Some Differences Between the Sexes

Differences between the sexes have been identified on the cellular level and in every organ system of the body, said Dr. Lila A. Wallis, a clinical professor of medicine at Cornell University Medical College and past president of the American Medical Women’s Assn. For example:

* Some drugs--such as aspirin, alcohol, acetaminophen, lidocaine and benzodiazepines--are metabolized differently by women and men.

* Women have higher immunoglobulin levels, which enables them to resist viruses better than men.

* Most autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, are more prevalent in women.

* Women regain consciousness more quickly after anesthesia.

* Women’s hearts are two-thirds smaller than men’s and beat faster, even during sleep.

* Coronary heart disease develops 10 years earlier in men, but a woman’s risk for disease increases fourfold when she reaches menopause.

* Organ transplants appear more successful with same-gender donors.

* Women develop less bone mass at peak maturity than men.

* Women’s lungs are more susceptible to tobacco exposure.