Abdominal aortic aneurysm: Sex differences

Current studies support the theory that sex has an effect on aneurysm formation, yet are inconclusive about whether or not aneurysm formation is dependent on female/male sex hormones or a lack thereof. The studies in women are scarce and out of those most reports primarily address other end-points, which limit their ability to illuminate an effect of sex on aneurysm formation. The complexity of the human menstrual cycle and menopausal transition are difficult to mimic in animal models, which limit their applicability to AAA formation in humans.