The 5 Most Common Autoimmune Diseases Affecting Women
Over the last few decades, rates of autoimmune diseases have been on the rise. It’s believed they impact about 20 percent of the U.S. population, and an estimated 80 percent of those with an autoimmune disease are women.
WHAT ARE AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES?
Autoimmune diseases lead the immune system to become overactive, producing unnecessary antibodies that attack healthy cells, tissues, and organs throughout the body. The most basic function of the immune system is to recognize foreign molecules that do not belong, then to destroy and remove them. Normally, this would mean viruses and bacteria and such. However, due to a variety of reasons, some people begin to identify normal tissue as ‘non-self’ and to attack it. This is the basis of auto (self) immunity.
There are about 100 known autoimmune diseases, each impacting people in different ways. Some diseases cause intermittent or mild symptoms, while others can be chronic and have a more critical impact. There’s still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the exact causes of autoimmune diseases, although there are some possible explanations.
Genes seem to play a role – autoimmune diseases tend to be genetic and predominantly affect women. The genetic impact seems to be more related to a common environment and way of life. That is, a mother and daughter tend to eat the same foods, breathe the same air and drink the same water. The actual genetic makeup of an individual is less relevant. However stress, viruses, bacteria, environment, and diet can also contribute.
COMMON AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
If you’re concerned you may have an autoimmune disease, it’s important to keep track of potential symptoms and seek the guidance of a specialist for specific concerns. There isn’t any one test for autoimmune diseases, so it’s equally important to stay informed. It may be that your physician is too busy or too controlled by the hospital to do a deep dive into your condition. Try to stay positive and keep seeking answers.
Here are some common types of autoimmune diseases negatively impacting women:
Thyroid diseases, which can include Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis predominantly affect women. Graves’ disease leads to hyperthyroidism, and some symptoms include Graves’ ophthalmopathy – bulging and inflamed eyes, eye pain, double vision, and light sensitivity. It’s also commonly associated with other autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Over time, Graves’ disease can lead to weakened bones, osteoporosis, and heart issues when left untreated.
Alternatively, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis eventually causes hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. This is the result of the immune system attacking the thyroid, slowly reducing hormone levels and compromising thyroid health. Symptoms include dry skin, puffy, pale skin, constipation, and unexplained fatigue.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful autoimmune disease that attacks the lining of the joints, reducing mobility and quality of life. Symptoms of RA include stiff, swollen, or deformed joints, as well as muscle weakness. This disease tends to have periods of remission followed by painful flare ups.
Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system, compromising the myelin sheath that protects the nerves and preventing proper signal transmission to the brain. MS can present earlier than the previously listed diseases, appearing between the ages of 20 and 40, typically. One potential explanation for MS is its link to inflammation. Symptoms of MS include blurred or double vision, potential blindness, decreased cognitive function, muscle weakness, pain, and potential paralysis.
Systemic lupus erythematosus predominately impacts women (about 90 percent). Lupus may be tied to genetics, the environment, medicine, viruses, and hormones like estrogen. Common symptoms include rashes that often occur on the face, sensitivity to the sun, pain in muscles and joints, hair loss, and fever. This disease can damage various parts of the body, including the brain, kidneys, lungs and other organs. The severity of this disease varies from person to person.
Psoriasis affects the skin, leading to excess but dysfunctional skin cells building up at a more rapid rate than normal. This leads to a build up of red, patchy skin, and potentially painful, silvery scales in various places on the body. The severity of this disease also varies from person to person, although in cases where men are affected, it tends to be more severe. Some people with psoriatic skin disease will also have psoriatic arthritis.
NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR PAIN RELIEF
If you’re experiencing pain or inflammation from an autoimmune disease, you may benefit from natural supplements. These can provide great adjunctive care to any biologic or disease-modifying agent you are prescribed. (Be sure to speak with your physician about natural remedies if you are on a treatment plan for a diagnosed autoimmune disorder.)
Tart Cherry Extract
Tart Cherry Extract is a great natural pain reliever for aching muscles and joints! It works in the same way as many NSAIDs along the inflammatory pathway, without the harsh side effects. It promotes joint health and recovery of connective tissues, while providing a powerful antioxidant boost!
CBD Softgels
Additionally, CBD has been linked to immune system improvements, helping to regulate an overactive immune system. The receptor for CBD is found primarily on immune cells. Dr. Warner offers several CBD options, including single-ingredient supplements like CBD Softgels. These softgels can help to reduce inflammation and pain, while promoting stress support, brain health, and healthy sleep.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Meredith Warner is the creator of Well Theory and The Healing Sole. She is a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Air Force Veteran.
She is on a mission to disrupt traditional medicine practices and promote betterment physically, spiritually and mentally to many more people. She advocates for wellness and functional health over big pharma so more people can age vibrantly with more function and less pain.
At Well Theory, Our surgeon-designed products are FDA Registered and formulated to help people:
- Manage the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain
- Recover vibrantly from orthopedic related surgeries
- Fill the gaps in our daily diets
- Manage pain associated with inflammation