Pulling The Thread with Elise Loehnen
What We Got Wrong About the Female Body (Cat Bohannon, PhD)
Jan 30, 2025
Cat Bohannon, PhD, is a New York Times bestselling author and a researcher specializing in sex differences in the human body. In this discussion, she uncovers the historical neglect of research on the female body, revealing that women metabolize pain differently and often heal better than men. Bohannon dives into the evolutionary origins of breast size and the unique role of body fat. She highlights the importance of understanding these differences for improving women's health and longevity, urging for a cultural shift in medical research.
45:17
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Quick takeaways
- Understanding female physiology is essential for improving health outcomes, as research reveals significant sex differences in medical treatment responses.
- The evolutionary origins of female body traits emphasize their essential roles in fetal development and infant feeding, challenging societal misconceptions about female anatomy.
Deep dives
The Need for Research on Female Bodies
Understanding the crucial differences and similarities between male and female bodies is essential for improving health outcomes for everyone. Research has often prioritized male subjects, which has led to a lack of knowledge regarding female physiology and its unique characteristics. An example highlighted includes how women metabolize certain painkillers differently, emphasizing the need for tailored medical treatments that consider these differences. The host and researcher advocate for increased awareness and urgency in studying female bodies, as it can lead to advancements that benefit both genders.
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