15 Serious Diseases That Strike Women More Than Men

Osteoarthritis

There are many common health conditions that affect men and women differently, including osteoarthritis (OA), caused by wear and tear on the joints. “Women have about three times higher risk of osteoarthritis than men,” says Gina Tran, MD, PIH Health Family Medicine. “The way a woman’s body is structured may play a role, as women tend to have more flexible joints and elastic tendons than men.” This laxity is useful during pregnancy and birth, but also puts women at risk of sprains and injuries, leading to future OA. “Women also tend to have wider hips, which may affect the alignment of the knees and causes stress on them,” she says. In addition, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that women over the age of 50 are at increased risk of OA. “The loss of estrogen could be a contributing factor, as estrogen protects the cartilage and the joint from inflammation,” Dr. Tran says. To reduce your risk, the Arthritis Foundation recommends physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight. Find out the other diseases and health conditions that affect men and women differently.

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