Many diseases affect women more than men and vice versa due to genetics, hormones, and anatomy. Some of these, like migraines or eating disorders, may be more familiar to a few male sufferers. However, because they’re more prevalent in women, they often go ignored in men’s health. Some types of cancer, especially, go unnoticed in men. Keep an eye out for these diseases or disorders, and don’t hesitate to contact your doctor regardless of your gender.
Osteoporosis
Many people will recognize this disease as one elderly women suffer from, but up to 2 million American men suffer from osteoporosis. This causes bones to become thin and easily broken. It often has to be detected through medical testing for bone loss.
You can prevent osteoporosis by getting plenty of calcium and vitamin D. For men 70 and younger, get 1,000 mg of calcium per day and for those older, take 1,200 mg daily. Make sure to get 400-800 IUs (International Units) of vitamin D per day if you’re younger than fifty, and boost it up to 800-1,000 per day after that. You can also implement weight lifting and strength training exercises to strengthen your bones.
HPV (Human papilloma virus)
Women often undergo pap smears and receive vaccinations for HPV, which can cause cervical cancer. This common STD, however, often goes unnoticed in men, who can’t check for it as easily. Unlike women, a man’s risk for this disease increases with age. In men, this can be especially dangerous because HPV may lead to head, neck, or penile cancers. Contact your doctor if you notice unusual growths, lumps, or sores in these areas.
Breast Cancer
Breast CancerBecause women have more breast tissue and therefore a higher risk, men may not keep an eye out for the symptoms of this particular cancer. As a result, diagnosis and treatment come later, and many men typically don’t survive this cancer as long as women. Keep an eye out for any unusual lumps, sores, or skin abnormalities in your chest.
Thyroid Problems
The thyroid, a small gland in the middle of your neck, often goes unnoticed until it develops specific issues with how it produces hormones. If it produces too much, it causes hyperthyroidism, which in turn causes:
- Fatigue
- Memory problems
- Weight gain
- Dry skin
Conversely, hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones. This causes:
- Irritability
- Weakness
- Sleep problems
Migraines
MigrainesMen are three times less likely to suffer migraines than women. But that doesn’t stop men from getting painful headaches accompanied by vomiting and light sensitivity. They may often misdiagnose these symptoms as a cluster headache, which affect more men than women. Avoid migraines by staying hydrated and getting enough sleep, while avoiding overexercising and alcohol.
Lupus
Though women make up 90 percent of people with lupus, men can contract this chronic autoimmune disease at any age. However, it may be easier to miss just because it’s rarer among men. Make sure that if you suffer from lupus symptoms to consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Eating Disorders
Too often, media and fiction will portray only women as sufferers of eating disorders. However, according to the National Eating Disorder Association, as many as 10 million men across the country may have one, too. No one is immune, particularly sufferers who are depressed or lonely, or have poor body image. Especially at risk are athletes, obese boys, and men with anxiety or perfectionist personalities.
Because of the stereotype and bias against men with poor body image, men may not seek treatment. But therapy can benefit men as much as women about the underlying issues of these disorders and how to treat them.
Depression
DepressionMuch like with eating disorders, many men who suffer from depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses face the stigma of treatment. Men’s symptoms of depression–anger, irritation, frustration, and discouragement–may go unnoticed or be more easily stifled. Depression can be dangerous for men, who turn to risky behavior or drugs, or attempt and complete suicide.