Women’s health has entered the conversation in a more nuanced way than ever before. We now understand so much more about women-specific health and disease as well as unique risk factors present for females. And it’s about time! One of the most silent epidemics faced by women is autoimmunity, a catchall term for when the body goes rogue and begins attacking itself, leading to a wide variety of diseases, symptoms and complications. 

Autoimmunity is a condition in which the body mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues and cells, leading to auto-immune disease. About 80% of autoimmune cases occur in women. These diseases are more difficult to treat, as they can vary from person to person and may not respond to medications and surgery. 

Some examples of common autoimmune conditions include: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Type 1 Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, and Fibromyalgia. These diseases are all considered chronic, which means they cannot be cured. However, there are cases of remission in certain individuals, when symptoms may lessen or disappear for a time. 

So, why do women get to experience all the autoimmune “fun”? That question has been at the top of mind for many providers, and science is starting to understand certain triggers. 

Genetics — As it turns out, some people are just predisposed to autoimmunity. In addition, women, who naturally have two X chromosomes, also carry more immune gene expression. Sometimes, that can be activated, causing dysregulation in the immune system. 

Hormones — Estrogen acts as an immune stimulant, which can either exacerbate or protect against certain auto-immune diseases. As women experience more hormonal fluctuations, both through monthly cycles as well as other reproductive phases such as pregnancy, postpartum and menopause, estrogen becomes imbalanced.

Environmental factors — The world we live in is increasingly saturated with toxins. Therefore, exposure to certain infections, chemicals and other environmental factors can trigger an autoimmune response in susceptible individuals. 

Stress — Stress itself is a trigger for many disease states in the body, activating immune genes that lead to chronic inflammation and a dysregulated immune system. Women often face chronic stress due to work pressures, caregiving responsibilities and other gender-specific societal challenges. High emotional stress, including past trauma, is also linked to a higher chance for developing an autoimmune disease. 

Your diet, sleep, movement and social connections as well as other lifestyle factors should also be taken into account when assessing your risk of developing an autoimmune disease. 

Want to lower your risk for developing disease? Whether it is autoimmunity or cancer, there are certain lifestyle habits that will go far in protecting your health. You probably already know them, but understanding their importance is a key to having the motivation to build them into your everyday life.

Anti-inflammatory diet — Everyone will have different foods that make them feel good and, for some people with autoimmune diseases, triggers could be lurking in everyday foods that you may otherwise consider healthy. Because each woman is different, being in touch with your individual body will help you understand which foods help you and which ones leave you feeling less than great. Consider a diet with plenty of healthy fats, whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Enhance gut health by opting for fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi or sauerkraut. Drink plenty of water and stay away from alcohol, cigarettes and processed foods. 

Movement — Banish stress and increase your body’s ability to find balance through movement and exercise. You don’t need to pump iron at the gym or try the toughest, most strenuous workouts to get the benefits and, in fact, sometimes these can lead to an autoimmune response. Again, listening to your body is key. Incorporate movement into your every day routine, whether that means a brisk 30-minute walk, dancing with friends, HIIT class or Yoga sequence.  

Restorative practices for stress and sleep — Modalities such as meditation, Tai Chi and restorative Yoga offer many benefits when it comes to finding better balance and health. Level up your self-care and reduce your risk of autoimmune disease by tending to your body in ways that feel calming and grounding, whatever that means for you. 

Stay proactive with check-ups — The best way to stay on top of your health is through regular visits to your primary care provider. They can run a variety of general tests to ensure you are on track and, if you are presenting with symptoms, may opt for some extra blood work. 

Hands down, the best way to prevent autoimmune disease or disastrous flair ups is to listen to your body. Whether we are talking about diet or advocating for yourself in a medical setting, it is important to be in touch with what feels “off.” Listen to your symptoms and connect with others who can help support you along the way. 

Although women are at a higher risk for autoimmunity, lifestyle and awareness matters. Understand your unique risk factors, prioritize your own health, advocate for yourself and stay informed.