Description

Men are more likely to develop gout than women, particularly in younger age groups, due to a combination of biological and lifestyle factors. The primary biological factor is the uricosuric effect of estrogen, which enhances uric acid excretion in premenopausal women. After menopause, women's risk of gout increases as estrogen levels decline. Men also tend to have higher levels of uric acid production starting from puberty. Lifestyle factors that are more common in men, such as higher alcohol consumption and meat intake, may contribute to this gender disparity. A comprehensive review published in Nature Reviews Rheumatology found that the incidence of gout is 2-6 times higher in men than in women across various populations [1]. Another study in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases demonstrated that while the incidence of gout in men peaks between 30-50 years, in women it peaks after 80 years [2]. Despite the lower overall risk, gout in women is often underdiagnosed and can be more severe when it occurs. Understanding these gender differences is crucial for appropriate screening and management strategies.