WOMEN'S HEALTH

Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders represent the fourth largest cause of disability among women in the U.S. Approximately 75% of autoimmune diseases occur in women, most frequently during the childbearing years. In these diseases the body's immune system attacks it's own organs and tissues instead of correctly fighting off outside infections and bacteria and can affect all areas of the body including joints, nervous system, intestines, and pancreas to name a few. Some of the more common autoimmune diseases are thyroid disease, diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis. Autoimmune disorders seem to have a genetic component, but strangely, they cluster in families as different diseases. A better understanding of these diseases is needed to help women live longer and healthier lives.

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