How Caffeine Affects A Female Vs. A Male

There's no question that men and women have biological differences. Caffeine, a stimulant drug, may affect men and women differently as the body responds to the intake of the drug. How caffeine affects a woman's body compared to a man's body is the subject of continuing research.

Hemodynamics

The general effects of caffeine on your hemodynamic is an increase in stimulation. Caffeine increases heart rate, blood pressure and blood flow. The overall outcome of caffeine intake is the same but the delivery method of the drug to the body differs between sexes.

Hemodynamic Mechanisms

A study published in the "American Journal of Cardiology" in 2004 found that the mechanism of increase in blood pressure differs between sexes. Two groups of men and women were separated, then given either a dose of caffeine or a placebo. Changes in blood pressure, cardiac output and vascular constriction were observed during rest, stressful situations and recovery. In men, blood pressure increased due to an increase in vasoconstriction and not from cardiac output. However, in women, there was no change in vasoconstriction evident, but an increase in cardiac output was observed to be the source of an increase in blood pressure.

Cognition and Thinking

The effects of caffeine on cognition and thinking may benefit a woman more than a man, according to a study conducted by Bristol University in 2007. Sixty four men and women were put into pairs. One group was given decaf coffee and the other highly-caffeinated coffee. The pairs were then asked to solve puzzles, negotiate and solve memory challenges. They were also informed that they'd be giving a public presentation on the tasks they performed. Researchers found that a man's thinking was generally impaired if caffeine was consumed. Under the influence of caffeine, men took 20 seconds longer to complete puzzles, while women given caffeine completed the puzzles 100 seconds faster.

Response in Adolescents

Caffeine also affects adolescent male and females differently. Information from a study conducted by the University of Buffalo in 2011 indicates that adolescent and teenage boys get more out of caffeine than their female counterparts. Boys and girls ages 12 to 17 participated. They abstained from caffeine for 24 hours prior to the study, then were evaluated before and after caffeine administration. Diastolic blood pressure increased and heart rate decreased in boys with caffeine, but not in girls. Boys also reported feeling more energy than the girls did, and demonstrated an improvement in physical performance.