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Male vs. Female Brain Differences & How They Arise From Genes & Hormones | Dr. Nirao Shah

Episode 239 Jul 28, 2025 2h 26m 23 insights
My guest is Dr. Nirao Shah, MD, PhD, a professor of psychiatry, behavioral sciences and neurobiology at Stanford University School of Medicine. We discuss how the brains of males and females differ and how those differences arise from different genes and hormones during fetal development, in childhood and adulthood. We discuss what drives male- versus female-specific behaviors and how hormonal fluctuations across the lifespan, including puberty, the menstrual cycle, menopause and aging – affect behavior, cognition and health. Additionally, we discuss how biology relates to gender identity and the impact of hormone therapies on brain circuits that regulate mating, parenting and social bonding. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.
Actionable Insights

1. Optimal Daily Protein Intake

Aim for one gram of quality protein per pound of body weight each day to support optimal muscle protein synthesis, reduce appetite, and maintain proper metabolic health.

2. Ensure Adequate Electrolyte Intake

Consume electrolytes like sodium, magnesium, and potassium in correct amounts, without sugar, to maintain proper hydration, which is critical for optimal brain and body function and to prevent diminished cognitive and physical performance.

3. Regulate Sleep Temperature

To fall and stay deeply asleep, ensure your body temperature drops by 1 to 3 degrees, and to wake up refreshed, ensure it increases by 1 to 3 degrees, as temperature regulation is critical for optimal sleep.

4. Practice Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR)

Listen to NSDR audio scripts, which guide deep body relaxation and simple breathing exercises, as an extremely powerful tool to support relaxation and recovery.

5. Optimize Estrogen for Brain Health

Aim to keep estrogen levels as high as possible without side effects, as it is beneficial for brain function, cognitive longevity, and cardiovascular health in both men and women.

6. Minimize Pregnancy Stress

Avoid extreme stress during pregnancy, as it is associated with higher incidences of conditions like schizophrenia, although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood.

7. Consider Post-Menopause Estrogen Therapy

For women after menopause, consider estrogen therapy, in consultation with a doctor, to potentially prevent cognitive decline and address the sharp increase in Alzheimer’s disease incidence associated with reduced estrogen.

8. Utilize Comprehensive Blood Testing

Get comprehensive blood testing to detect potential health issues, such as elevated mercury levels, and receive insights from doctors on how to address them.

9. Reduce Mercury Levels

If blood tests reveal elevated mercury, limit tuna consumption, increase intake of leafy greens, and supplement with NAC (N-acetylcysteine) to support glutathione production and detoxification.

10. Understand Sex Differences Biology

Use the biological template of sex differences in the brain and body, as discussed, to inform thinking about male versus female differences in behavior and emotions, and how these intersect with gender and culture.

11. Distinguish Hormone Effects

Understand that hormones have “organizing effects” early in development (in utero/perinatally) that irreversibly differentiate the brain, and “activating effects” later in adulthood (after puberty) that trigger behaviors using those pre-set circuits.

12. SRY Gene Determines Biological Sex

Recognize that the presence of the SRY gene on the Y chromosome is the primary deterministic biological factor for maleness, leading to testes development and subsequent masculinization of the body and brain.

13. Acknowledge Hardwired Circuits

Understand that the brain contains innate, hardwired circuits (e.g., in the hypothalamus) that, when activated by the right stimulus, drive fundamental behaviors like mating or aggression.

14. Contextualize Innate Behaviors

Recognize that while innate circuits can drive behaviors, context can override their activation; for example, an animal might not attack if it’s not on its own territory, even if aggression circuits are stimulated.

15. Morning Hydration Protocol

Dissolve one packet of Element in 16 to 32 ounces of water and drink it first thing in the morning to ensure proper hydration and electrolyte balance.

16. Hydrate During Physical Exercise

Drink Element dissolved in water during physical exercise, especially on hot days or when sweating a lot, to replenish water and electrolytes lost.

17. Incorporate Maui Nui Venison

Use Maui Nui venison, which provides 21 grams of protein per 107-gram serving, to meet daily protein requirements without excessive calories, supporting muscle mass and metabolic health.

18. On-the-Go Protein with Venison Sticks

Consume Maui Nui venison sticks, which offer 10 grams of protein per 55-calorie stick, as a convenient way to meet daily protein requirements, especially when on the go.

19. Pre-order Protocols Book

Pre-order “Protocols, an Operating Manual for the Human Body” at protocolsbook.com to access comprehensive protocols for sleep, exercise, stress control, focus, and motivation, backed by scientific substantiation.

20. Subscribe to Neural Network Newsletter

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