October 23, 2025

Why Men and Women Experience Differences in Immune Function

8 minutes

Women face far higher rates of autoimmune conditions like lupus and multiple sclerosis because of their double set of X chromosome immune genes and the effects of hormones such as estrogen
Men experience more severe viral infections, higher cancer risks, and age-related immune decline in part due to testosterone's suppressive effects and the gradual loss of Y chromosomes in immune cells
Hormones shift immunity across life stages, meaning puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and andropause all create unique windows of higher or lower disease risk that you can plan around
Environmental factors such as diet, toxin exposure, and gut health interact with your genetic and hormonal makeup, shaping how your immune system handles inflammation and infection
Precision strategies based on sex-specific biology allow you to lower risks — women can focus on reducing autoimmune triggers, while men benefit from strengthening defenses against severe infections and cancer

...more

By Dr. Mercola

4.6

14871,487 ratings

October 23, 2025

8 minutes

Women face far higher rates of autoimmune conditions like lupus and multiple sclerosis because of their double set of X chromosome immune genes and the effects of hormones such as estrogen
Men experience more severe viral infections, higher cancer risks, and age-related immune decline in part due to testosterone's suppressive effects and the gradual loss of Y chromosomes in immune cells
Hormones shift immunity across life stages, meaning puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and andropause all create unique windows of higher or lower disease risk that you can plan around
Environmental factors such as diet, toxin exposure, and gut health interact with your genetic and hormonal makeup, shaping how your immune system handles inflammation and infection
Precision strategies based on sex-specific biology allow you to lower risks — women can focus on reducing autoimmune triggers, while men benefit from strengthening defenses against severe infections and cancer

...more