Understanding Stress: How Men and Women Experience It Differently and How to Manage It

Deadlines are looming, traffic is at a standstill, the house is a mess, and the kids are arguing—modern life is full of stress. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, stress is defined as the way the brain and body respond to any demand—whether physical, mental, or emotional. While stress is a natural and even necessary part of life, chronic or unmanaged stress can have significant effects on our physical and mental health.

Not all stress is harmful. In fact, stress can sometimes act as a motivator, pushing us to meet goals or rise to challenges. However, when we perceive a situation as threatening, our bodies activate the stress response system—releasing hormones like epinephrine (adrenaline), which temporarily increases heart rate and blood pressure. This response is a built-in survival mechanism, but when triggered too often or for too long, it can wear down the body and mind.

Effectively managing stress starts with understanding its sources and implementing proven strategies to reduce its impact. Common tools for stress management include adequate, high-quality sleep, regular physical activity, mindfulness practices, and dietary supplementation. One such supplement is AnxDefy+, specifically formulated to help reduce stress and support a positive mood.

Gender Differences in Stress Response

While stress is a universal experience, men and women respond to it differently, both psychologically and physiologically. This divergence is influenced by a range of biological and hormonal factors.

One major contributor is the role of sex hormones. Research shows that testosterone tends to suppress the stress response, while estrogen enhances it. Because estrogen levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, women often experience more variability in their stress responses. These hormonal patterns not only affect emotional responses but also influence susceptibility to stress-related health conditions. For example, men are more likely to experience stress-related issues such as hypertension, substance abuse, and aggressive behavior, while women are more prone to chronic pain, autoimmune disorders, depression, and anxiety [1]​.

As noted in the journal article Gender differences in stress response: Role of developmental and biological determinants, individual differences in stress reactivity are considered potential risk factors for gender-specific health problems.

Fight-or-Flight vs. Tend-and-Befriend

The “fight-or-flight” response is classically associated with men. When confronted with a stressor, the male body tends to react with physical readiness—elevated heart rate, muscle tension, sweating, and rapid breathing. These changes prepare the body either to confront the threat or flee from it. Behaviorally, some men respond to stress with anger, irritability, or withdrawal, all of which are expressions of this fight-or-flight mechanism [2]​.

Women, by contrast, are more likely to engage in the “tend-and-befriend” response, as described in Biobehavioral responses to stress in females: tend-and-befriend, not fight-or-flight. This pattern involves seeking social support and nurturing relationships. The hormone oxytocin, which is released in response to stress, promotes bonding and calmness. When combined with estrogen, oxytocin has anti-stress effects, including lowering cortisol levels and reducing blood pressure. This helps explain why women often cope with stress by talking through problems or seeking emotional connection [2]​.

While the biological responses to stress may differ by gender, effective stress management is important for everyone. AnxDefy+ is a science-backed supplement designed to support both men and women in managing stress by addressing hormonal and neurological balance.

"I recommend this product to everyone I know. After taking AnxDefy+ for 3 days my stress and anxiety were gone. I noticed my days go a lot smoother, have a lot more patience and I sleep so much better at night. I was able to go off my prescription anxiety meds and just take the AnxDefy+ and feel better than I did on prescription medication. So thankful I found these clean natural supplements." - Drea T.

Key Ingredients:

• N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine (NALT) – This bioavailable form of the amino acid tyrosine plays a crucial role in the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. During periods of stress, the body rapidly depletes tyrosine. Supplementing with NALT can help restore levels, enhancing focus, cognitive function, and resilience to mental fatigue [3]​.
• Relora® – A proprietary blend of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense, shown to significantly reduce cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Lower cortisol levels are associated with improved mood, reduced anxiety, and better sleep quality​ [4]​.

AnxDefy+ also supports healthy adrenal gland function, helping the body adapt more efficiently to physical, mental, and emotional demands. Prolonged stress without proper management can lead to a host of long-term issues, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and weakened immunity.

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but understanding how it works—and how our bodies respond to it—can empower us to take control. While men and women may react differently due to biological and hormonal influences, the goal is the same: finding balance. Whether it’s through lifestyle changes, therapeutic practices, or targeted supplementation like AnxDefy+, proactive stress management is essential for long-term health and emotional well-being.

The contents of this blog should not be taken as medical advice.  It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem-nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician.  Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sources:

1. Gender differences in stress response: Role of developmental and biological determinants - PMC
2. Biobehavioral responses to stress in females: tend-and-befriend, not fight-or-flight - PubMed
3. Effect of tyrosine supplementation on clinical and healthy populations under stress or cognitive demands - PubMed
4. Effect of Magnolia officinalis and Phellodendron amurense (Relora®) on cortisol and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects - PMC