User:Yllenerad/Autoimmune disease in women

Lead
Autoimmune disease in women is a description of the autoimmune diseases that affect women; it seems that these diseases are much more prominent in women than they are in men. The root of such conditions are not exactly clear. The elevated risk factor of autoimmune conditions in women are thought to be associated with physiological changes; for example, hormonal shifts, sex chromosomes, stress, genetics or a variety of different factors. Some of these differences are unique to women such as the effects during pregnancy. It is possible that this immune reaction could be heightened through pregnancy, as the mother's immune system is working to protect both her and her infant. Women with autoimmune diseases can safely have children. There are some risks for the mother or baby, depending on the disease and how severe it is. For instance, pregnant women with lupus have a higher risk of preterm birth and stillbirth. Pregnant women with myasthenia gravis (MG) might have symptoms that lead to trouble breathing during pregnancy. For some women, symptoms tend to improve during pregnancy, while others find their symptoms tend to flare up. Also, some medicines used to treat autoimmune diseases might not be safe to use during pregnancy. In addition, there are other methods for mediating these diseases, such as lifestyle changes to strengthen the immune system

Autoimmune Diseases That are More Common in Women
There are autoimmune conditions seem to be more prevalent in women than in men. Some of these include:


 * Celiac Disease
 * Hashimoto's Disease
 * Grave's Disease
 * Rheumatoid Arthritis
 * Sjogren's Syndrome
 * Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
 * Myasthenia Gravis (MG)
 * Psoriasis
 * Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Hormonal Changes, Pregnancy and Sex Chromosomes
While the exact cause of autoimmune diseases remains uncertain, there are a few theories that may explain the prevalence of these illnesses in women. Some of these possible explanations include effects of hormonal changes and sex chromosomes.

Significant hormonal changes are seen in stages like puberty, pregnancy and menopause. The immune system is largely influenced by sex hormones. Estrogen is particularly important to note as it plays an influential role in cell function and gene expression.

In women, pregnancy is very important to consider when discussing autoimmune disease. While a woman is pregnant, the hormone estrogen spikes in her body; additionally, hormonal fluctuations may continue for months following childbirth. These substantial changes may potentially trigger, improve or even worsen an autoimmune disease. In addition to estrogen, other hormones like progesterone and prolactin may trigger these illnesses; for instance, the expression of some immune cells rise in response to these hormones.

The mother's immune system tends to be suppressed during pregnancy, to prevent fetal rejection due to the foreign antigens present in the fetus. As stated before, pregnancy causes an increase of estrogen in the female body. The increase of this hormone weakens the ability of B-cells and T-cells to function, thus debilitating the mother's immune system In addition, it is possible that fetal cells continue to circulate in the mother's body for years after childbirth; furthermore, this is a possible trigger for autoimmune disease.

Sex chromosomes are also important to consider when discussing the prominence of autoimmune disease in women. Female gene expression presents as XX, while male gene expression is shown as XY. The X chromosome seems to have a significant influence on immunity; additionally, genes from this chromosome seem to have a larger susceptibility for gene mutation. In a typical pregnancy, a process called X inactivation would occur to avoid gene over expression. However, it seems that irregular inactivation may trigger autoimmune diseases. Seeing that female sex chromosomes are XX, there may be a sex bias when it comes to these illnesses.

Sex hormones and chromosomes ultimately go hand in hand because genes are exhibited via sex chromosomes; by the same token, genes are influenced by sex hormones. Because the hormone estrogen plays such a significant role in human physiology, it is potentially a reason for why women are much more susceptible to autoimmune diseases. It is important to consider that autoimmune diseases may be genetic; thus, some individuals exhibit genes that indicate a higher susceptibility of developing these illnesses.

Antibodies
It is possible that female susceptibility to autoimmune disease may be understood through antibody function; furthermore, this theory attempts to explain the sex bias in autoimmune diseases. Since women have a greater amount of serum immunoglobulins, it is possible that this causes more antibody production and B-cell activation. Antibodies typically occur in response to antigens, to strengthen people's immune defense. During pregnancy, the greater number of antibodies protect the mother and her baby. In the case where there are excess antibodies, this may cause an overactive immune system.

In addition, women have a greater number of autoantibodies, which are found in individuals with autoimmune diseases. This may explain why these illnesses are much more prevalent in the female population. It is important to remember that there is still no concrete answer.

During pregnancy[edit]
Concerns about fertility and pregnancy are present in women with autoimmune diseases. Talking with a health care provider before becoming pregnant is recommended. They may suggest to wait until the disease is in remission or suggest a change in medication before becoming pregnant. There are endocrinologists that specialize in treating women with high-risk pregnancies.

Some women with autoimmune diseases may have problems getting pregnant. This can happen for many reasons such as medication types or even disease types. Tests can tell if fertility problems are caused by an autoimmune disease or an unrelated reason. Fertility treatments are able to help some women with autoimmune disease become pregnant.

Changes in the severity of the disease seem to vary depending on the type of disease. There is an observable trend in pregnant women with rheumatoid arthritis, in which the condition seems to improve during pregnancy. Differently, expecting mothers with SLE may be more likely to see their symptoms worsen through pregnancy; however, this is difficult to predict.

Medications have an influence on female fertility as well; furthermore, fertility has an impact on pregnancy. There are certain anti-rheumatic medications that can hinder women's ability to get pregnant, such as cyclophosphamide or corticosteroids. For this reason, it may be extremely helpful for women with autoimmune diseases to seek out treatment when conceiving.

Limitations[edit]
Although autoimmune diseases cannot be cured, it is possible to manage the disease and participate in same activities that other women are able to do. Women with autoimmune diseases lead full, active lives. Seeing a specialist and incorporating lifestyle changes will assist in maintaining function and the maintenance of optimal health.

Non-pharmacological treatment[edit]
Non-pharmacological treatments are effective in treating autoimmune disease and contribute to a sense of well-being. Women can:


 * Eat healthy, well-balanced meals. People with these diseases may alleviate symptoms by following the autoimmune protocol diet . A healthy diet limits saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars. Those suffering chronic illness may benefit from eliminating or avoiding foods that trigger inflammation.
 * Engage in regular physical activity without overdoing it. Consulting with a clinician about what types of physical activity is appropriate. A gradual and gentle exercise program often works well for people with long-lasting muscle and joint pain. Some types of yoga or tai chi may be helpful.
 * Get enough rest. Rest allows body tissues and joints the time they need to repair. Sleeping is a great way to maintain health and helps both body and mind. Lack of sleep, stress levels and symptoms might get worsen. Immunity to other infections or diseases is reduced when sleep is not adequate. Rest contributes to the ability to handle the stressors and problems. Many people need at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each day to feel well-rested.
 * Reduce stress. Stress and anxiety can trigger symptoms to flare up with some autoimmune diseases. Simplifying daily stressors will help contribute to a sense of well-being. Meditation, self-hypnosis, and guided imagery, may be effective in reducing stress, reducing pain, and the ability to deal with other aspects of living with the disease . Instructional materials can assist with learning these activities such as self-help books, audio sources, tapes, or with the help of an instructor. Joining a support group or talking with a counselor might also help manage stress and cope with the disease.

Complementary treatments[edit]
Some complementary treatments can be effective and include:


 * Listening to music
 * Taking time to relax in a comfortable position
 * Using imagery throughout the day
 * Imagining confronting the pain and watching it be destroyed.