Figure 1

X-linked genetic factors, hormonal factors, and exposures that may be different for men and women could all influence the prevalence of autoimmune diseases as well as their severity. The latter aspect is, however, also influenced by many more factors, including differences in the treatments given, the response to treatments, the subjective experience of the disease, and the instruments used to measure the disease. The thick arrows indicate established associations and the thin arrows putative associations.