Fact 4. Hashimoto’s is More Common in Women
While anyone can develop Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, it is significantly more prevalent in women. Women are 7 to 8 times more likely than men to develop Hashimoto’s disease. The reason for this gender disparity in Hashimoto’s (and autoimmunity in general) is not entirely clear and is likely multifactorial.
It’s suggested that hormonal differences may play a role. The female hormone estrogen appears to stimulate the immune system, which may explain why women have more robust immune responses than men – a trait that makes them both less susceptible to infections but also at a higher risk of autoimmune diseases. Additionally, pregnancy, a state of altered immunity, has also been implicated in triggering autoimmune thyroid diseases, including Hashimoto’s.
Furthermore, certain genes associated with Hashimoto’s are found on the X chromosome – of which women have two copies and men only one. This could potentially increase the likelihood of developing the disease in women. (4)
