Sex Differences in Autoimmune Diseases
- ouwhadvocacy
- Nov 5
- 2 min read
The immune system is designed to defend the body, but with autoimmune diseases, it turns against itself. Women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune diseases, with nearly 80% of cases occurring in females (Fairweather, 2014). Research suggests that genetics and hormones are major contributing factors.
Sex hormones play a central role in shaping immune system responses. They directly interact with the cells of the immune system through receptors located on or inside immune cells (Bouman et al., 2005; Buskiewicz et al., 2016; Edwards et al., 2020). As a result, hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can significantly shift how the body responds to infections. Hormones like estrogen affect antibody production and immune cell proliferation. These hormones may increase or inhibit the immune response (Buskiewicz et al., 2016; Fairweather, 2014). During pregnancy, gestational diabetes can occur due to adiposity-induced inflammation and an influx of sex steroids. These changes are closely linked to the immune system (Desai, Brinton, 2019). The development of Type 1 Diabetes after pregnancy has been linked to a diagnosis of gestational diabetes.
A common example of an immune disorder that disproportionately affects women is psoriasis. This autoimmune disorder leads to red, itchy, and scaly skin on the elbows, back, knees, and scalp. More women are being affected by psoriasis, though they see less severe symptoms than men. This is linked to hormonal changes. Hormones often play a significant role in triggering the onset of psoriasis. The skin is affected directly by the endocrine system and is severely impacted by changes in sex hormones, which are seen in greater quantities in women (Angum, Khan, Kaler, Siddiqui, Hussain, 2020). The higher prevalence of autoimmune diseases in women reflects the complex dynamics between hormones, genetics, and immune function. A better understanding of these differences is essential to improve outcomes and guide future research in women’s health.
Works Cited
Angum, Fariha, et al. “The Prevalence of Autoimmune Disorders in Women: A Narrative Review.” Cureus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 13 May 2020, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7292717/.
Desai, Maunil K., and Roberta Diaz Brinton. “Autoimmune Disease in Women: Endocrine Transition and Risk across the Lifespan.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 29 Sept. 2025, www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2019.00265/full.
Fairweather, DeLisa, et al. “Mechanisms Underlying Sex Differences in Autoimmunity.” The Journal of Clinical Investigation, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 17 Sept. 2024, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11405048/.
Tuhin, Muhammad. “The Link between Autoimmune Diseases and Women’s Health.” Science News Today, 12 July 2025, www.sciencenewstoday.org/the-link-between-autoimmune-diseases-and-womens-health.
Publisher Kelly Nguyen
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