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It's not just patriarchy that is breaking our backs; we women are also at disadvantage as far as our health is concerned. Here are seven health conditions that affect women more than men.
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Heart diseases: Here's putting end to all those "women are heartless jokes." Although more men are prone to heart attacks, women are more likely to die from them! [1]
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Osteoporosis: Women, in general, have thinner bones than men do and are prone to decreased bone density. Apart from that, menopause and thyroid hormones also render our bones weaker and more prone to osteoporosis. [2]
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Arthritis: Our bodies are designed for childbirth so the tendons of the lower body are less stable. That's why women are more prone to injuries than men. [3]
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Gastrointestinal problems: Women are more susceptible to gastrointestinal disorders. Differences in brain structures and higher level of inhibitory neurotransmitters make women's gastrointestinal health more fragile. [4]
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Alzheimer's disease: Nearly two thirds of people living with Alzheimer's are women. Genetic influences in women, hormonal activities, differences in brain pattern and lifestyle components make women more prone to Alzheimer's disease. [5]
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Depression: More women are prone to depression than men. Women also experience specific forms of depression-related illnesses like PMS, dysphoric disorder, postpartum depession, postmenopausal depression and anxiety. [6]
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STDs: According to CDC, women's unique anatomy increases risk for contracting STDs. The lining of the vagina is thinner and provides a moist environment for pathogens to thrive.
References:
1. http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/why-are-women-more-prone-to-heart-disease/
2. http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/why-are-women-more-prone-to-osteoporosis-p1015/
3. http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/why-are-women-more-prone-to-arthritis-p1015/
4. http://www.thehealthsite.com/news/study-reveals-why-women-are-more-prone-to-gi-disorders-than-men/
5. http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/alzheimers/why-is-alzheimers-disease-more-common-in-women-than-men-b0917/
6. Albert, P. R. (2015). Why is depression more prevalent in women? Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience : JPN, 40(4), 219–221. http://doi.org/10.1503/jpn.150205