Why autoimmune disorders affect women more; triggers, types, and risks |

What if the very internal system that is meant to protect us, our body, our organs, starts to turn against us? That’s right! With the sharp rise in Autoimmune diseases in the world, launching attacks on our joints, muscles and organs, our own bodily cells mistake them for intruders and the immune system starts to attack them.Shockingly, nearly 78% of all autoimmune diseases affect the female population, according to theNational Institute of Health. From lupus to rheumatoid arthritis, these diseases are on the rise and disrupting lives. But, come to think of it, why are women so vulnerable and what is being done to fight back? Cutting-edge researchinto genetics, hormones and immune system triggers is starting to reveal the answers we are not ready for!

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly starts to attack healthy cells instead of pathogens. There are over 100 distinct autoimmune conditions, ranging from relatively mild to life-threatening:Lupus: A complex disease that can damage the skin, kidneys, lungs and heart-it often involves a butterfly-shaped rashMyositis and myasthenia gravis: Which weakens muscles by disrupting nerve signalsRheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis: Which affects joints and causes inflammation.Sjogren’s syndrome: A condition known for dry eyes and mouthThese diseases can be unpredictable: patients may feel fine for years, then suddenly experience a flare without warning.

Often the biggest challenge that most patients and doctors face is when it comes to the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases. The early symptoms of these diseases are often vague and can mimic day-to-day conditions which are not so harmful. These symptoms include: Joint pain, fever and fatigue.To properly diagnose an autoimmune disease, it requires a series of blood test, including for antibodies and multiple consultations from doctors. Because of this complexity, many patients see several doctors before getting a clear diagnosis.

A major breakthrough in understanding autoimmune diseases among women involves the X chromosome. Women have two X chromosomes; that is basic biology, men typically have an XY chromosome. Normally, to avoid “double-dosing” on X-linked genes, one of the women’s chromosomes is inactivated in each, which is a biological process called X-chromosome inactivation.Recent research shows that this activation is not always perfect. For instance, according to research published inPubMed Central shows that:A gene called Kdm6a is more active in women’s immune cells. According to UCLA health, animals study shows that removing this gene lessens inflammation and disease activity in models of multiple sclerosis.According to another molecule found in women’s immune cells: Xist, it silently helps X chromosome but can also form molecular complexes that act like autoantigens, potentially triggers an autoimmune response.These findings help explain why many autoimmune diseases are 4 to 5 times more common in women

Autoimmune disease are not just triggered by genetics, even environmental and biological triggers also play key role:Infections: Some viruses like Epstein-Barr, are implicated with multiple sclerosisPollutants, smoking, hormonal changes can put stress on the immune systemEpigenetic factors: the way genes are expressed or silence, can impact the immune system and contribute to immune dysregulation, as stated in a research published by National Institute of Health.

Traditionally, autoimmune diseases have known to be treated with broad immunosuppressants-drugs that completely dampen the immune system but comes with side effects such as infections and risk of cancer. Thankfully, with the advancement in technology, newer therapies are emerging:Cell therapies: Experimental work-such as CAR-T therapy adapted for autoimmune diseases–is looking promising. Rheumatologists are pioneering ways to “reset” the immune system in conditions like lupus.Immune “reprogramming”: Although, clinical trials are underway for drugs that can reset how immune cells behave, rather than just tamping down inflammation.Advanced diagnostics: Proteomic studies are helping predict disease flares in conditions such as lupus, allowing for more personalised, timely response.

According to data, research and several experts, we may be living the most exciting era for autoimmune research. With a better understanding of how chromosomes, epigenetics and environmental triggers work, science and tech are moving closer to developing treatments that tackle root causes and not just symptoms:Early detection: Genetic and molecular markers could help identify risk before serious damage sets in.Personalized therapy: Catered to each patient’s distinct immune profile.Future innovations: As research advances, therapies could evolve from managing disease to reprogramming immune tolerance—offering hope for durable remission.While the diagnosis for autoimmune diseases remain challenging, advances in genetics and molecular research promise a new gen of précised treatments, with this momentum, the future looks brighter for those battling immune system misfires.