First Females

Dr. Louann Brizendine is a neuropsychiatrist and author of The Female Brain. She states that for the first eight weeks in utero, every fetal brain is female.

In male fetuses, testes then form and a huge testosterone surge hits. This kills off cells in the communication center of the brain and grows more cells in the sex and aggression centers.

In females, estrogen spurs brain growth and enhances circuits for observation, communication, gut feelings and caring. Studies show that girls speak two to three times more words per day than boys and they also talk faster. Connecting through talking activates the pleasure centers in a girl's brain, Dr. Brizendine says.

Estrogen-ruled girls arrive in the world better at reading faces, hearing emotional vocal tones and striving to preserve harmonious relationships. We walk a fine line between making sure we are engaged in our relationships without being too pushy.

Teaching a fitness class that is largely female, it has been interesting to observe these differing behaviors. Reading excerpts from this book has helped how I present ideas or approach concerns.

Males may have dominated politics, the workforce and other influential aspects of our society, but the climate is changing. For the first two months of life, girls rule! Someday, our historic milestones will be reached. The results of this election prove there are no longer any limitations for hope.