Why do men and women handle stress differently?

What is stress ? How does it affect us? 

Stress is a natural reaction to situations perceived as threatening or demanding. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.

This physiological response prepares our body to face danger by triggering a series of reactions, including increased heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate.

While stress can be beneficial in the short term by improving performance and concentration, chronic stress can have very negative effects on health. Possible consequences include sleep disorders, muscle pain, digestive problems, a reduced immune system and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

What is the role of neurotransmitters and hormones stress response? 

Stress is managed by chemical messengers: neurotransmitters and hormones. They influence our physical and emotional reactions to stressful situations.

Stress neurotransmitters 

Neurotransmitters are substances released by the brain to transmit signals between neurons. They include:

• GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid): calms brain activity and reduces anxiety. It is the basis for certain relaxing drugs (such as benzodiazepines),
  
• Serotonin: stabilises mood, sleep and appetite. Low levels are associated with anxiety and depression,
  
• Noradrenaline: increases attention and prepares the body to react quickly,
  
• Dopamine: regulates motivation and pleasure, also influencing stress management. 

Stress hormones

When stress occurs, our brain sends a signal to the adrenal glands, which release several hormones:

• cortisol (‘stress hormone’): provides energy and regulates blood pressure. Prolonged excess of cortisol can lead to anxiety;
  
• adrenalin: increases heart rate and alertness so you can react quickly;
• oxytocin: reduces stress and promotes social bonding, playing a key role in women;
• vasopressin: helps control blood pressure and anxiety.
  

Although these hormones exist in everyone, their action varies according to gender.

Why do men and women respond to stress differently? 

A survey conducted in 2022 revealed that 56% of women say they are stressed on a daily basis, compared to 44% of men. This difference is intriguing researchers, who are trying to gain a better understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in stress management. Despite scientific advances, these processes are still largely unknown.

A study published in Nature Neuroscience has identified a key region of the brain involved in stress management: the hypothalamus-habenula axis. This area is activated in response to a stressful situation and plays a role in regulating negative emotions. Researchers have discovered that the neurons in this region have receptors for oestrogen, the main female sex hormone. Although men also produce them, their levels are much lower. This hormonal difference makes women more receptive to neuronal signals of stress, which could explain their greater sensitivity to anxiety-provoking situations.

The reaction to stress is universal, but differs according to gender due to biological and hormonal factors. When faced with a threat, our body activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, releasing cortisol and adrenaline to prepare a rapid response.

In men, stress generally triggers a ‘fight or flight’ response, a concept first described in 1929 by the physiologist Walter Cannon. This instinctive response, amplified by high levels of testosterone, causes men to confront danger or flee quickly.

In women, another strategy predominates: ‘tend and befriend’. Developed by psychologist Shelley Taylor in 2000, this theory suggests that women deal with stress by seeking social support and strengthening their emotional bonds. This reaction is influenced by oxytocin, a hormone that mitigates the effects of cortisol and encourages calming and cooperative behaviour.

Cortisol, the main stress hormone, is produced in greater quantities in men in response to an immediate threat. This can lead to a more impulsive, action-oriented reaction. In women, on the other hand, the effects of cortisol are modulated by oestrogen and oxytocin, which reduce the aggressive response and encourage cooperative and socially supportive behaviour.

These hormonal differences explain why men and women do not develop the same disorders in the face of chronic stress. Men are more prone to cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure and myocardial infarction. Women, on the other hand, are more vulnerable to anxiety and depressive disorders, due to the increased sensitivity of their neurons to oestrogen.

This discovery paves the way for further research and could lead to the development of treatments that are better adapted to the biological specificities of each gender, for more effective management of stress and its consequences.

How do social and cultural factors affect the way we handle stress? 

The way we react to stress is not only biological, it is also influenced by society and education. Social and cultural factors play a decisive role in how people deal with stress, affecting our response to stressful situations.

Cultural norms shape expectations regarding the expression of stress-related emotions. Traditionally, men are encouraged to adopt a stoic attitude, manage their stress autonomously and avoid showing signs of vulnerability. This tendency can lead them to internalise their emotions and hesitate to seek support.

In contrast, for women it is often more socially accepted to express emotions and ask for help from those around them in times of stress. This difference in approach can be explained by biological and social factors that modulate men's and women's reactivity to stress.

These social and cultural expectations have a direct influence on our stress coping strategies. Men, because of the social pressure to appear strong and independent, may be less inclined to share their difficulties or seek emotional support, which can limit the effectiveness of their stress management. Conversely, women, who are encouraged to express their emotions and draw on their social network, may benefit from increased support, facilitating stress management. However, this tendency may also expose them to an additional emotional burden if they also assume the role of support for others.

Recognising the influence of social and cultural factors on stress management is important for developing effective coping strategies. A balanced approach, taking into account individual differences and cultural influences, is therefore essential for optimal stress management.

What can you do to handle stress better and to have a better understanding of the way you function? 

Stress is a natural reaction of our body to challenges. However, managing it often differs between men and women. Here are a few techniques of how men and women can cope with stressful situations:

Techniques for men

• Regular exercise: physical exercise helps reduce stress by releasing endorphins, the feel-good hormones,
  
• Better emotional management: learning such techniques as meditation or deep breathing can improve the response to stress,
  
• Learning to express your feelings: encouraging men to share their concerns with their loved ones or professionals can ease the burden of stress.

Specific techniques for women

• Relaxation techniques: cardiac coherence and yoga are beneficial for reducing anxiety and improving well-being,
  
• Social support: maintaining strong social relationships helps women cope with stress better, by sharing experiences and getting support,
  
• Better organisation and planning: structuring your daily routine helps reduce the anxiety associated with the unexpected and multiple burdens.
  

In addition, there are other techniques you could use. For example:

• The 4A method: this approach helps to identify and manage sources of stress by adopting appropriate strategies. The 4As stand for Avoid - Alter - Adapt - Accept.
  
• Keep a gratitude journal: writing down positive aspects of your life every day can build emotional resilience and reduce stress.
  

Of course, each person is unique. Experimenting with different techniques will help you find the ones that are best suited to your personal situation.

Seeing a therapist or asking another healthcare professional for help can also be recommended in some cases.

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