Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases result from the immune system attacking the body’s cells, tissues, and organs. Women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune diseases, with 80% of people diagnosed being women. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroiditis, and multiple sclerosis are some of the conditions that are highly prevalent in women.
Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases
Chronic Pain
Inflammation
Fatigue
Shortness of Breath
Depression and Anxiety
Muscle Weakness
Dizziness
Joint Stiffness and Swelling
Numbness and Tingling
Hair Loss
Walking Difficulties
Sexual Dysfunction
More Information
Causes of High Prevalence Rates in Women
Reasons for the gender disparity in the distribution of autoimmune diseases are not fully understood, but hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors are considered to play significant roles.
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- Hormones: Estrogen can enhance the body’s immune response, but it can also increase the likelihood of the immune system attacking healthy tissues.
- Genetics: The Xist molecule, a female specific RNA (ribonucleic acid), could lead to an overproduction of proteins thus triggering autoimmunity in women.
- Environmental Factors: Gut dysbiosis and exposure to sunlight, trichloroethene (TCE), mercury, silica, pristane, pesticides, and cigarette smoke are linked to autoimmune diseases.
Common Autoimmune Diseases in Women
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- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): 75% of people with RA are women. RA occurs when the immune system attacks the tissue lining of the joints.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: 9 out of 10 people affected with lupus are women. Lupus occurs when the immune system attacks the joints, skin, and organs (brain, kidney, heart and lungs).
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): 4 times as many women have MS than men. MS occurs when the immune system attacks the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and optic nerves).
- Thyroid Diseases: 5 to 8 times as many women are likely to be diagnosed with thyroid diseases than men. Thyroid disease occurs when the body produces too much or too little of the thyroid hormone.
Diagnosing Autoimmune Diseases
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- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Antinuclear antibody test (ANA)
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Treatment Options for Autoimmune Diseases
There are no cures for autoimmune diseases, but symptoms can be managed.
Medications:
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- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Pain medication
- Antidepressants
- Insulin
- Plasma exchanges
- Corticosteroids
- Intravenous immune globulin
- Immune system suppressants
Natural Treatments:
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- Herbal remedies
- Exercise
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic treatments
- Dietary adjustments
How can Harakaty help?
We have programs designed for people with autoimmune disease that include targeted movement techniques to boost the immune system and increase joint mobility. Multidimensional movements help reduce or eliminate symptoms such as chronic pain, stiffness, inflammation, and muscle weakness.
