Why Women's Brains Run at a Higher RPM: A Psychiatrist Explains

Lisa Bos · 2026-08-30

Have you ever felt like your brain just won't slow down? Or noticed that the women in your life seem to juggle ten things at once while you struggle with two? You're not imagining it. According to psychiatrist Dr. Sarah van der Linden, women's brains really do run at a higher RPM. But what does that mean for everyday life, and why does it matter for your health? ### The Science Behind the Speed Let's cut through the jargon. When Dr. van der Linden says women's brains operate at a higher RPM, she's talking about the default mode network (DMN) – the brain's idling speed. In women, this network is more active, even when they're resting. Think of it like a car engine: a man's brain might idle at 800 RPM, while a woman's idles at 1,200 RPM. That extra activity means women are often more attuned to their surroundings, picking up on social cues and emotional nuances that men might miss. But this isn't just about multitasking. It's about how the brain processes information. Women tend to have more connections between the left and right hemispheres, which allows for faster integration of logic and emotion. That's why you might see a woman make a decision that seems intuitive but is actually based on a complex web of data her brain has already crunched. ### What This Means for Your Health So what? Well, if you're a woman, this higher RPM could explain why you feel exhausted after a day of seemingly ordinary tasks. Your brain is literally working harder. And if you're a man, understanding this difference can help you communicate better with the women in your life – whether it's your partner, colleague, or friend. But here's where it gets personal. As a nutrition scientist and allergy diagnostics specialist, I've seen how brain speed affects health. Women with food allergies, for instance, often report more severe symptoms and faster reactions. Is it because their brains are more sensitive to bodily signals? Possibly. The same heightened connectivity that makes women great multitaskers might also make them more vulnerable to chronic stress and inflammation. ### The Allergy Connection Speaking of allergies, did you know that women are more likely to develop food allergies than men? Research shows that estrogen can enhance immune responses, making women more reactive to allergens. Combine that with a brain that's always on high alert, and you've got a recipe for a system that's easily overwhelmed. That's why I always recommend a comprehensive blood test for anyone dealing with unexplained symptoms. A blood test can reveal not just allergies but also nutritional deficiencies that might be slowing you down – or speeding you up in the wrong way. For example, low levels of vitamin D, which is common in women, can exacerbate autoimmune responses. And guess what? Vitamin D deficiency is linked to depression, which is more common in women. It's all connected. > "The brain and the immune system are in constant conversation," says Dr. van der Linden. "When one is out of balance, the other suffers." ### Practical Takeaways So what can you do with this information? Here are a few actionable steps: - **Listen to your body.** If you're a woman and you feel like your brain never shuts off, that's your normal. But if it's causing anxiety or insomnia, talk to a doctor. A blood test can check for thyroid issues, hormone imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies. - **For men:** Don't dismiss a woman's intuition as irrational. Her brain is processing more data than yours. Ask questions, be patient, and try to see the world from her perspective. - **For everyone:** Consider a blood test if you have unexplained fatigue, mood swings, or allergic reactions. It's a simple way to get a snapshot of your health. - **Diet matters.** Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon, support brain health. Antioxidants from fruits and veggies combat inflammation. And if you have allergies, avoid triggers and carry an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed. ### The Bottom Line Women's brains running at a higher RPM isn't a flaw – it's a feature. It's what makes women incredible leaders, caregivers, and problem-solvers. But it also means they need to take extra care of their mental and physical health. Whether you're a man or a woman, understanding these differences can lead to better relationships and better health. So the next time you feel like your brain is racing, remember: you're not broken. You're just running at a higher RPM. And that's something to celebrate.