Huberman Lab Male vs. Female Brain Differences & How They Arise From Genes & Hormones | Dr. Nirao Shah
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Jul 28, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Nirao Shah, a Stanford professor and expert on neurobiology, delves into the intricate differences between male and female brains influenced by genes and hormones. He explores how these distinctions begin in fetal development and affect behavior throughout life, including during puberty, the menstrual cycle, and menopause. The conversation also touches on the biological underpinnings of gender identity and how hormonal therapies can impact social bonding and behaviors, offering fascinating insights into the science of gender.
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SRY Gene Drives Maleness
- The SRY gene on the Y chromosome dictates maleness by triggering testes development and testosterone production.
- Testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone masculinize genitalia and the brain, while absence of SRY leads to femaleness by default.
Early Testosterone Organizes Brain
- Early testosterone exposure organizes the brain to display male-typical sexual and territorial behaviors.
- Female brains exposed to testosterone show male behaviors such as mounting and aggression, overriding female-typical responses.
Hormones Shape Brain Neuron Numbers
- Male brains retain more neurons in certain regions due to testosterone-induced cell survival; females retain more neurons in other regions.
- These sex differences in neuron number and brain circuits are mostly irreversible in adulthood.
