Why Men and Women Experience Differences in Immune Function

Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health

• 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