Part 2: How Men and Women Experience Stress Differently (and What That Means for Recovery)

Exclusive Member Article

When we talk about cold exposure, or any kind of deliberate stressor—heat, breath holds, intense exercise—it’s important to understand that men and women don’t always respond the same way. That’s not to say women are less capable. Far from it. But biology, hormones, and even social conditioning play a role in how stress is processed, metabolized, and recovered from.

Understanding this can shape how we use these tools with nuance and respect.

1. The Shared Foundation: The Stress Response System

At the core, all humans respond to stress through the HPA axis—the communication line between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. When the brain detects a threat (like cold water), it sends a signal down this chain:

• Cortisol rises

• Heart rate increases

• Energy is mobilized

• Inflammation temporarily spikes and then regulates

Learn more

Explore the Thermalist® Method at Home — my full online course on using cold, heat, and breath for metabolic health and resilience.

Or sign-up for the Thermalist Instructor Certification — next cohort: October 24–26.