6 Health Conditions That Affect Men and Women Differently
Internal Medicine

6 Health Conditions That Affect Men and Women Differently

You might think the human body works the same for men and women. But surprise! Men and women can experience health conditions quite differently. From heart diseases like heart attack to cancer, stroke or even common ailments, all these can show up in unique ways. In this blog, we will see 6 health conditions that affect men and women differently.

Heart Attack 

Heart Attack is one of the leading causes of death in men and women with varied symptoms for both. Heart attack symptoms in women include shortness of breath, jaw pain, and nausea rather than chest pain, which is the most common heart attack symptom in men. However, women are more likely to suffer from diseases that seem similar to a heart attack like coronary spasms and more. 

Heart attack symptoms

Cancer

Cancer can affect anyone but certain type of cancer is more prevalent in one gender than the other. For instance, breast cancer is far more common in women whereas lung or liver cancer is more common in men. Some cancers show different symptoms in men and women: 

  • In pancreatic cancer, men are more likely to experience back pain radiating to the body whereas women have the onset of diabetes and abdominal pain
  • In head and neck cancer, men have lumps in the neck or throat whereas women have more jaw pain and difficulty in movement of the tongue

However, the causes of cancer may be similar in both like lifestyle habits, genetic predispositions etc. Sarvodaya Cancer Institute at Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad brings a multidisciplinary team of the best cancer experts in Delhi NCR, highly proficient in detecting, managing, and treating all kinds of cancers in men and women.


Hair Loss

Hair loss occurs in both men and women. Despite the difference in the causes of hair loss in men and women, men tend to show signs much earlier due to different baldness patterns triggered by hormones. Testosterone works as a protective agent for women’s hair. Hair loss treatments are available for both men and women including medications hair therapy, hair transplants, PRP, and more. 

Hair loss pattern in men and women



Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune, chronic disorder that affects the body's central nervous system. It is caused when the immune system of the body attacks the myelin found in the central nerves. Multiple sclerosis symptoms differ in men and women. Men usually show symptoms like trouble walking, lack of strength in limbs, and balance and coordination issues whereas women exhibit symptoms like visual impairment, numbness and tingling in fingers and toes, and other sensory challenges. It can be controlled by timely diagnosis and medication.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

While both men and women are susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), certain STDs can have different impacts and complications based on gender. For example, women are more likely to experience long-term consequences from untreated gonorrhoea, such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. On the other hand, men are more susceptible to certain STDs like human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to genital warts and certain cancers, including anal and oropharyngeal cancers.

Osteoporosis 

Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak, brittle, and at risk of breaking, commonly in the spine, wrist, or hip. It affects more women than men due to declining estrogen levels that impact bone density. Men can also develop osteoporosis but the condition often goes undiagnosed and untreated in men, leading to an increased risk of fractures and associated complications. The bone and joints expert at Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad can help you manage the symptoms of osteoporosis and get relief from the condition.

Osteoporosis in men and women

We can see that men and women experience a wide range of health conditions differently. What may be normal for one, may turn out catastrophic for the other. Understanding these differences is crucial for early diagnosis, effective treatment, and the well-being of both men and women. So, if you notice any irregular signs or symptoms, consult an expert. Also, get preventive health checkups done regularly to know your health status and take timely measures if you are diagnosed with any health condition. Book your test today! 


Dr. RVS Bhalla | Internal Medicine | Sarvodaya Hospital

Dr. RVS Bhalla
Director & Head (Unit I) - Internal Medicine

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