Sex and gender differences in health. EMBO reports

Men and women are alike in many ways. However, there are important biological and behavioural differences between the two genders. They affect manifestation, epidemiology and pathophysiology of many widespread diseases and the approach to health care. Despite our knowledge of these crucial differences, there is little gender-specific health care; the prevention, management and therapeutic treatment of many common diseases does not reflect the most obvious and most important risk factors for the patient: sex and gender. This omission is holding back more efficient health care, as gender-based prevention measures or therapies are probably more effective than the usual ‘one-size-fits all’ approach and would benefit patients of both genders. Addressing gender in health and health care therefore requires new approaches at many levels, from training medical personalto clinical medicine, epidemiologyand drug development.