American doctors began research studies in the 1980s that were driven by reports of female traumatic brain injury patients recovering better and more quickly from their injuries than males suffering from similar conditions.

A new study involving more than 100 hospitals across the globe spells the next-generation effort in discovering why that might be true, and researchers are guardedly optimistic over the outcome.

"Although we have to be cautious, the rewards of this trial could be phenomenal," says Tony Belli, the study's chief investigator. Belli adds that the results could have "the potential to significantly improve the outcome for patients with traumatic brain injuries."

The new study is funded by BHR Pharma, an American research and development company. The hope is that research will be carried out at all the participating institutions in trials involving between 10 and 15 patients at each center. Collectively, it is hoped that about 1,200 patients will be enrolled worldwide.

Those patients will have significant head trauma and need to receive an infusion of progesterone within eight hours of sustaining their injuries.

The researchers have high hopes that progesterone -- a sex hormone that regulates the female menstrual cycle and plays a role in pregnancy, yet also is present in low levels in males -- will have a protective effect on the brain by reducing swelling and allowing adequate levels of blood to continue flowing to the brain.

Trial results may be available within a couple of years. Similar studies in rats have shown a "remarkable" improvement in outcomes and recovery.

One brain injury expert calls the study "exciting news" and notes that, while the medical field must remain cautious pending the results, the research is "warmly welcomed."

Source: Daily Mail, "Can female sex hormones beat brain damage? Doctors believe progesterone may have protective effect" Rachel Ellis, "Jan. 16, 2012