Women are probably not significantly different then men with respect to their risk of altitude sickness. Occasionally, you will hear that being on the birth control pill at high altitudes is not desirable. Here, the concern is that it might increase one's risk of developing a blood clot. This suggestion is not absolute, however, and one must weigh the small risk of a blood clot against the possible risk of pregnancy. Other factors that might also contribute include dehydration, tight clothing, an increase in your red blood cells, and the tendency to scrunch up in small tents for prolonged periods.
Symptoms resemble a hangover in many ways, with headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and insomnia.
In addition to the symptoms mentioned, unsteadiness and irrational behavior may be characteristic. Perhaps this is the reason that unfortunate Everest climbers find themselves falling into crevasses. HACE will proceed to coma and death if it is not recognized and treated promptly. Once again, if it goes unrecognized, coma and death may be the end result. If you are intent on reaching a higher altitude, you need the proper attitude and advice.