b'HHeeaalltthhccaarreeaannddYYoouurrIImmmmuunneeSSyysstteemmWhile you support your immune system with healthy lifestyle choices, you can also protect your immune system with proper healthcare. This includes regular screenings to head off any problems that may decrease the effectiveness of your immune system or throw off your immune balance, as well as avoiding things that threaten your immune health. How Biological Sex Affects Immune HealthPlease note: In the following pages, we will be discussing immune system differences between male and female biology. Our use of the terms male and female herein are meant to refer in general terms to biological sex, not gender identity.Your immune system is unique to you. This complex system varies from individualto individual, since so many different factors affect your immune composition and response. These factors can include those weve already discusseddiet, activity, sleep, stress, the medications you takebut also include things such as what viruses and bacteria youve been exposed to in your life, what vaccines youve had, and surprisingly, even your biological sex. Biological sex plays a large role in the makeup of our immune system. The X chromosome contains a large concentration of immune-related genes. Females have two X chromosomes, where males only have one. Therefore, females generally have stronger immune responses than males, and may have more resistance to viruses, bacteria, fungal infections, and parasites. However, females are also considerably more likely to have autoimmune disease.Sex Differences in MSPrevalence:When diagnosed before puberty, males and females are diagnosed at the same rate. After puberty, MS is signicantly more common in females than males, with a ratio of 3:1. While this makes a strong case for the inuence that hormones play in the immune system being a factor, there is still no clear answer as to the cause of this disparity. Clinical Course: Females experience hormonal changes that can lead to changes in MS-related symptoms during the course of their lives. Sex hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen, fluctuate throughout the reproductive cycle and a decrease in these hormonal levels can exacerbate symptoms of MS. Conversely, during pregnancy, studies show a decreased risk of relapses, particularly in the third trimester, when estrogen and progesterone levels are elevated. This cycle of hormones, and its correlation with MS symptoms, is unique to each individual. While fewer males develop MS, males are more likely to have the progressive form of MS, more severe symptoms, and greater disease progression. Studies show males usually have more difficultly recovering after relapses and higher rates of cognitive impairment. Response to Treatment:Little research has examined whether there are differences in response to treatment between male and female, although it does appear females 12'