I’m hugely interested to the psychology of the sexes: what makes us tick, our reactions to stimuli, and so on. My belief is by understanding our commonalities, we’ll better understand our differences. I know, it sounds a bit tree-huggerish but there's truth in that statement.

A few years ago, my mom and I were discussing the PMS cop out*. For those of you who don’t know, my mom is a shrink. Anyway, I’m not one to hitch my opinions to anyone’s unless there is hard evidence, which in the case of female mood swings, there is.

The female brain fascinates me. To put it mildly, we’re marvelous creatures. Our capacity for compassion doesn’t (in most cases) compromise our ability to take a hard line in the interest of the greater good or self protection.

So when I read this bullet point in an article written by Robin Nixon, a Live Science staff writer using the findings of Dr. Louann Brizendine, my response was somewhat lukewarm. It didn’t surprise me to read that women’s hormone levels are constantly changing throughout the day. And if anything Dr. Brizendine’s findings solidify the intrinsic nature of our adaptability prowess and depth.

I thought you’d enjoy the post and its subsequent articles and footnotes. I skimmed over the first nine points without giving them much attention. Number one caught my eye.

IRE.net: More useless knowledge than you can shake a stick at!


BTW, Wonder Woman is now my idol 




10 Things Every Man Should Know about a Woman's Brain 
Robin Nixon, Live Science Staff Writer

"There is no such thing as a unisex brain," says neuropsychiatrist Dr. Louann Brizendine of the University of California in San Francisco and author of "The Female Brain."
 
Despite the trumpets of women's lib, science suggests sex differences are innate. Women, apparently, are not curvy versions of men sporting high-heeled shoes.


1. She changes every day based on her cycle
Affecting up to 80 percent of women, PMS is a familiar scapegoat. But women are affected by their cycles every day of the month. Hormone levels are constantly changing in a woman's brain and body, changing her outlook, energy and sensitivity along with them.

About 10 days after the onset of menstruation, right before ovulation, women often feel sassier, Brizendine told LiveScience. Unconsciously, they dress sexier as surges in estrogen and testosterone prompt them to look for sexual opportunities during this particularly fertile period.

A week later, there is a rise in progesterone, the hormone that mimics valium, making women "feel like cuddling up with a hot cup of tea and a good book," Brizendine said. The following week, progesterone withdrawal can make women weepy and easily irritated. "We call it crying over dog commercials crying," Brizendine said.

For most women, their mood reaches its worst 12-24 hours before their period starts. "It is not entirely an issue of free will," Brizendine stressed.



* Using PMS to avoid taking responsibility for an action is cop out. PMS isn’t a get out of jail free card and throwing it around as such isn’t attractive, funny, or cute. Yes, there are special medical conditions, and understandably those should be addressed by a medical professional. However, throwing down the PMS card in defense of ones actions is rubbish. How we’re perceived by others and the affect on those around us is indicative of our behavior. So the next time you’re PMSing and someone pisses you off (which they will) stop—self analysis—and proceed with caution. Think before you speak—ask yourself, is this how I really feel or are my hormones leading the charge?

I’m all for cracking a can of whip ass when rightly done but remember: you always have a choice.

I’m Tracy, and I approve this message.