Sex and gender have different effects on health. Sex differences are based on biological factors such as reproductive function, the concentration of sex hormones and expression of genes on x and y chromosomes. Gender effects on health relate to behavior, lifestyle and life experience. This includes access to health care, use of healthcare system and behavioral attitudes of medical personnel.

Factors that can affect disease differences are how each person takes care of themselves and feels about their own body. Women tend to have lower self-esteem, lack of gender equality and discrimination making them more prone to depression than men. While men tend to be out in the sun longer, too stubborn to wear sunscreen and go see a doctor if something is out of the ordinary they are more prone to skin cancer. Also, men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s), HIV and Autism. While women are more likely to have iron deficiencies, mood and anxiety disorders, and strokes.

Hormones play a huge role in sex and gender differences in health. Women have a majority amount of estrogen and men have a majority amount of testosterone compared to one another. “Sex influences health by modifying behavior: testosterone, for instance, causes aggressive behavior associated with risk-seeking and neglecting personal health” (EMBO Reports). The abundant amount of testosterone levels is proven to influence contemporary masculinity which prevents men from seeking health care treatment and aid. On the other hand, women have a tremendous amount of estrogen that typically leads to moody/cautious behavior and tendencies to going to get checked up.

Power inequalities between men and women can influence women’s mental health because men customarily are above women. Women tend to be the victim of almost all domestic violence acts and harassment cases by men. Also, men are commonly offered higher pay for the same job or a promotion before women. The job discrimination and gender role traditions affect women mentally leading to mood disorders and depression.

Help Received: Gender Health Gap PPT and internet https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3388783/