Are there many men who have HMS

[matthewproud]

Hey everyone.

Been looking over these boards for a few weeks now and it seems there doesn't seem to be many lads posting on here. Does hms affect women mainly or are lads less likely to come and post their problems online?

Matty

[Montanagirl]

I think I have read that it affects women more, but I personally know of at a couple of men with it(both family members). Can't say for sure that men are less likely to talk about their issues online. Not sure that answers your question exactly.

[Rosie]

Hi Matty

The answer is both
The incidence of HMS/EDS-H is much higher among females than males. It can be agravated by the effect of female hormones on the laxity of ligaments. On the boards I think the majority of males with HMS tend to be children, or rather the mothers of children looking for help for them. There are some board members with HMS who are men, but as you say, I think th emen are less likely to be on here looking for help or discussing their problems, but they do exist.

Rosie

[sheppeyescapee]

Hi Matty,

There are a few around, just not quite as vocal as the women on here *hides under desk from flying shoes*

J

[Jess]

To name a few Stone, englishgrenlin and sheppeyescapee
Those are the few main ones on here that post alot.

[Triality]

theoldhamlatic is a guy too, he's around here somewhere.

My dad has it, but he just knows nothing about the internet, tbh. My sister and I both have it and are both online, so... unbalanced in terms of demographic, I suppose.

[Stone]

Yes, hello! We are not very common at all though it's a bit more even with the other collagen disorders - seem to recall that OI is closer to 50/50 between males and females. Mine got a lot worse when I had hormone issues before/during cancer treatment so maybe it just lies dormant more often? Men also build muscle mass faster so it could be hidden that way.

Add in that we are less likely to visit doctors, talk about pain or accept help from others and it's not likely you'll find too many here. We do exist though!

Stone