While the anatomical differences between men and women are very obvious, it is only fairly recently that scientists have begun to investigate the less obvious differences between the sexes which make them susceptible to a completely different set of health problems. It is a well-established fact that women have a longer life expectancy, but they are far more likely to suffer from certain types of illness than men. For example, they are two to three times more likely to suffer from depression and are more susceptible to stress, are four times more likely to develop osteoporosis, six times more likely to suffer from IBS and have greater sensitivity to pain. Many chronic pain conditions are more common in women, for example, rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraine.

Increased susceptibility to certain health disorders can often be explained purely by differences in body structure. To give just one example, in a woman’s body the colon has to circumnavigate the uterus and the ovaries, making the process of digestions slower than in the male. This makes a woman more susceptible to bloating or constipation.

Almost certainly, the greatest difference is to be found in the types and levels of hormones in the two sexes. Women are far more sensitive to a variety of influences than their male counterparts – indeed if this were not so their bodies would not function as intended. They are known to have extra sensitive receptor cells in many areas. It is, for example, common knowledge that there is a strong planetary effect on menstruation and conception. Unfortunately, this complex balance is easily disturbed causing emotional imbalances, relationship problems, and a variety of mental issues. Mental or emotional imbalance can then easily lead to physical illness.

The purpose of this short article is not to explore in detail the many differences between male and female health problems, but simply to emphasize the fact that all aspects need to be taken into consideration when treating the female body – not simply the existing sickness. This is vital if further health problems are to be avoided in the future. It is in fact fundamental to the Ayurvedic approach to treatment.

Find out about the many ways our clinic can help with female health issues here.