Autoimmune Diseases In Women | Marla Ahlgrimm

Around 8% of the population of the United States lives with an autoimmune disorder, says Marla Ahlgrimm. Many of these are women who may find they face new challenges with their health during menopause.

What is an autoimmune disorder?

An autoimmune disorder/disease is a condition where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, it can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life at any age. These conditions can appear during any stage of life, but the aging process can exacerbate symptoms for some women.

The Role of Hormones

Hormones play a role in everything to do with our bodies, says Marla Ahlgrimm. And estrogen tends to be the lead player when it comes to immune regulation. Estrogen has anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating properties. Marla Ahlgrimm says that some autoimmune diseases may become “imbalanced” as estrogen declines throughout menopause. This can lead to greater disease activity as well as systemic inflammation.

According to Marla Ahlgrimm, there are a few autoimmune disorders that hormone levels may have a greater impact on. Rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus are examples.

Additional Factors

While hormones are often to blame, estrogen is not the only factor that can affect the progression of an immune disorder. The aging process itself can contribute to significant changes. Remember, as the body ages, it may become less effective at fighting infections. Also to keep in mind is that each person’s genetics are different. Marla Ahlgrimm emphasizes that genetics can and do play a significant role in the progression of all types of disorders. Lifestyle factors also play a part.

Navigating the Challenges

There are many challenges that come with having an immune disorder, said Marla Ahlgrimm. But that does not mean that the majority of issues can’t be tackled with a little preemptive care.

Marla Ahlgrimm recommends close monitoring. If you have a known disorder or a family predisposition to an autoimmune disease, make sure that you schedule regular checkups with your healthcare provider. This will give you an opportunity to monitor disease activity as well as look for new symptoms. Working with a specialist is also beneficial, as an expert in your specific condition can help to explore medications or alternative treatment options.

A healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and stress management, can improve overall well-being. Marla Ahlgrimm says that maintaining a healthy routine may ward off some symptoms of some diseases.

Most importantly, Marla Ahlgrimm says to remember that the challenges that come with aging are not insurmountable. Women (and men) may experience changes that include increased activity with their autoimmune disorders. But being prepared, knowing what you potentially face, and being willing to make changes when necessary can help you live a healthy and whole life regardless of the hurdles that lie ahead.