Lupus in Men: The Often Overlooked Minority

Lupus can develop in all genders however, diagnosis in men is more uncommon compared to women. This article describes why lupus in men may be less common and how they may experience symptoms and challenges unique from women with lupus.

*Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk.

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There is no definitive explanation as to why lupus doesn’t manifest as often in men. However, experts believe that sex hormones play a big part in the development of the autoimmune disorder, as research demonstrates that higher amounts of estrogen can lead to an increased risk of lupus. Since men tend to have lower estrogen levels than women, this could explain why they’re less commonly diagnosed with lupus, or why men with lupus tend to have higher estrogen levels.

There are some other explanations as to why lupus in men is so uncommon, such as:

• Genetics and differences in sex chromosomes

• Sex-based differences in immune function

• Environmental Factors

Symptoms of lupus in men are extremely similar to that of lupus in women. However, severity and frequency can differ slightly, and key symptoms may be more pronounced.

Men with lupus will commonly experience these symptoms more harshly or frequently:

• Low blood count, blood clots, or blood vessel damage

• Kidney disease

• Vascular disease

• Serositis (chest pain while breathing in)

• Chest pain while speaking

Men will also experience symptoms that occur regardless of gender, such as:

• Fatigue

• Rashes such as the signature butterfly rash across the face

• Joint pain and swelling

• Headaches

Additionally, though most cases of lupus tend to manifest as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), drug-induced lupus is more common in men due to particular drugs that they may take more frequently than women, such as hydralazine or procainamide. This can also cause unique complications and affect the severity of the manifestation.

Diminishment of testosterone levels is NOT a symptom of lupus, though certain medications that treat lupus, such as cyclophosphamide, might affect testosterone levels. Speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns about the medication you’re taking.

For the 1 in 10 Americans with lupus who are male, it may take several months to years to get the right diagnosis. Lupus is a disorder that can be hard to track and even harder to diagnose, and often it becomes more difficult to receive a proper diagnosis if you’re a man with lupus due to common misconceptions that lupus can only develop in women. Additionally, men with lupus are often diagnosed later than women, with the average age for diagnosis being 40 for men and 30 for women.

Though it may be overwhelming to overcome the challenges that arise with diagnosis, the important thing is to advocate for yourself when it comes to your symptoms and experiences. Be informed about how lupus works and have a support system that you can rely on.

Lupus can be overwhelming to work with, especially if you’re a man struggling to receive a proper diagnosis or misconceptions about the development of lupus. However, you are not alone. There are support groups around the globe who can listen to your story and provide comfort and encouragement.

Though there are many misconceptions that lupus can only occur in women, 1 in 10 lupus patients are men, with experts speculating it may be the lack of estrogen that causes men to develop it less commonly. In general, men with lupus may experience some symptoms more intensely or frequently compared to women, like vascular or kidney disease, and it may be harder to receive a proper diagnosis. Despite the challenges, there are support groups and systems that can help you with your experiences.

Does lupus occur in men? | Lupus Foundation of America

Understanding Lupus and Gender | Healthline

Lupus Symptoms in Men: What to Look For | Verywell Health