Disease susceptibility varies between men and women which can be attributed to differences in genetics, hormones, and socio-cultural factors. While some diseases affect both sexes, research has identified gender disparities in disease susceptibility.

In this article, we will explore some of these gender differences.

Gender Disparities In Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. However, men and women exhibit differences in the prevalence, etiology, and outcomes of these diseases.

Men are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases in early life, with coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction being the primary forms of heart disease in men. In contrast, women are generally less susceptible to these types of heart diseases in early life. The risk of heart disease in women increases significantly after menopause, when estrogen levels decline.

The protective effect of estrogen on vascular walls decreases, increasing the risk of hypertension, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. It is important to note that the symptoms of heart disease can also manifest differently in women as compared to men, with women more likely to experience atypical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and back pain as opposed to chest pain.

Gender Disparities In Mental Health

Mental health disorders also exhibit gender disparities, with women being more susceptible to anxiety and depression, while men are more susceptible to substance abuse and antisocial behavior.

Factors contributing to these disparities include genetics, differences in coping mechanisms, and socio-cultural factors. Women are more likely to seek help for mental health issues and are also more often diagnosed with these conditions compared to men.

This could be due to a stigma around mental health issues in men, as well as the tendency of men to underreport their symptoms.

Gender Disparities In Cancer

Cancer is a global public health issue, with gender disparities in cancer incidence, mortality, and survival rates. For instance, breast cancer affects women more frequently than men, with about 1 in 8 women developing breast cancer in their lifetime.

Similarly, prostate cancer is more prevalent in men, with an estimated 1 in 9 men being diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Some cancers, such as lung cancer, affect both sexes but in different ways.

Women are more susceptible to lung cancer due to their smaller lung size and higher sensitivity to carcinogens, while men are more susceptible to lung cancer due to a higher rate of smoking.

Gender Disparities In Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases also exhibit gender disparities. For instance, women are more susceptible to bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections than men due to anatomical differences.

However, men are more susceptible to viral infections such as Hepatitis B and C, which can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Gender Disparities In Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases arise when the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues and organs. These disorders exhibit gender disparities, with women more susceptible to several autoimmune diseases than men.

For instance, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) affects women nine times more frequently than men, while Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects women three times more frequently than men.

Gender Disparities In Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that affects both sexes but exhibits gender disparities. For instance, Type 2 diabetes, which is the most common type of diabetes, affects men more frequently than women.

However, once women develop this type of diabetes, they tend to have worse outcomes than men. Women with diabetes are more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases and have a higher risk of dying from heart disease than men with diabetes.

Gender Disparities In Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, making them susceptible to fractures. It affects both sexes but is more prevalent in postmenopausal women.

This is because estrogen deficiency after menopause causes accelerated bone loss and increases fracture risk. Men are also susceptible to osteoporosis, but their risk is lower than that of postmenopausal women.

Conclusion

The differences in disease susceptibility between men and women can be attributed to differences in genetics, lifestyles, hormones, and socio-cultural factors.

Understanding these disparities is crucial in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, and can lead to better health outcomes for both sexes.