Autoimmune conditions are quietly becoming one of the most common chronic health challenges, especially among women. But have you ever thought why your immune system, meant to protect you, starts attacking your cells? PCOS, autoimmune disorders, and infertility are all interrelated, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, these conditions are not random, they are often triggered by specific factors. But with the right support, knowledge, and small changes, you can start healing from the inside out and reclaim your energy, hormones, and fertility.
What are autoimmune diseases?
The health conditions that occur when your immune system mistakenly starts attacking your body’s healthy cells, instead of protecting them, are called autoimmune diseases or disorders. The immune system’s job is to defend your body by producing antibodies against harmful substances, such as bacteria, viruses, toxins, and cancer cells. However, in the case of autoimmune diseases, the immune system gets overactive and can’t detect the difference between harmful invaders and healthy cells, which, in turn, destroys healthy cells, tissues, and organs.
Which part of the body does an autoimmune disease affect the most?
Autoimmune diseases can affect almost all cells, tissues, and organs from top to bottom, mostly affecting joints, muscles, skin, blood vessels, digestive system, nervous system, and endocrine system.
Which autoimmune diseases are more common in women?
Almost 100 types of autoimmune disease exist. The most common autoimmune diseases affecting women are:
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus
- Multiple sclerosis
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus
- Sjogren disease
- Psoriasis
- Coeliac disease
- Endometriosis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Scleroderma
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Myasthenia Gravis
Why are autoimmune conditions more common in women?
Autoimmune diseases are significantly more prevalent in women than in men, with almost 80% of them being women. This striking difference isn’t a coincidence, it stems from a combination of biological, hormonal, and genetic factors that uniquely influence the woman’s immune system.
Sex hormones: Estrogen plays a big role as it can influence immune response, sometimes making women more reactive to inflammation and immune dysregulation, leading to autoimmune reactions. Women also go through more hormonal transitions, puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause, all of which affect immune function and can trigger or worsen autoimmune conditions.
Genetic factors: Numerous genes linked to immune function are known to be found on the X chromosome. Thus, in the case of women, they have two X chromosomes, i.e., a double dose of immune-related gene expression, if a natural process that silences one X chromosome is incomplete. Also, genetic polymorphisms and certain HLA (human leukocyte antigen) types associated with autoimmune diseases are more frequently expressed or function differently in women, increasing their susceptibility.
Microbiome and environmental triggers: Men and women have different gut microbiomes that may influence the risk of autoimmune diseases. Poor gut health (leaky gut, dysbiosis) also increases immune reactivity, making the body more likely to attack itself or misfire hormonal signals. In addition, environmental triggers along with other factors amplify the autoimmunity development in women. They have high exposure to certain environmental triggers, such as chemicals from beauty products etc.
What are the triggers of autoimmune diseases?
It has been observed that certain factors can trigger autoimmune diseases, and it’s mostly a combination of factors. These triggers are:
- Viral and bacterial infections, such as COVID-19
- Exposure to chemicals or heavy metals
- Toxins from food or beauty products
- Stress
- Environmental pollutants
- Smoking
- Family history of autoimmune diseases
- Excessive exposure to certain medications, such as antibiotics, oral contraceptive pills, etc
- Hormonal changes
- Obesity
- Gluten
Is PCOS an autoimmune disease?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS, is a condition that affects many women. It is an endocrine or hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries and menstrual cycles, due to hormonal imbalances leading to metabolic disturbances.
PCOS shows some similar characters to autoimmune diseases, such as persistent inflammation, insulin resistance, and hormonal abnormalities. However, despite some research studies suggesting a potential connection between PCOS and autoimmunity, it is not an autoimmune illness. The diagnosis and treatment of PCOS become more difficult if it coexists with other autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s.
Can autoimmune issues affect fertility?
Yes, autoimmune disorders can affect fertility in the following ways:
- Disrupt hormone regulation and production (especially thyroid)
- Causes inflammation in the reproductive organs
- Damages reproductive organs – ovaries, leading to miscarriage or implantation failure
- Increases complications during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure, premature birth or preeclampsia
What symptoms indicate an autoimmune disease?
The signs and symptoms of autoimmune illnesses differ according to the disease type and the organ or component that is affected. Most commonly reported signs in women are:
- Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Unexplained joint or muscle pain, swelling, or stiffness
- Brain fog or mood swings
- Gut health issues – bloating, or unable to digest food
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Hair thinning or skin changes
If you experience any of these signs, then it’s time to consult a doctor and get evaluated.
Is stress a major contributor to autoimmune conditions and PCOS?
Chronic stress increases cortisol, which can disrupt ovulation, impair immune regulation and worsen inflammation and insulin resistance. Long-term stress is like fuel to the fire for both hormonal and immune issues. Thus, look for ways to manage stress and stay away from these diseases.
Can autoimmune diseases be cured?
There is currently no definitive cure for autoimmune diseases, as they are chronic conditions that often persist throughout life. However, with the right treatment, some autoimmune diseases can enter a remission phase, a period during which symptoms subside and no longer interfere with daily life.
Can a functional medicine approach help in the treatment of autoimmune diseases?
In recent years, the functional medicine approach has gained attention for its focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness. It aims to restore balance by working on gut health, nutrient deficiencies, and toxin exposure. This holistic approach involves personalised treatment plans that may include dietary changes, stress management, and detoxification strategies to modulate the immune response. Therefore, it offers hope that certain autoimmune diseases can be managed or reversed in the future with functional medicine.
Can diet and lifestyle help manage PCOS?
Yes, making changes to your lifestyle, diet, and incorporating appropriate medical treatment can significantly help in managing the symptoms of PCOS. It’s important to avoid processed foods, excess sugar, salt, and high-fat meals. Following a low-glycemic index diet, an anti-inflammatory diet, or the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet can be beneficial. Regular physical activity also plays a key role in improving insulin sensitivity, hormone balance, and overall well-being.
References:
- Lerner, A., Matthias, T., & Aminov, R. (2019). Potential effects of horizontal gene exchange in the human gut. Frontiers in Immunology, 10, 1939.
- Rosenblum, M. D., Remedios, K. A., & Abbas, A. K. (2015). Mechanisms of human autoimmunity. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 125(6), 2228–2233.
- Powell, N., Walker, M. M., & Talley, N. J. (2020). The mucosal immune system: master regulator of bidirectional gut–brain communications. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 17, 383–396
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Autoimmune diseases. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21624-autoimmune-diseases
- Cleveland Clinic. (2021, May 27). What happens when your immune system gets stressed out. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-happens-when-your-immune-system-gets-stressed-out
Written By:
Swati Manik
An experienced medical writer with an MPharm degree, she is passionate about advancing healthcare. She combines her pharmacy expertise and writing skills to keep the community informed on the latest medical developments, offering valuable insights across a range of health topics.