Johns Hopkins Study Finds Sex, Menopause Differences in Early Lyme Disease

Research reveals distinct symptom patterns between men and women with Lyme disease, highlighting need for personalized diagnosis and treatment.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 7:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine has uncovered significant differences in how Lyme disease manifests in men and women, potentially leading to more accurate and timely diagnoses. The research, conducted on 243 adults, showed that men were more likely to test positive for Lyme disease and exhibit more pronounced disease indicators at diagnosis, despite comparable illness duration between sexes. Specific symptoms like heart palpitations, vomiting, and light sensitivity were more common in women, while sleep disruption was more frequently reported by men. Researchers noted a striking similarity between the male group's presentation and that of post-menopausal women, suggesting a link between sex hormones and the body's response to Lyme disease.

Why it matters

The study highlights the need for a more personalized approach to Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment, as current criteria may not adequately capture the sex-specific nuances of the illness. Considering a patient's sex and menopausal status alongside traditional symptoms and lab results could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses, ultimately improving patient outcomes. With approximately 476,000 Americans diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease annually, the need for improved diagnostic tools and treatment strategies is critical.

The details

The research, published in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, was conducted by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Clinical Research Center. They examined 243 adults (118 females and 125 males) before and after treatment, finding that men were more likely to test positive for Lyme disease and exhibit more pronounced disease indicators at diagnosis. While the duration of illness was comparable between sexes, specific symptoms differed, with females reporting heart palpitations, vomiting, and light sensitivity more frequently, and males experiencing more sleep disruption.

  • The study was published on February 7, 2026.

The players

Johns Hopkins Medicine

A renowned academic medical center and research institution located in Baltimore, Maryland.

Dr. John Aucott

Director of the Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Clinical Research Center, who noted the similarity between the male group's presentation and that of post-menopausal women, suggesting a potential link between sex hormones and the body's response to Lyme disease.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Males and females are different. For both findings, the male group was more similar to females who had undergone menopause and more different from females who had not.”

— Dr. John Aucott, Director, Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Clinical Research Center

What’s next

Researchers are now focusing on identifying the specific biological mechanisms responsible for these sex-based differences, including investigating the role of hormone levels, immune cell function, and genetic factors. Further studies will also explore whether these differences impact the long-term outcomes of Lyme disease treatment.

The takeaway

This study highlights the importance of considering sex-specific differences in Lyme disease presentation, which could lead to more accurate and timely diagnoses, ultimately improving patient outcomes. As Lyme disease continues to be a growing public health concern, this research underscores the need for a personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment.