Why are women prone to autoimmune conditions?
Here are the reasons why women are more impacted by autoimmune diseases:
Role of estrogen
Dr Ankush said, “Estrogen enhances immune activity, which helps women fight infections more efficiently than men. However, high levels of estrogen can overstimulate the system.” When this process becomes hyperactive, the body may begin to target its own healthy tissues. “Life transitions like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause involve major changes in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels,” he added. These hormonal changes increase the risk of diseases like lupus and multiple sclerosis.
The genetic factor
Females possess two X chromosomes, while males have an X and a Y. The X chromosome contains a high concentration of genes related to the immune system. Although one X chromosome is largely “silenced,” it is not completely inactive.
