10 Autoimmune Disorders That Affect Women More Than Men

Women account for almost 80% of the autoimmune disease population, according to a study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Researchers suspect that the imbalance is caused, at least in part, by hormones, by genes on the X chromosome, and by biological control mechanisms that tune the female immune system to be more finely attuned but also more easily triggered to attack itself.

As research continues, it remains an indisputable fact that autoimmune diseases target women at a greater frequency. Here are 10 examples of autoimmune diseases that disproportionately affect women.

Scleroderma

Scleroderma makes the body produce too much collagen. This causes skin to thicken and internal organs to be damaged. Women, usually aged between 30 and 50, are four times more likely to be affected than men.

It can be either localized or systemic sclerosis. Because it can cause severe problems like pulmonary hypertension or kidney failure, an early diagnosis and immune-modulating treatment are important.

Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

GlobalData (May 2024) observed that more than 85% of cases were in women, with prevalence eight times higher across major markets. Onset peaking during reproductive years and flares during pregnancy have fueled estrogen-driven theories.

However, men experience more severe organ complications, hinting that biology isn’t the only driver. Contributing factors of diagnostic bias, delayed treatment, and genetics create this male-female divide.

Myasthenia Gravis

Beeching et al. performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the burden of Myasthenia Gravis (MG) in women. It was found that women with MG consistently report a lower quality of life (QoL) than men.

Analysis of over 4,700 patients found women had significantly worse QoL scores, despite controlling for disease severity.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Women are seven times more likely to get autoimmune thyroid disease than men. Chiovato et al. found that estrogen and X-linked immune genes increase susceptibility, while pregnancy temporarily dampens autoimmunity, with flares often returning postpartum. Thyroid autoimmunity can also affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A registry study of RA patients initiating biologic/targeted therapy found that women started advanced treatment later than men, despite reporting higher disease activity (especially in subjective measures), although objective inflammation markers (swollen joints) didn’t differ.

This suggests red flags for diagnostic and prescribing bias, as well as the need for potential disease activity scales to be sex-specifically calibrated.

Also on MSN: 7 Signs You Might Have an Autoimmune Disorder and Not Know It

Multiple Sclerosis

MS occurs three times more frequently in women than in men. Men experience a more rapid progression and poorer prognosis. Disease activity is temporarily lessened by pregnancy, likely a result of hormonal and immune changes. However, the risk of relapse increases again following childbirth.

Sjögren’s Syndrome

A JCR study of 961 patients revealed that approximately 85% were women, who more frequently experienced sicca symptoms (such as dry eyes and dry mouth), joint pain, and autoantibodies. Male patients are less likely to develop the disease, but those who do are more prone to interstitial lung disease (ILD) and gland enlargement. This suggests that sex influences not only the prevalence of the condition but also its specific characteristics and severity.

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis is a condition in which the immune system attacks the liver, resulting in inflammation and chronic liver damage. The disease disproportionately affects women, possibly due to differences in sex hormones and immune system function.

The disease can progress slowly, with non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, or skin yellowing. In the long term, the condition can lead to scarring of the liver or liver failure if left untreated.

Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune type of hyperthyroidism. Those with other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, autoimmune gastritis, or vitiligo, are more likely to develop it. Having a relative with Graves’ or Hashimoto’s disease greatly increases your chances of having it yourself.

Coeliac Disease

Female patients are more than 3 times more likely to present with symptoms of malabsorption, a longer delay in diagnosis, and report more digestive symptoms (eg, nausea, constipation), whereas men more commonly present with increased BMI and bone loss.

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