Did you know that women are more likely to be diagnosed than men with an autoimmune condition? Experts estimate that women account for 80% of the total population afflicted with an autoimmune disorder.
The answers are not exactly linear but recent insights suggest that women have a molecular coating on the x chromosome that may be triggering undesired immune responses. Experts found that hormonal activity is also responsible for some of the ways that we modulate other aspects of how our immune system functions.
How Does the Immune System Work?
The immune system is designed to fight off bacteria and other germs that fall outside of our own natural microbiome (pathogens unique to us), but there is more to the story. In the case of autoimmune diseases, our bodies can sometimes misinterpret certain signals. The result is a full-scale defensive attack on our organs, cells, and tissues. When this signaling mistake occurs, an inflammatory cascade is unleased throughout the body which can lead to an autoimmune condition.
We have two protective types of immunity:
The innate immune system
We are all born with an innate immune system, or natural immunity. The innate immune system is designed to address a broad spectrum of pathogens. They work by sending fighter cells out to destroy invading germs and bacteria but they also:
- protect our brain health.
- enlist the help of other protective cells.
- assist with tissue regeneration and wound healing.
- aid in restoring our cellular function back to a healthy state.
Interestingly, the innate immune system is the first line of defense for a woman’s reproductive tract and is regulated by female hormones.
The adaptive immune system
The adaptive immune system is also tasked with destroying foreign pathogens, but in a separate way. Specific immunity or acquired immunity works by remembering the invading pathogens and then destroys them with greater efficiency.
For women, hormones can sometimes trigger immune responses. Sex hormones found in women can tax the adrenal systems which in turn trigger the immune system to begin firing off inflammation producing proteins. The consequence is that the body can quickly become overwhelmed with inflammation, which means when we undergo stress our system can become compromised.
Common Autoimmune Diseases Found in Women
Somewhere between 24 and 50 million Americans have an autoimmune disease, a condition in which the immune system attacks our own tissues. As many as 4 out of 5 of those people are women. Here is a list of common autoimmune diseases diagnosed in women:
| Autoimmune Disease Type | Description | Avg. Age of Onset |
| Lupus (SLE) | Systemic Inflammation with potential to damage to organs and tissues | 15-44 |
| Psoriasis | Chronic skin addition with inflamed red and silvery scales and patches. | 20-30/40-55 |
| Psoriatic Arthritis | Inflammation of the joints, spine, and tendons. Often associated with Psoriasis | 30-55 |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) | Inflammation damage to joints and surrounding tissues | 55 |
| Graves’ Disease | Thyroid overactive dysfunction resulting in weight loss, bulging eyes, nervousness, etc. | 30-50 |
| Celiac Disease | Digestive disorder with gluten intolerance | 40-60 |
| Multiple Sclerosis (MS) | Affects the central nervous system affecting widespread nerve damage and messaging signals from brain to body. | 34 |
| Sjogren’s Syndrome | Main symptoms are dry eyes and mouth but can have other related issues. | 50-60 |
| Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) | Digestive disorder featuring marked changes in bowel habits | 20-30 |
| Hashimoto’s Disease | The thyroid gland becomes impacted in function resulting in hyper or hypothyroidism. | 30-50 |
| Vasculitis | Blood vessels become inflamed and damaged | 50+ |
| Type 1 Diabetes | Pancreas does not produce insulin making it difficult to maintain optimal blood sugar levels and damage organs. | Any age. |
| Scleroderma | Characterized by a thickening and hardening of the skin | 30-50 |
(Source: NIH, Prevalence of Autoimmune Disorders in Women)
Hormonal Influences on Autoimmune Development
When hormones are in-balance, they assist the way our immune system functions in many pivotal ways. For example, our metabolism is easily regulated, we experience healthy sleep patterns, and normal biological responses to daily stressors. Hormones are produced in the endocrine system, which is a sophisticated network of tissues and organs.
There are several distinct types of hormones, each playing a unique role in immune function:
Epinephrine: Commonly known as adrenaline, the fight or flight hormone, it raises the heart rate and blood pressure levels when the body is stressed.
Oxytocin: This hormone is used to stimulate breast milk production during and post pregnancy and is produced by the pituitary gland.
Melatonin: A hormone that regulates sleep and wake patterns and is produced in the pineal gland.
Insulin: A hormone that lowers blood sugar levels and is produced by the pancreas.
Growth Hormone (GH): The pituitary gland produces GH, and it contributes to our height, bone, and tissue development. Most of this hormone is produced during childhood and puberty, however there are small rises in GH during exercise.
Testosterone: This is an androgenic hormone produced in the male testes. It is primarily responsible for male development.
Thyroxin: This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and is responsible for regulating metabolism.
Progesterone and Estrogen: As the primary hormones responsible for female development, these strong components are produced in the ovaries.
ADH (Anti-diuretic hormone): Tasked with balancing water and controlling blood pressure, this hormone is produced in the pituitary gland.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH): This hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and assists in regulating the menstrual cycle in women and producing testosterone in men.
Impact of Estrogen and Other Hormones
It’s clear that hormones have a powerful influence on our immune system. Estrogen is a rather large factor in women’s reproductive health. Estrogen also acts as a powerful driver for how the innate immune response functions, specifically the I-IFN response, the first line of antiviral protection.
Studies show how estrogen can lessen the severity of existing autoimmune diseases in pregnant women in addition to other anti-inflammatory effects. In the scope of adaptive immunity, estrogen can also stimulate antibody production which assists in immune function as well.
Estrogen also influences cytokines, the messengers that orchestrate immune responses. When hormone imbalances occur, they can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to immune dysfunction, persistent inflammation, and elevated cortisol—a major contributor to further health problems.
Immune System Differences Between Women and Men
Though both women and men possess the same types of immune system protections, (the innate system, and the adaptive system), there are a few distinctions between them. For example:
- Women demonstrate a stronger response when vaccinated compared to men.
- Women have much stronger innate immune systems helping them ward off infections. Men, on the other hand, have a propensity towards developing infections and subsequent mortality.
- Women are more prone to develop an autoimmune disease because of overactive immune responses.
Why Are Women Immune Responses Overactive?
The largest contributors to overactive immune responses in women are genetics, hormones, lifestyle, and environmental factors:
Hormonal factors such as elevated levels of estrogen in pregnancy, or menopausal induced estrogen fluctuations are known drivers of hormonal imbalance leading to inflammation.
Genetic predisposition remains as a hidden aspect and is said to account for up to 30% of the total for diagnosed autoimmune diseases.
Environmental considerations should be taken into account when assessing risk towards developing an autoimmune disease. Studies have shown that environmental pollutants and agents may be a stronger contributor than previously thought. We can expect more future research in this area to fully understand the implications of long-term exposure to environmental toxins.
Lifestyle choices play a role as well, especially engaging in healthful practices like meditation, exercise, and a healthy diet. Simple behaviors like a daily walk have the potential for big pay offs in the way of lowering cortisol levels, lowering stress levels, and maintaining ideal glucose levels.
Summary
While research continues to shed light on the increasing number of autoimmune conditions, there’s so much that can be done right now to take control of one’s health. Understanding one’s risk factors and recognizing early symptoms is crucial. By partnering with a functional medicine doctor in Charlotte, Nc, you can explore proactive strategies and personalized approaches to manage and even prevent autoimmune issues.
