The ability to drive cortical networks in the low gamma range differs between sexes

The brain's ability to synchronize with periodic auditory stimuli is widely used to study gamma-range neural activity. Chirp-like stimulation, covering a broad frequency range, elicits envelope-following responses (ERFs) that enable assessment across multiple frequencies and estimation of the individual gamma frequency (IGF). However, the impact of sex differences on EFR remains understudied. We compared auditory ERFs in the 30-60 Hz range between females and males. Electroencephalography was recorded in 80 healthy young adults (42 females; 26.07 ± 4.28 years) using chirp-like auditory stimulation. Females were tested during the early follicular phase to minimize hormonal effects. Phase-locking index (PLI) and event-related spectral perturbation (ERSP) were analyzed across nine fronto-central electrodes. Females showed significantly lower PLI (35-43 Hz) and ERSP (35-46 Hz), while IGFs were comparable. These results emphasize sex-related influences on gamma auditory responses and the need for sex-specific normative baselines in clinical applications.