Why Autoimmune Conditions Are More Prevalent in Women Than Men—and What You Can Do About It

If you're a woman over 35 who’s feeling constantly tired, dealing with unexplained weight gain, and struggling with hormone changes—you’re not alone. But did you know that those symptoms might be pointing to something deeper?

Autoimmune diseases now affect an estimated 78% of women out of the total population suffering from these conditions. That’s nearly 4 out of 5 people! And yet, many women still walk around undiagnosed, dismissed, or misled about what’s really going on.

So why are autoimmune conditions more common in women than men? The answer is layered—with science, hormones, genetics, and even our daily habits all playing a part.

1. Hormones: The Ever-Changing Landscape

Unlike men, whose hormone levels stay relatively stable, women ride a hormonal rollercoaster every single month. Estrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate across the menstrual cycle—and dramatically shift during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. These fluctuations can directly influence how your immune system behaves.

Scientific reviews like this one explain that changes in estrogen and progesterone can make the immune system overreact, leading it to attack the body’s own tissues. This is one reason why conditions like lupus, Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis are disproportionately found in women.

And let’s not forget the postpartum period, when hormone levels plummet—often triggering the onset or flare-up of autoimmune disease.

2. Genetics: The X Factor

Women have two X chromosomes, compared to one in men. While this may sound like an advantage, it can actually increase the risk of autoimmunity. Several immune-related genes are located on the X chromosome, and having two copies might double the risk of the immune system going haywire.

According to this study, even men with an extra X chromosome (as seen in Klinefelter Syndrome) show an increased risk of autoimmune disorders—further proving that more X means more immune activity, and not always the good kind.

3. Environmental Triggers and Toxins

Here’s a staggering fact: The average woman puts 168 chemicals on her body every single day—from lotions, shampoos, perfumes, to makeup and more (source).

These everyday toxins, combined with exposure to infections, medications, and environmental pollutants, can disrupt the immune system. When the body is constantly under chemical stress, it becomes more likely to make mistakes—like attacking itself.

4. Autoimmune Diseases Are a Hidden Cause of Death in Women

Here’s something not talked about enough: Autoimmune diseases are a leading cause of death in young and middle-aged women. According to data from the U.S. in 1995, autoimmune-related deaths exceeded the top 10 leading causes of death in every age group of women under 65.

Yet they’re often overlooked because they don't fall under one umbrella. They're broken into separate categories—like multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and lupus—so their collective impact goes unnoticed.

5. What Can You Do? There Is Hope

If you’re reading this and nodding your head—fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, irregular cycles—it might be time to dig deeper.

At Thrive Functional Health, we specialize in identifying root causes behind autoimmune symptoms. Many of our patients didn’t even know they had autoimmune issues when they came to us. With advanced testing, lifestyle evaluation, and a step-by-step healing plan, we help women just like you reverse inflammation, reclaim their energy, and start feeling like themselves again.

You Don’t Have to “Push Through” Another Day Feeling Awful

Your symptoms are real, and they’re telling a story. If you're tired of not feeling heard or healed, we’re here to help.

Click below to schedule your FREE health consultation. Let’s find out what’s really going on—and take back your health together.

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This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all healthcare concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a healthcare professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.