Women who are taking all contraceptives, which balance out hormon levels, also fared better initially. Head injuries can affect the menstral cycle and other aspects of reproductive function by interfering with the brain regions that help control estrogen and progesterone. Research funders are beginning to recognize the need to study sports concussions sepa in men and women. World rugby has committed to conduct research into injury prevention programs specific to women.
As women’s soccer, rugby and other sports gain in popularity a growing body of evidence suggests that female athletes are at a greater risk of traumatic brain injury than men - what's more they tend to fare worse after a concussion and take longer to recover. Now researchers are racing to get to the bottom of why and ask how treatment might need to change.
This is an audio version of our feature: Why sports concussions are worse for women
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