Why Women are at Risk for Autoimmune Disease

The chances of infectious diseases are higher in men, but women are more at risk of autoimmune disease than men. 

Of the 50 million people living with autoimmune disease, 80% are women. As well, women are at risk for Multiple Autoimmune Syndrome or co-occurrence of two or more autoimmune conditions.

Studies suggest that up to 25% of people with an existing autoimmune condition will develop another, though in virtually ALL of the women I have met and worked with as a health coach – this percentage actually seems to be much higher! (Because autoimmune diseases are unfortunate friends.)

What are autoimmune diseases?

According to the Women’s Health Research Institute, “Autoimmune diseases are those where the body, for whatever reason, starts fighting its own cells with an autoimmune response.”

Why do women have an increased risk?

There are not definite statements as to why autoimmune diseases are more prevalent in women, but some of the reasons why they are most common in females are stated below:

1) The unique nature of a woman’s immune system is more complicated than that of men.

The female body has stronger inflammation processes which play a key role in autoimmune diseases.

2) Sex hormones and hormonal differences are another reason why women tend to be more at risk for autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune diseases flare when female sex hormone fluctuations take place. These fluctuations can occur during the monthly menstrual cycle, perimenopause, menopause and when taking synthetic hormones.

3) Pregnancy can also trigger autoimmune disease.

Significant hormonal shifts occurring during pregnancy, birth and postpartum making women more vulnerable. For example, Postpartum Thyroiditis is a common autoimmune condition linked to pregnancy.

Other risk factors

If your parents or anyone in your family has autoimmune diseases, then avoiding things like cigarettes and alcohol and maintaining a healthier lifestyle is going to help you reduce your risk. (raises hand 3 times!)

Also, maintaining a healthy weight is essential, especially when it comes to excess weight around the midsection, where these fat cells can cause problems with the internal organs they surround. (raises both hands!)

It is time to reclaim your health

Don’t overlook these issues, as health is wealth, and while autoimmune diseases are not curable – they are certainly solvable!

There are really no stand-alone reasons for as to why women are more prone to autoimmune disease than men, since we are all so individual. However, you can maintain a healthier lifestyle and a healthier you by:

1) Living a toxin-free lifestyle – both in the home and in beauty/personal care products

2) Biohacking through saliva hormone, gut microbiome, and heavy metals testing (to name a few) to determine root causes; and personal N=1 experimentation for what different holistic approaches may work for your unique body

3) Determining your inflammatory triggers with an elimination diet and anti-inflammatory way of living via the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol

4) Getting support from your peers – because no woman should ever have to do this alone, and we should have fun along our wellness journeys!