Positive Health Online

Abstract

MOTZER and HERTIG, Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington School of Nursing, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 357266, Seattle, WA 98195-7266, USA, underhil@u.washington.edu, have reviewed (115 references) stress, stress response and health. Abstract: Components of stress and stress responses differ between men and women. Women may be more prone to a tend-and-befriend response to stress, which appears to be mediated by oxytocin and engogenous opioids, than the well-known fight-or-flight response, the description of which was based largely on studies of men. Even within the fight-or-flight response, there seem to be gender differences in response patterns. For immune function there are gender differences, and also differences according to menstrual phases in women. It is well known that the HPA axis interacts with reproductive function, particularly with menstruation. It seems critical that both men and women be included in stress response studies. In addition, further study is needed to clarify the influence of ovarian hormones on the stress and immune responses during the different reproductive stages in women's lives.

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References

Motzer SA, Hertig V. Stress, stress response, and health. The Nursing Clinics of North America 39 (1): 1-17, Mar 2004.