Why PTSD looks different in women (and may be more common)
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
PTSD can affect anyone, but studies show that it may be twice as likely in women. Explore the reasons why, how it looks different for women than men, and best treatments to cope.
Have you ever felt stuck in a mental loop of something that happened in the past? Like you’re forced to relive a difficult memory your brain just won’t let go of? Maybe it was an encounter with an ex-partner, a traumatic birth story, or even navigating life after a natural disaster or family event.
For many women, this feeling is part of living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and it’s not just about remembering what happened. It’s how it changes your thoughts, feelings, and even how your body reacts to daily life.
Despite how PTSD may be portrayed in the media, it doesn’t affect everyone the same way. Studies show that women are about twice as likely as men to develop it. Why? Well, that may be due to hormones, genetics, and even cultural and societal expectations, like bouncing back after a pregnancy or trying to “have it all” (whatever that means).
Let’s explore what makes a woman’s experience with PTSD unique. Plus, what we can do to help them heal — and help ourselves, too.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that happens when a person has trouble recovering after a traumatic event, like a death in the family, the aftermath of a natural disaster, or even a scary car accident. PTSD is more than feeling scared or upset — it’s when the brain and body stay stuck in survival mode, even when the danger has passed.
Not everyone who goes through a tough experience will develop PTSD. It depends on many things, like how severe the event was, past experiences, and the kind of support a person has after the trauma.
There are four main symptoms of PTSD to keep an eye out for:
Intrusive thoughts: Intrusive thoughts can show up as flashbacks, nightmares, or unwanted memories that make you feel like the trauma is happening again.
Avoidance: Trying to stay away from anything that reminds you of the event, like places, people, or even certain feelings is a symptom to be aware of.
Negative changes in mood: If you’re feeling guilty, sad, or disconnected from people, this could be a sign that something isn’t right.
Hyperarousal: Being on edge, easily startled, or having trouble sleeping and relaxing could be a sign your body is stuck in survival mode and being on edge in case something happens.
Is PTSD more common in women?
PTSD is about twice as common in women as in men. This isn’t just because women experience more trauma than men, but it’s also about the types of trauma and how their bodies and minds respond to it.
Women are more likely to go through certain kinds of trauma, like sexual violence or domestic abuse, which can make the risk of PTSD greater. Even when men and women experience the same events, women are more likely to develop PTSD after their experience. Why? One of the reasons is our hormones.
Hormones (like estrogen) can make it harder for women to recover from trauma. The way women’s brains process fear and stress also plays a role, making emotional memories stronger and harder to manage.
On top of that, cultural and social pressures can make PTSD worse for women. Have you ever felt guilty or ashamed after going through a trauma or unsafe sharing your experiences? This stress can make recovery take much longer.
7 symptoms of PTSD in women
PTSD usually looks different in women and shows up as deep emotional pain and overwhelming feelings. The main symptoms are usually the same for everyone, but a woman’s experiences are often shaped by their biology (like their hormones), culture (where and how they were raised), and social expectations (pressures from the outside world on how a woman should behave and feel).
Here are a few additional symptoms that women may experience:
Strong emotions: Women with PTSD often feel intense guilt, shame, or sadness. These feelings can be linked to societal pressure to move on or be strong after the traumatic event.
Avoidance: Many women go out of their way to avoid people, places, or anything that reminds them of the trauma. This can lead to feeling isolated.
Physical symptoms: PTSD can show up in the body as headaches, stomach problems, or chronic pain caused by stress overload.
Hypervigilance: Women with PTSD may feel constantly on edge, startled easily, or have trouble sleeping because they fear being vulnerable.
Relationship issues: Some women struggle to trust others or withdraw from relationships. Others may seek constant reassurance to feel safe.
Negative self-view: Feelings of worthlessness or self-blame are common, especially after interpersonal trauma.
Coping with substances: Some women may use alcohol or medication to manage their symptoms, which can create long-term problems.
How symptoms differ between women and men
PTSD symptoms often differ by gender due to varying emotional responses and coping mechanisms:
Women often internalize their feelings, leading to guilt or sadness, while men may express their distress outwardly through anger or irritability.
Women are more likely to avoid situations that feel unsafe, while men often distract themselves with work or physical activity.
Research also shows that PTSD symptoms tend to last longer in women, possibly because of hormonal and societal factors.
What causes PTSD in women?
The causes of post-traumatic stress disorder in women can be, well, complicated. Genetics and biology can play a role, a woman’s experiences in life can contribute to PTSD, and the pressure from society to snap back after something traumatic can also be a reason.
While PTSD is often triggered by trauma, there are several other unique reasons why a woman may develop PTSD in her lifetime.
Biological differences
Hormones like estrogen play a role in how the brain processes stress and fear. Fluctuations in estrogen can make it harder for women to recover from trauma, especially during times like the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause.
Type of trauma
Women are more likely to experience certain traumas, like sexual violence, childhood abuse, or domestic violence. These types of trauma often involve betrayal or fear of someone close, which can make recovery more difficult.
Cultural and social pressures
Society often places pressure on women to suppress their emotions or prioritize others, which can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame after trauma. Fear of judgment or not being believed can also stop women from seeking help.
Early life experiences
Trauma during childhood, such as neglect or abuse, makes women more sensitive to stress later in life. Early trauma changes the way the brain processes fear and can increase the risk of PTSD.
Support systems
Having a strong support system is key to recovering from trauma. Women who lack support or face stigma when talking about their experiences are more likely to struggle with PTSD symptoms.
Overlapping identities
For women from marginalized communities, factors like racism, homophobia, or economic struggles can add extra layers of stress. These overlapping challenges make trauma even harder to process.
How to treat PTSD in women
For starters, treatment for PTSD goes beyond addressing symptoms. Recovery needs to involve healing, building resilience, and also empowering women to seek help and advocate for their health. There are a few therapies and treatments available that may be the most helpful to the majority of women with PTSD.
Below are a few examples.
1. Trauma-focused therapy
Therapy is a really big deal in the treatment of PTSD, especially therapeutic approaches designed to process and reframe trauma. These two therapies provide a structured way to process trauma, reduce emotional distress, and develop healthier coping mechanisms:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Specifically, trauma-focused CBT helps women identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs that come from their trauma, such as self-blame or feelings of helplessness.
Prolonged exposure therapy (PE): This therapy involves gradually (and safely) confronting trauma-related memories, feelings, or situations to reduce fear and avoidance.
2. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a unique therapy that combines focused eye movements with recalling traumatic memories. This approach helps the brain reprocess trauma, which may help reduce the intensity of emotional responses.
Women who struggle with traditional talk therapy often find EMDR helpful, especially for deeply rooted or highly emotional trauma.
💙 Listen to calming music, like our Bilateral Stimulation (EMDR) Playlist, which can help you stay at ease when you’re feeling triggered.
3. Medication
Medication can be an effective tool for managing PTSD symptoms, especially if you’re also going to therapy regularly. Common medication options include:
Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline or paroxetine are FDA-approved for PTSD and can help relieve symptoms like depression, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts.
Anti-anxiety medications: In some cases, medications like benzodiazepines may be prescribed short-term for severe anxiety, though they are not recommended for long-term use.
Prazosin: This medication is often used to treat nightmares and sleep disturbances associated with PTSD.
4. Support groups and peer networks
Women with PTSD may benefit from connecting with others who’ve had similar experiences to them, like in support groups or other organizations. This type of connection can help women overcome past trauma and find community.
Support groups are also a safe space to share stories, discover new coping strategies, and feel validated in your feelings. Whether in person or online, these groups can reduce feelings of isolation and create a sense of belonging.
5. Mind-body practices
Incorporating mind-body practices like mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and even certain forms of therapy, can help enhance more traditional treatments for PTSD. They can also improve overall wellbeing, which, over time, may help a person heal and find relief.
Some popular practices include:
Mindfulness and meditation: Mindfulness and meditation may help women stay grounded in the present moment, which can help with anxiety and intrusive thoughts.
Yoga and bodywork: Trauma-sensitive yoga can help release stored tension in the body, promoting relaxation and a sense of safety. Start with these five relaxing yoga poses.
Art and music therapy: Creative outlets allow women to express emotions that may be difficult to articulate verbally. Here are 10 tips to start a mindfulness-based art therapy practice.
💙 Try 5-4-3-2-1, a guided grounding meditation practice, led by Tamara Levitt.
6. Building healthy habits
Establishing routines that prioritize self-care and other healthy lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in managing PTSD symptoms. Some examples include:
Physical activity: Regular exercise, such as walking or swimming, can reduce stress and improve mood by releasing endorphins.
Healthy sleep hygiene: Creating a calming bedtime routine can improve sleep quality and reduce nightmares. These nine tips can help you build your own routine.
Balanced diet: Eating nutrient-dense foods supports brain health and helps regulate mood.
7. Trauma-informed care
It’s especially important for healthcare providers to offer trauma-informed care that caters to the unique needs of women. This approach emphasizes safety, choice, and empowerment, ensuring women feel respected and understood throughout their healing journey.
8. Addressing intersectional needs
For women facing compounded challenges—such as racial discrimination, economic hardship, or marginalization due to sexual orientation—treatment must address these intersecting issues. Culturally sensitive care and access to resources can help promote healing and provide a fair foundation of healing for women of all backgrounds in getting the help they need.
PTSD in women FAQs
How do you support women who have PTSD?
Supporting women with PTSD begins with being patient and understanding. Let them share their experiences without fear of judgment, and listen actively to what they need (these eight tips can improve your listening). Showing empathy is key, as many women with PTSD feel isolated or misunderstood.
Encourage professional help, like therapy, if they aren’t already seeking it. Offer to help with practical steps, such as finding a therapist or attending appointments with them if they feel comfortable. Be mindful of their triggers, and try to create a calm, safe environment.
Daily gestures can also make a big difference, whether it’s checking in with them, offering emotional support, or simply letting them know you’re there. Healing is a journey, and your steady presence and friendship can be a source of strength for someone managing PTSD.
What are the causes of PTSD
PTSD is caused by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, to put it simply. A traumatic event can be something like violence, an accident, witnessing or receiving abuse, or experiencing natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, tsunamis, etc. However, not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD. The severity of the event and a person’s emotional and physical health all play a role in the development of PTSD
Some biological differences, such as being prone to stress or other genetic factors, can increase someone’s likelihood of developing PTSD. The availability of support after a trauma is also critical, as those who lack support or face stigma are more likely to struggle with long-term symptoms.
Why is PTSD more common in women?
PTSD is more common in women because of the types of trauma they often experience, such as sexual violence or domestic abuse, which carry a higher risk of PTSD. Biological factors also play a role, as hormones like estrogen can impact how women process and recover from trauma.
Women may also face societal pressures that make PTSD harder to cope with. Feelings of shame and guilt or a fear of judgment often discourage women from seeking help. These combined factors make women more likely to develop PTSD and experience longer-lasting symptoms than men.
What is the rate of PTSD in women?
Around 10-12% of women will experience PTSD in their lifetime, compared to about 4-5% of men. This difference is linked to both the types of trauma women face and the way their bodies and minds process it.
Women are also more likely to experience prolonged symptoms, making early treatment and support especially important. Understanding these numbers can help shine a light on the unique challenges women face and the importance of providing them with tailored care.
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