> Did you know that, unlike men, women can gain muscle mass on a calorie deficit?

Any source you can quote on that? Muscle mass is not produced from "calories". Calories are nothing more than a measure for energy. As a "biologist" you should know that, right?

Basically as long as you consume a high level of protein (0.8 - 1 g / lb of lean body mass) daily and introduce an external stressor for your body (e.g. weight lifting) your body will produce muscle mass to cope, whether you're male or female, even if your calorie intake is below your TDEE.