The article discusses the higher prevalence of major depression in women compared to men, highlighting its significant impact on global health. Major depression is a chronic illness with a high prevalence, ranking as the second leading cause of years lived with disability in 2010. The female:male ratio of global disability from major depression remains at 1.7:1, suggesting that biological sex differences play a crucial role. The article explores various factors contributing to this disparity, including hormonal changes, such as ovarian hormone fluctuations, and the protective effects of estrogen. Studies in female macaques have shown that decreased estrogen levels can lead to depression-like behaviors and reduced serotonin receptor levels in the brain. Additionally, the article mentions that men, who lack systemic estrogen, have lower rates of depression due to the conversion of testosterone into estrogen in the male brain and the presence of androgen receptors. The complex interplay between genetic, hormonal, and social factors contributes to the higher prevalence of depression in women, and recent research suggests that strategies to mitigate estrogen decreases may be protective.The article discusses the higher prevalence of major depression in women compared to men, highlighting its significant impact on global health. Major depression is a chronic illness with a high prevalence, ranking as the second leading cause of years lived with disability in 2010. The female:male ratio of global disability from major depression remains at 1.7:1, suggesting that biological sex differences play a crucial role. The article explores various factors contributing to this disparity, including hormonal changes, such as ovarian hormone fluctuations, and the protective effects of estrogen. Studies in female macaques have shown that decreased estrogen levels can lead to depression-like behaviors and reduced serotonin receptor levels in the brain. Additionally, the article mentions that men, who lack systemic estrogen, have lower rates of depression due to the conversion of testosterone into estrogen in the male brain and the presence of androgen receptors. The complex interplay between genetic, hormonal, and social factors contributes to the higher prevalence of depression in women, and recent research suggests that strategies to mitigate estrogen decreases may be protective.