Gender Differences in the Regulation of Blood Pressure

The document discussed gender differences in blood pressure regulation, highlighting that men had higher blood pressure than premenopausal women, but postmenopausal women experienced an increase in blood pressure surpassing that of men. Hormone replacement therapy did not significantly lower blood pressure in postmenopausal women, indicating factors beyond estrogen loss were involved. The review explored how androgens might increase blood pressure, particularly through the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which could also promote oxidative stress, leading to vasoconstriction and reduced nitric oxide availability. Animal studies supported these findings, showing altered pressure-natriuresis relationships in male and testosterone-treated female hypertensive rats.