Women are more prone than men to Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Graves' disease causes the thyroid to produce an excess of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism). It usually occurs between ages 30 and 50 (but can appear at any age) and appears seven to eight times more frequently in women then in men.
The larger number of genes originating from the X chromosome creates a far greater possibility of a larger number of mutations occurring. This puts women at a greater risk for the development of autoimmune diseases solely due to women having two X chromosomes, whereas men possess only one.
Women are less susceptible to infectious diseases than men, but are more often prone to autoimmune diseases. This higher prevalence is partly attributable to the X chromosome, which has many genes relating to the immune system.
Conclusions: The increased frequency of SLE among women may be attributed to differences in the metabolism of sex hormones and/or GnRH. Though less common in men, when it does occur SLE tends to run a more severe course-an important consideration in the diagnosis and follow-up of male patients with SLE.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
It is caused by an autoimmune disorder that can make your immune system attack the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland isn't able to produce as much of the thyroid hormones as usual because its cells have been damaged. This causes an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): This is the most common of the female hormone disorders. It causes irregular periods, ovarian cysts, weight gain, and fertility problems. PCOS affects about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age.
The prognosis of lupus is better today than ever before. With close follow-up and treatment, 80-90% of people with lupus can expect to live a normal life span.
Common symptoms include fatigue, hair loss, sun sensitivity, painful and swollen joints, unexplained fever, skin rashes, and kidney problems. There is no one test for SLE. Usually, your doctor will ask you about your family and personal medical history and your symptoms. Your doctor will also do some laboratory tests.
In the most severe forms of SLE, the kidney and the central nervous systems are affected (23). The patients with renal lupus will present with abnormalities in the urine (blood and/or protein in the urine) and oftentimes edema.
Not only can imbalances in your hormones contribute to the onset of autoimmune diseases, but autoimmune diseases in and of themselves can cause hormone insufficiency and imbalance. Autoimmune disease occurs when your immune system starts to attack and damage your own tissue and organs.
Autoimmune Disease Risk Factors
Genetics: Certain disorders such as lupus and multiple sclerosis (MS) tend to run in families. “Having a relative with autoimmune disease increases your risk, but it doesn't mean you will develop a disease for certain,” says Orbai.
Nearly 4% of the world's population is affected by one of more than 80 different autoimmune diseases, the most common of which include type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn's disease, psoriasis and scleroderma.
No one is sure what causes autoimmune diseases. In most cases, a combination of factors is probably at work, such as: Genes, which may make you more likely to develop the disease. Environment, such as a virus that triggers the disease if you have the gene(s).
When the body senses danger from a virus or infection, the immune system kicks into gear and attacks it. This is called an immune response. Sometimes, healthy cells and tissues are caught up in this response, resulting in autoimmune disease.
The first symptoms of lupus usually occur somewhere between the teen years and the 30s and may be mild, severe, sporadic, or continual. Common general symptoms include fatigue, fever, and hair loss. Lupus can also affect individual organs and body parts, such as the skin, kidneys, and joints.
Your doctor will look for rashes and other signs that something is wrong. Blood and urine tests. The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test can show if your immune system is more likely to make the autoantibodies of lupus. Most people with lupus test positive for ANA.
Virtually any symptom of illness or inflammation can signal lupus. However, some of the symptoms most closely associated with lupus include: a butterfly-shaped rash on the face. skin changes and sun sensitivity.
Lupus nephritis is one of the most serious complications of lupus. It occurs when SLE causes your immune system to attack your kidneys — specifically, the parts of your kidney that filter your blood for waste products. The kidneys play a vital part in your body's functioning.
Muscle and joint pain.
You may experience pain and stiffness, with or without swelling. This affects most people with lupus. Common areas for muscle pain and swelling include the neck, thighs, shoulders, and upper arms.
Some of the most common symptoms of hormone imbalances include unexplained weight gain, fatigue, insomnia, and changes in hair, skin, and nails. Root causes of hormonal imbalances include compromised gut health, elevated inflammation, and high stress levels.