Which demographic is most commonly affected by myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder that primarily affects communication between nerves and muscles, leading to weakness in voluntary muscles. The demographic most commonly affected by this condition is women between the ages of 20 and 40. This prevalence pattern can be attributed to the hormonal influences and immune system function in younger women, which may play a role in the onset of autoimmune conditions like myasthenia gravis.

In this demographic, the symptoms often emerge during a time when women are experiencing significant hormonal fluctuations, which may expose underlying vulnerabilities in the immune system. While men can develop myasthenia gravis, their onset is typically at an older age, and the condition is less common overall in this group compared to younger women. This demographic information is crucial for understanding the typical clinical presentation and for guiding appropriate screening and diagnostic efforts in the context of neuromuscular disorders.