E108: The Physical Domain of Risks

Every day, women weigh risks—whether it is deciding to start a medication, pursue a medical procedure, invest in their health, or even consider pregnancy. Yet the way humans assess risk is rarely simple or purely logical. Fear, reward, hormones, life experience, and social expectations all shape how we interpret danger and opportunity.

In the physical domain of risk—the first episode in the 7 Domains of Risk series—Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, PhD, explore how our brains and bodies calculate risk in real time. From evolutionary survival instincts to modern medical decision-making, they unpack why some people are naturally cautious while others lean toward calculated risk-taking. Hormones, stress, development, and even early-life experiences influence our tolerance for risk—particularly for women navigating reproductive health, pregnancy, and medical choices.