I think this has a simple explanation. Women often get CSF leaks through childbirth that may or may not heal on its own. If your CSF leak doesn’t seal, it will make you sick. CSF leaks lead to chronic illness if they don’t close.

When you have a CSF leak, you are immunocompromised. Your body stops being able to fight viruses & bacteria so it’s easier for these women to get serious illnesses that their body cannot heal. Men obviously don’t go through childbirth so their risk for getting CSF leaks & chronic illness is less. If you’re sick & you had an epidural or spinal. Get checked for both a cranial & spinal CSF leak! (A new blood test for leaks & dementia: p-tau217)