Gender Differences in the Regulation of Blood Pressure

The document reviewed gender differences in blood pressure regulation, noting that men generally had higher blood pressure than premenopausal women, but postmenopausal women often surpassed men in blood pressure levels. Hormone replacement therapy did not significantly reduce blood pressure in postmenopausal women, indicating factors beyond estrogen loss were involved. Androgens, such as testosterone, were implicated in increasing blood pressure, as shown in both human and animal studies. The review suggested that androgens might stimulate the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), increasing plasma renin activity and contributing to higher blood pressure in males. It also highlighted that oxidative stress and increased Ang II receptor sensitivity might play roles in male hypertension. The study called for further research to explore these mechanisms, particularly the impact of androgens on Ang II receptors, aldosterone, and oxidative stress.