paradox. Despite a longer life expectancy, women face various health issues more frequently throughout their lives.
The authors of the study believe that one reason lies in the use of uniform medical standards for both sexes. Some indicators considered safe for men may indicate the development of serious inflammatory processes in women.
According to the scientists, medicine needs a more personalized approach that takes gender differences into account when diagnosing and assessing risks.
What Happens After Age 30
With age, the body's response to stress changes. Researchers note that between the ages of 18 and 88, dopamine levels can decrease by 40–50%. Additionally, the activity of hormones regulating blood pressure and other vital processes decreases.
Childhood stress has a particularly significant impact. A large-scale study involving about 40,000 people showed that severe psychological trauma at an early age significantly increases the risk of developing chronic diseases in adulthood.
Scientists also found a link between chronic stress and an increased risk of developing cancer. According to their data, the likelihood of certain types of cancer may increase by 14–28%.
How to Reduce the Harm from Stress
Experts emphasize that many negative consequences of chronic stress can be mitigated.
First and foremost, regular physical activity is recommended, which helps reduce inflammation and improves the functioning of the nervous system.
Quality sleep is equally important. It is during sleep that the body restores its resources and normalizes its response to stressors.
A balanced diet remains the third important element, which helps maintain cardiovascular health and metabolic processes.
Modern research increasingly shows that there is no universal approach to combating stress. Gender, age, lifestyle, and even childhood experiences influence how the body reacts to tension. Therefore, health care should take into account the individual characteristics of each person.
