An autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body. These conditions tend to affect women more than men, with an estimated 75% of autoimmune disease patients being female.

Understanding the most common autoimmune diseases that affect women is crucial for early diagnosis, treatment, and management. Here are nine major autoimmune diseases that every female should know:.

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the joints. It is characterized by swelling, pain, and stiffness, often leading to joint deformities and severe mobility issues.

Women are three times more likely to develop RA than men.

2. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and tissues, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, and brain. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and sensitivity to sunlight.

Women of childbearing age are most commonly affected by SLE.

3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disease where the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers (myelin) in the central nervous system.

This can lead to a wide range of physical and cognitive symptoms, such as muscle weakness, numbness, and difficulty with coordination. Women are twice as likely to develop MS compared to men.

4. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, depression, and sensitivity to cold.

This condition affects women significantly more than men.

5. Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system stimulates the thyroid gland, causing it to overproduce thyroid hormones.

This leads to hyperthyroidism, resulting in symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, irritability, and heat sensitivity. Women are up to eight times more likely to develop Graves’ disease than men.

6. Sjögren’s Syndrome

Sjögren’s syndrome primarily affects the exocrine glands responsible for producing tears and saliva. It results in dry eyes and mouth, along with other systemic symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and organ involvement.

Women make up about 90% of Sjögren’s syndrome patients.

7. Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the consumption of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

It damages the small intestine and impairs nutrient absorption, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. Women are affected more frequently than men.

8. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches that often itch or burn. It is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin cell regeneration process.

Women tend to develop psoriasis at an earlier age than men, and the condition can also affect joints, leading to psoriatic arthritis.

9. Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels, leading to various complications.

Women are slightly more likely to develop type 1 diabetes than men.