Why Women Are at Risk for Autoimmune
Are you a Latina struggling with Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism? It's no secret that Latinas are at increased risk for developing autoimmunity--but why is this the case? Autoimmune diseases can be complicated, and it can be hard to know where to start when trying to understand them. In this blog post, I'm going to simplify the conversation surrounding autoimmune disease, discuss what exactly puts us at an increased risk of developing it, and provide tips on how we can optimize our health so that we can manage or even prevent chronic inflammatory conditions. You deserve a better understanding of your health--so let's dive into how women might be more susceptible to autoimmune issues.
The chances of infectious diseases are higher in men than in women, but the risk of autoimmune diseases remains higher in women 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.
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 no definitive 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:
The first reason why women are at more risk for autoimmune diseases is the unique nature of a woman’s immune system. The immune system of women is more complicated than men. The female body has stronger inflammation processes which play a key role in autoimmune diseases.
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.
Pregnancy can also trigger autoimmune disease. Significant hormonal shifts occurring during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum making women more venerable. For example, Postpartum Thyroiditis is a common autoimmune condition linked to pregnancy.
It is time to reclaim your health
There are no definite reasons as to why women are more prone to autoimmune disease than men. However, you can maintain a healthier lifestyle and a healthier you by adopting some simple habits. 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. Also, by avoiding processed foods and trans fats, to eating more nutrient-dense vegetables, animal protein, and healthy fats. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for women to move away from chronic illness, reclaim their health and start living the life of their dreams.
Don’t overlook the issues as health is wealth and autoimmune diseases are solvable, and addressing them timely is the best.
So as you can see from this blog post, autoimmune diseases are a growing problem in society, and women are particularly at risk due to their lifestyle and genetic predisposition. Knowing the risk factors and taking the steps to protect yourself from autoimmune diseases is going to be key in preserving your health, so make sure you take proper precautions. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to fighting autoimmune diseases, but with the right knowledge and guidance, you can make a big difference in your life and the lives of others. Be sure to consult with your doctor if you feel that you may be at risk for an autoimmune disease, as early detection is key in treating these conditions effectively. As always, stay informed, stay active, and stay healthy!
