Feeling off lately? It might be your immune system

When it does its job right, your immune system hums along in the background protecting your body from infections. But when it mistakenly starts attacking your healthy cells, it can lead to autoimmune diseases.  

These disorders can attack any part of the body, such as the nervous system, the pancreas and joints.

While the causes of autoimmune diseases are unknown, genetics and environmental factors can play a role in people getting these diseases. However, it seems women bear the brunt of these conditions. In fact, nearly 80% of people diagnosed with autoimmune diseases, like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, are women.  

But why? The answer lies in a mix of biology and hormones. 

Women have two X chromosomes. Typically, one chromosome is “turned off” in each cell to prevent protein overload, which could cause the immune system to mistakenly attack the body’s own tissues.  

Another factor to add to the mix is the influence of estrogen, a hormone that boosts immune activity.  

“While estrogen can help fight infections, it can also make the immune system more likely to go into overdrive, especially when women experience hormonal shifts during puberty, pregnancy or menopause,” says Dr. David Mael, a rheumatologist at Advocate Health Care.  

Talk with your health care provider about any lasting symptoms, such as fatigue, unexplained weight loss or joint pain, which can help lead to a diagnosis and ultimately a treatment plan to help you find relief.  

“It’s easy to shrug off feeling tired or stiff, especially if it’s not impacting your daily life. But listening to your body and talking to your doctor could make all the difference,” says Dr. Mael.  

While there isn’t a definitive way to prevent autoimmune diseases, some lifestyle modifications can help reduce your risk of developing these conditions.

“Maintaining a healthy weight by following a balanced diet and exercising can help reduce inflammation,” says Dr. Mael. 

Getting a good night’s sleep can help prevent sleep deprivation, which can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing an autoimmune disease. Managing stress also is helpful as chronic stress could trigger an overactive immune response, Dr. Mael adds.  

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