What Are the Most Common Autoimmune Diseases in Women?

If you’ve been experiencing unexplained fatigue, joint pain or other persistent symptoms, you may be wondering if an autoimmune condition could be the reason. While they can affect men too, autoimmune diseases in women account for around 80% of all diagnosed cases. Understanding the early warning signs and which autoimmune disorders most often impact women can help you get the care and treatment you need. 

In this article, we’ll explore common autoimmune diseases women experience, symptoms to watch for and lifestyle strategies that can help manage these conditions.

If you believe you may have an autoimmune disorder, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our board-certified rheumatologist at Cary Medical Group is experienced in diagnosing and treating these conditions. We invite you to contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find relief. 

Why Are Autoimmune Diseases More Common in Women?

Researchers long believed that autoimmune diseases disproportionately impacted women because of hormones such as estrogen.

However, recent research suggests other factors related to genetics and the X chromosome may also play a role:

• Women typically have two X chromosomes, while men have one X and one Y chromosome. 
• To prevent the body from producing too many proteins, the body naturally switches off one X chromosome in female cells. 
• A molecule called Xist helps carry out this process.
• Researchers at Stanford Medicine found that the Xist molecule may sometimes activate abnormal immune responses. 
• This discovery may help explain why women are more susceptible to autoimmune conditions. 

Though women are affected more often, other contributing factors that may increase the risk of developing an autoimmune disorder for both men and women include:

• Family history of autoimmune disease
• Certain genetic traits
• Viral or bacterial infections
• Smoking and other lifestyle factors
• Stress and immune system changes
• Environmental exposure to chemicals and other immune system triggers

What Autoimmune Diseases Impact Women More Often?

Of the more than 80 recognized autoimmune diseases, the ones that impact women more often include:

• Lupus, an autoimmune disease that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, heart and other organs
• Rheumatoid arthritis, in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints
• Multiple sclerosis (MS), which affects the central nervous system by attacking the protective covering around nerves 
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which causes chronic inflammation in the digestive tract
• Hashimoto’s disease, which affects the thyroid gland and can lead to hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid)

What Are the Early Signs of an Autoimmune Disease?

While symptoms vary depending on the condition, many autoimmune diseases share similar non-specific early warning signs, which may include:

• Persistent fatigue 
• Digestive problems 
• Joint pain or stiffness 
• Dizziness
• Hair loss
• Skin rashes
• Muscle aches 
• Low-grade fever
• Unexplained inflammation
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Recurring symptoms that come and go

Because autoimmune disorder symptoms can overlap with signs associated with hormonal transitions and other medical conditions, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis.

Early intervention and treatment can help you better manage your condition and prevent more serious complications. 

Can Women with an Autoimmune Disease Still Get Pregnant?

If you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, you may have concerns about future pregnancy plans. 

The good news is that with proper planning and medical care many women with autoimmune conditions can have healthy pregnancies. 

To help facilitate a successful pregnancy outcome, this care should include:

• Discussing family planning with your healthcare provider as early as possible 
• Preconception planning to be sure your condition is well controlled before you conceive
• Adjusting any medications before or during pregnancy as necessary
• Managing symptoms that may increase the risk of complications 
• Getting regular prenatal care 

Your OBGYN and other care providers will work collaboratively to develop a plan that monitors your condition and supports the health of you and your baby. 

What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Manage an Autoimmune Condition?

Though lifestyle changes cannot cure autoimmune diseases, when combined with appropriate medical treatment, they can play an important role in managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.

Healthy lifestyle habits that may help include:

• Prioritizing consistent, high-quality sleep
• Getting regular physical activity
• Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• Staying well-hydrated
• Managing stress 

It’s also essential to follow your treatment plan, taking medications as prescribed, attending routine appointments and sharing new or concerning symptoms with your health care team right away.

Let Our Expert Providers at Cary Medical Group Help You Find Relief from Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune diseases in women are common and can affect nearly every part of your body. Although symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain and digestive issues can be easy to overlook and attribute to stress or a busy lifestyle, they should not be ignored.

Fortunately, with early diagnosis, ongoing medical treatment and the right lifestyle habits, you can successfully manage your condition and maintain a healthy, active life in most cases.

We can help. If you’re seeking diagnosis or treatment for an autoimmune condition, we encourage you to contact us. We’ll evaluate your situation and determine next steps to help you find relief.