Page 25 - Mangwanani Magazine - June2017

Due to variations in genes, anatomy, and hormone levels, some diseases attack
women more often than men, and vice-versa. However, thinking of diseases
that women are more prone to as "women's diseases" can leave men vulnerable
to serious health problems.

Here are seven so-called "women's diseases" that can also Athletes, obese boys, men with gender issues, and those who
strike men. If you experience symptoms, don't let your are anxious or have perfectionist personalities are more at
gender stop you from getting treatment. risk.

Osteoporosis Bladder Infections

Osteoporosis reduces the density of bone, making it more Bladder infections are much more common in women, but
vulnerable to fractures. Women experience rapid bone loss men can get them, too— particularly men with an enlarged
following menopause, but by 65 to 70 years old, men lose prostate, kidney stones, or an abnormal narrowing of the
bone mass at about the same rate. urethra. Treatment involves antibiotics and is typically very
effective, but men need to be aware of the symptoms.
Kidney and thyroid problems, vitamin D deficiency, and
prolonged exposure to steroids, cancer therapies, and anti- They include:
convulsants put you more at risk. You may not have
symptoms, so ask your doctor for a bone density test. Ÿ frequent urination

Breast Cancer Ÿ cloudy urine or bloody urine

Women get breast cancer more often than men because they Ÿ a strong urge to urinate
have more breast tissue. Men rarely heed the warning signs of
breast cancer, so the cancer is allowed to develop. Therefore, Ÿ a burning or tingling sensation during urination
men typically don't survive as long as women once a
diagnosis is finally made. Ÿ low-grade fever

Thyroid Problems Depression

The thyroid is a small gland that rests in the middle of the Women are two times more likely than men to be diagnosed
lower neck, where it produces hormones to control with depression, but that may be because their symptoms
metabolism. If it produces too much, hyperthyroidism are different. Women may feel sad and cry more often,
results. Symptoms include: whereas men are more likely to show anger, irritation,
frustration, and discouragement.
Ÿ fatigue
Men may turn to drugs or alcohol, or engage in risky
Ÿ weight gain behavior. They are also more likely to complete suicide if they
try it. Because of these differences, many men go
Ÿ forgetfulness undiagnosed. Without treatment, depression is likely to
worsen.
Ÿ dry, coarse skin and hair
Lupus
If the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones,
hypothyroidism results. Symptoms include: About 90 percent of those diagnosed with lupus are women,
but this autoimmune disorder can also strike men.
Ÿ irritability Symptoms include:

Ÿ muscle weakness Ÿ joint swelling and pain

Ÿ sleep disturbances Ÿ muscle weakness

Women are five to eight times more likely to have some form Ÿ extreme fatigue
of thyroid disease than men, but men can still be affected.
Ÿ unexplained fever
Eating Disorders
Ÿ hair loss
As more men feel the pressure to be thin and look good, more
are falling victim to eating disorders. Only 10 to 15 percent Ÿ leg swelling
of people with anorexia or bulimia are male, but the effects
can be equally devastating. Men are also less likely to seek Ÿ eye puffiness
treatment, leaving them more at risk for complications such
as: Ÿ mouth sores

Ÿ heart problems Ÿ swollen glands

Ÿ bone loss Ÿ butterfly-shaped red rash across the bridge of the nose
and cheeks.
Ÿ organ failure
The disease is treated similarly in both genders. Your doctor
Ÿ death may overlook it because it is rare in men. If you have
symptoms, ask for testing.

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