Louann Brizendine

Who is Louann Brizendine?

Louann Brizendine M.D. is an American scientist, a neuropsychiatrist who is both a researcher and a clinician. She is the author of two books: The Female Brain, and The Male Brain.

Brizendine's research concerns women's moods and hormones. She graduated in neurobiology from UC Berkeley, attended Yale School of Medicine and completed a residency in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. She is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and is an endowed clinical professor. She joined the faculty of UCSF Medical Center at the Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute in 1988 and now holds the Lynne- and Marc Benioff-endowed chair of psychiatry. At UCSF, Brizendine carries out clinical, teaching, writing and research activities.

In 1994 Brizendine founded the UCSF Women's Mood and Hormone Clinic, and continues to serve as its director.

Brizendine also teaches courses to medical students, residents and other physicians throughout the country, on the neurobiology of hormones, mood disorders, anxiety problems, and changes in sexual interest due to hormones.

Brizendine's book "The Female Brain" was reviewed both positively and negatively by numerous critics, especially one piece of content pertaining to linguistics and language.