Why is ESR high in females?

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) is higher in females due to hormonal differences and other factors like menstruation and pregnancy.

ESR measures the rate at which red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. In females, higher levels of the hormone estrogen, menstruation, and pregnancy can cause an increase in proteins in the blood, which in turn increases the ESR. 

Additionally, conditions like anemia and autoimmune diseases, which are more common in females, can also contribute to a higher ESR. ESR is a nonspecific test and may indicate inflammation or other health conditions, but it is often used in conjunction with other tests to diagnose a particular issue.