## Overview In general, the immune systems of men and women are the same, but the intensity of their defense mechanisms is different. For example, it is noticed that women’s wounds heal faster, but they are more likely to suffer from blood poisoning. The high activity of a woman's immune system is related to her ability to bear children. For a man, one of their primary roles is to pass his genetic material on by having children. ## The secrets of hormones Immunity is closely linked to the endocrine and nervous systems, which differ in men and women. The difference in the intensity of the body's defenses is due to the prevailing hormones. One of the main female hormones is estrogen, which inhibits neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Estrogen promotes an increased response of the immune system to pathogens and viruses. Years of research have confirmed that women are better at ===resisting respiratory infections than men because women under the age of 50 produce more interleukins and interferons, which stimulate the immune system to fight viruses. Additionally, most women have a stronger immune response to vaccinations. > However, under the influence of stress, this can change. Chronic stress triggers the release of cortisol, prolactin, and nerve growth factor (NGF), which affect the immune system. This reduces anticancer defense mechanisms, slows wound healing and inflammation, and weakens the response to vaccinations. Stress disrupts sleep and, as a result, undermines the immune system. The main male hormone is testosterone, which is responsible for sex drive, activity, and aggression. However, at the same time, it suppresses the production of antibodies, cytokines, T- and B-cells. All this explains why the female immune system works more efficiently than the male immune system. ## Conclusion It seems like a strong immune system is great, but it's not all that clear-cut. The immune system can begin to fight its own body. That's why women are more susceptible than men to autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, multiple sclerosis, and others.