Brain research bulletinApr 10, 2021

Sex Differences in Gut Microbiome and Brain Links in Mental Health Conditions

Gut-Brain Axis Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Mar 31, 2026

Abstract

Sex differences in gut microbiota composition may influence neuropsychiatric conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD), autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), and schizophrenia.

Prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders differ between males and females, varying with each clinical condition.
Neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and physiological differences between sexes may contribute to these variations.
The microbiota-gut-brain axis hypothesis suggests that gut microbiota composition could impact neuropsychiatric disorders.
Gut microbiota is influenced by factors like age, sex, diet, and medication.
Bidirectional communication between the brain and gut may affect overall system homeostasis.
Current clinical and preclinical studies indicate that sex differences in gut microbiota could be significant in understanding some neuropsychiatric disorders.

Simplified

Sex differences are often observed in psychiatric patients, especially major depressive disorders (MDD), schizophrenia, and developmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The prevalence rates between males and females seem variate according to the clinical condition. Although the findings are still incipient, it is suggested that these differences can involve neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and physiological sex differences. In this context, the microbiota-gut-brain axis hypothesis arises to explain some aspects of the complex pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. The microbiota composition is host-specific and can change conforming to age, sex, diet, medication, exercise, and others. The communication between the brain and the gut is bidirectional and may impact the entire system homeostasis. Many pathways appear to be involved, including neuroanatomic communication, neuroendocrine pathways, immune system, bacteria-derived metabolites, hormones, neurotransmitters, and neurotrophic factors. Although the clinical and preclinical studies are sparse and not very consistent, they suggest that sex differences in the gut microbiota may play an essential role in some neuropsychiatric conditions. Thus, this narrative review has as a mainly aim to show the points sex-related patterns associated to the gut-microbiota-brain axis in the MDD, ASDs, and schizophrenia.

Full Text

Full text is available at the source.

View Full Text ↗

Sex Differences in Gut Microbiome and Brain Links in Mental Health Conditions

Abstract

Full Text

You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

What Lands in Your Inbox Each Week:

Recent issues from the gut-brain axis brief

Abstract

Full Text

Related papers

You found one interesting study. We’ll send the next 7.

What Lands in Your Inbox Each Week:

Recent issues from the gut-brain axis brief