Autoimmune diseases, in women who do not look like men

One of the major problems in the accepted medical examination and treatment schemes is that doctors have only recently started to consider that most diseases produce different picture depending on the sex of the patient. The widest area of ​​research at the moment, which will remember about this difference, - autoimmune diseases, ie, a state in which the immune system begins to perceive the healthy tissue and cells as a threat.

The fact of what diseases affected more women than men, it is known for a long time. A Swedish study published in 2018 showed that it may be associated with high levels of testosterone, but a clear link has not yet been revealed. In 2017, geneticist Karen Orstavik suggested that it is associated with chromosomes, because many intersex people, also suffer from autoimmune diseases. Heroine gathered a few examples of how the same disease manifests itself in different ways for women and men.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common autoimmune diseases. But a study conducted in 2009 showed that over time, women appear more severe symptoms than men, including severe pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is also often diagnosed in young girls who suffer worse than an existing treatment for arthritis.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis - an autoimmune condition of the skin and joints, in which the cell life cycle is accelerated. The most striking symptom - peeling and skin rashes. Psoriasis has a different effect on men and women. Psoriasis study conducted in 2017 in Sweden, found that women there are fewer symptoms, although inflammation on his head will be about the same - perhaps due to the excellent shampoos. And as in men the symptoms a little more obvious on them and are designed with modern methods of treatment.

The axial spondylitis

This autoimmune disease affects the bones of the spine, and, according to a study published in 2018, it is more common in men - but women's symptoms worse. At the same time women need more time to hear the correct diagnosis - in this disease have rarely seen pain like men, but the neck hurts.

Lupus

In the manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus are many differences depending on the sex of the individual, for example, women are often faced with the fact that arterial spasms restrict blood flow to the fingers and toenails. Women are also more likely to struggle with arthritis and headaches, which make it difficult to diagnose. But in men there are cramps, inflammation and rashes on the skin.

Another factor affecting the development of lupus, - menopause, which reduces the frequency of outbreaks, but potentially increases the internal injury.

Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's Syndrome - a condition in which the eyes are too dry and mouth constantly, because the immune system attacks the mucous membranes, salivary glands and tear ducts. In men, symptoms are usually at age 47, and women are faced with a similar already in the post-menopause.

In a study conducted in 2015, it was noted that women with Sjögren's syndrome often suffer from depression, fibromyalgia and thyroiditis than men with similar disease. However, male tissue diseases often occur, even if the overall level of dryness of the eyes and mouth coincides with the female.

autoimmune hypothyroidism

Autoimmune hypothyroidism, also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis occurs when the immune system attacks the thyroid gland and stops producing adequate amounts of hormones. Over time, this leads to chronic fatigue, slow the heart rate and cognitive problems. A study in 2015 showed that although the probability of occurrence of Hashimoto men less than women, but they often have more severe symptoms, including frequent shortness of breath. However, women are more likely to face fertility problems and after childbirth may face a complete dysfunction of the thyroid gland.