Ludeman Family Center for Women's Health Research

01/13/2026

that female and male brains are very similar, but at the molecular level, there are clear s*x differences that could show us paths to develop targeted drugs? "I’ve come to think that s*x differences in the brain could be very important. Less for figuring out how our minds work and more for ensuring that we maximize the benefits of science for medicine,” says neuroendocrinologist Catherine Woolley. She goes on to debunk a common theory that male brains are larger than female brains, stating that the difference in brain size between males and females is actually not significant. While overall structural differences may be minimal, s*x differences at the level of molecular mechanisms are much more meaningful. Estrogen, for example, acts in a part of the brain related to emotions, learning and memory (the hippocampus) to achieve the same end-result in both males and females but acts through different mechanisms. Read more about this compelling topic here.

https://www.the-scientist.com/s*x-differences-in-the-brain-get-down-to-the-molecular-level-73768

01/12/2026

For years, women were excluded from drug trials over concerns about hormones. As a result, many medications still on the market today are dosed based on male bodies.

Research shows women often metabolize drugs more slowly, leading to higher exposure and higher risk of side effects. A 2020 study identified 86 drugs with clear s*x-based differences — and in 96% of cases, women experienced significantly more adverse reactions.

Including women in research isn’t optional — it’s essential for safer, more effective care. 🔄 Share to raise awareness of the need for .

Source: Zucker, Irving. “Sex differences in pharmacokinetics predict adverse drug reactions in women.” NCBI, 5 June 2020, National Institutes of Health.

01/12/2026

01/12/2026

01/06/2026

Studying s*x differences matters. that women experience cardiovascular disease distinctly, differently, and disproportionately than men? These issues are still being overlooked in both diagnosis and innovation. To accelerate innovation, the announced a new program to invest in companies developing the diagnostics, devices, and care pathways for cardiovascular disease that women have long needed - American Heart Association Ventures. This venture capital funding will seed the development of technological innovations for women that address cardiovascular and metabolic disease, including stroke, as well as migraine, polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis. Read more here.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/geristengel/2025/11/28/aha-ventures-backs-womens-cardiovascular-health/

01/01/2026

We are wishing you a very happy & healthy new years! — The Ludeman Center.

12/31/2025

A new study, published in , found that females carry a much higher genetic risk of major depression than males. In the largest study of its kind, scientists identified almost twice as many genetic "red flags" for depression in the DNA of females compared with males. Neuro-geneticist Jodi Thomas, of QIMR Berghofer, who led the study, said the scientists found genetic factors linked to depression also had overlapping association with metabolic traits such as weight gain/increased appetite in females -- this may yield a compelling s*x-specifics target for future medications that simultaneously address risk for depression and weight gain. "I think this study is really cool in that it demonstrates that we do find a lot of interesting... new findings, when we separate our participants into females and males." Read the full study here.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-08/queensland-depression-genetic-link-research-females-males/105864472

12/29/2025

A recent article from shows compelling new research about the impact of exercise on women's hearts who have survived breast cancer. "Once you survive breast cancer, you're now at a 40% to 50% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease," says University of Colorado Cancer Center member Zachary Clayton, PhD. Clayton’s lab is conducting research to see how aerobic exercise, the best way to improve the health of blood vessels as they age, can counter the effects of chemotherapy. They are investigating to see if high-intensity interval training prior to chemotherapy can actually prevent premature vascular aging. Read the full story here.

https://news.cuanschutz.edu/cancer-center/exercise-prevent-cardiovascular-disease-breast-cancer-survivors

12/24/2025

Congrats to Ludeman Center, Stacey Simon, PhD, for speaking at the Clinical Faculty Scholars Fortitude Lectureship event. As a Professor of Pediatrics and researcher, Dr. Simon outlined her twists and turns on her way to a successful career as a pediatric sleep researcher. Her Ludeman Center funding was for her research project about the role of circadian factors & sleep disordered breathing on insulin resistance in girls with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Over the last year, she has published several papers analyzing circadian timing, behavioral interventions for sleep disruption, barriers to sleep for adolescents with Type 1 diabetes, and more. Thank you for your great work, Dr. Simon, and for continuing to dedicate your work to .

https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/center-for-womens-health-research/about-us/-researchers/stacey-simon

12/21/2025

Looking back on 2025 at the Ludeman Center, we are highlighting the important expansion of our funding opportunities for early-career researchers in .

https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/center-for-womens-health-research

12/18/2025

Its that time of year with temperatures dropping and sugar levels rising. The good news is there are heart-healthy ways you can take to find balance your diet and activity levels from the American Heart Association. Check out the 's heart-happy holiday guide with tips to help you navigate the season in a stress-free way.

https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/weight-management/stay-pn-track-during-holidays

12/17/2025

As we close out the year, we want to highlight key moments from our 2025 events. Thank you to our staff, researchers, and the Colorado community for being a part of these important moments at the center and for closing the gaps in .

https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/center-for-womens-health-research