Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health Why Men and Women Experience Differences in Immune Function
Oct 23, 2025
Discover how women's two X chromosomes increase autoimmune risks but enhance antiviral defenses. Learn why men face higher cancer and infection challenges linked to testosterone and Y chromosome loss. Dive into how life stages like puberty and menopause shift immune responses, and how environmental factors modify immunity. Explore tailored strategies for both sexes to boost health—women can combat autoimmune triggers while men should focus on improving defenses against severe infections. Find out how these insights can inform better health decisions!
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X Chromosome Boosts Female Immunity
- Women carry two X chromosomes which gives them double immune gene dosage and stronger antiviral defenses.
- That advantage also raises their risk for autoimmune diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis.
Male Hormones And Y Chromosome Loss
- Testosterone generally suppresses immune activity, lowering baseline inflammation but increasing vulnerability to severe infections.
- Aging men also lose Y chromosomes in some immune cells, linking to worse outcomes and diseases like Alzheimer's and prostate cancer.
Mosaic X Inactivation Creates Variable Immunity
- Women's cells randomly inactivate one X, creating a mosaic of immune responses across tissues that diversifies defense.
- That mosaic increases the chance some immune cells overreact and attack self tissues, fueling autoimmunity.