Why is erythrocyte sedimentation rate higher in females?

This sedimentation rate in females should normally be under 20, with slight variation depending in the lab doing the testing. 50 indicates that there is some sort of inflammation some where in the body. A sedimentation rate will indicate inflammation, however it does not indicate what is causing it. these test are most often used in monitoring autoimmune disorders such as Rheumatoid arthritis.

ESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. this is a test that indirectly measures the level of inflammation is in the body.

normal readings are

Adults, Westergren method Women under 50 years old-- less than 20 mm/hr

Women over 50 years old---- less than 30 mm/hr

.