Stress: How Women and Men handle it Differently

Stress is something that we deal with on a daily basis. Whether it’s caused by work, family, or personal issues, it can be tackled in different ways. There are three stress hormones involved in the fight or fight syndrome: Cortisol, Epinephrine, and Oxytocin. While Epinephrine and Cortisol lowers the immune system and raise blood pressure, Oxytocin causes relaxing of emotions.

Studies show that in times of stress, men release less Oxytocin than women therefore their bodies compensate by releasing more Cortisol and Epinephrine. On the other hand, women show a higher level of Oxytocin. Both the Oxytocin and the reproductive hormones such as Estrogen that women produce, contribute to the likeliness to nurture and reach out to others to cope with stress. Research shows that women’s self-esteem and identity are often dependent upon their feelings of adequacy in their relationships with others. Women are more likely to seek talk-therapy. Men tend to be more problem solvers. They tend to repress their emotions and seek an escape when confronted by stress such as playing a sport competitively.

Working through stress together is highly encouraged. Some effective methods to help reduce stress are exercise, healthy diet, and a normal sleep regime.