The Female Brain

The amygdala is located in the temporal lobe, and it is part of the limbic system, involved in emotional and behavioral responses necessary for survival. It is believed to contribute to fear, anxiety, aggression, learning, caregiving, memory, and addiction. 

Androstenedione is an anabolic steroid produced in the testes, ovaries, and adrenal glands and converted into sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. Synthetic androstenedione is used as a steroid for muscle growth and athletic performance, as well as for erectile dysfunction and fatigue; however, medical professionals have found significant risks with such applications.

The ACC is the outer portion of the larger cingulate cortex, and it is connected to both the limbic, or emotional, system and the prefrontal cortex, which is associated with cognitive processes. It is thought to play a role in managing painful or uncomfortable emotions, such as anxiety.

Cortisol is a steroidal hormone produced by the adrenal and endocrine glands. Although it is often remembered for regulating the stress response, it also impacts inflammation, blood pressure, metabolism, and the sleep cycle.

DHEA is a hormone that originates in the adrenal glands, and it contributes to the production of other hormones, like estrogen and testosterone. The hormone is often prescribed as a supplement to mitigate aging and menopause symptoms and to treat depression.

Estrogens are reproductive hormones produced by both male and female bodies. Some of the effects of estrogen in female humans include stimulating egg follicles and maintaining the uterine mucous membrane. In male humans, estrogen contributes to erectile function, libido, and the production of sperm cells. Estrogens are responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics typically associated with women.

The hippocampus is a brain structure within the hippocampal formation located within the temporal lobe. It contributes to special memory, long-term memory, memory retrieval, and learning.

The hypothalamus, located on the underside of the brain, connects the nervous system with the endocrine, or hormonal, system. The hypothalamus mitigates homeostasis, or a balanced state within the body, by managing factors such as hunger, sex drive, blood pressure, and body temperature.

The insula, or insular cortex, is a segment of the cerebral cortex located within the lateral sulcus—the fissure separating the temporal lobe from the parietal and frontal lobes. Scientists believe the insula contributes to self-awareness.

Oxytocin is a reproductive hormone found in both bodies of all sexes. It is produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. In female humans, oxytocin manages labor and lactation. The hormone is also important for both male and female relational behaviors, including trust, attachment, sexual arousal, and parent-infant bonding.

The pituitary gland is a small glandular structure located under the hypothalamus. Its primary purpose is to control the endocrine system and to release various hormones.

The prefrontal cortex is located along the front end of the frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex. The PFC is involved with decision-making, social and cognitive behavior, and personality. It provides executive functioning, or the high-level cognitive skills used to coordinate behavior.

Progesterone is a reproductive steroid hormone found in human of all sexes. In female bodies, progesterone impacts menstruation and pregnancy. Progesterone also impacts the sexual function in male bodies, and it contributes to mood, libido, and erectile function.

Testosterone is a reproductive steroid hormone produced in male and female gonads. Testosterone impacts sex drive in all humans and is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics typically associated with men.