Re: Chronic Illness and Gender
Gender plays a part in illness, definitely, and not just hormones.
I would say, tho, that there is a larger participation of women in these forums because we women are better at reaching out and forming relationships to solve problems, whereas men are mostly into either denying their illnesses (fear of aging, seen it a million times), or refuse to ask for help (that old can't ask for directions thing LOL!).
Thyroid runs in my family and it just struck the women. Don't know why. Because we stress more? Took on more responsibilities? (the men in my family don't do much heh). Also, the emotional component - thyroid is the physical side of the throat chakra. So thyroid problems often have the emotional componenet of not speaking one's truth, speaking up for one's self. Very often a feminine issue.
Men need much more linoleic and linolenic acid then women, hence their propensity for heart attacks. The heart chakra is also harder for a man to balance, since in most cultures men are not expected to outflow nurturing energies.
Just my .02! :)