Why Are Autoimmune Diseases More Common in Females? The Truth
If you’ve ever wondered why autoimmune diseases are more common in females, you’re not alone. I hear this question often from patients who are struggling with symptoms they can’t quite explain—fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, mysterious rashes—and eventually discover they’re dealing with an autoimmune condition.
Here’s the wild part: around 80% of people with autoimmune diseases are women. That’s not just a coincidence. There’s a real, biological reason why females are more likely to get autoimmune diseases—and it’s something I think every woman deserves to understand, especially if you’re navigating chronic inflammation, hormone imbalances, or vague diagnoses that never seem to stick.
So let’s break this down in a way that makes sense, without getting lost in medical jargon.
Listening to What the Body Is Really Saying
Before diving into the why, let’s take a second to talk about what autoimmune diseases actually are. These are conditions where the immune system—your body’s natural defense mechanism—goes a little rogue and starts attacking your own tissues. Think of it like friendly fire in your body’s defense team.
Whether it’s Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or something less well-known like Sjögren’s or PANDAS, what all autoimmune diseases have in common is immune dysregulation—a system that can’t tell the difference between “you” and “not you.”
Now here’s where it gets even more interesting…
So Why Are Females More Prone to Autoimmune Diseases?
1. Hormones and Immune System Crosstalk
One of the biggest reasons why autoimmune diseases are more common in females comes down to hormones—specifically estrogen and progesterone. These hormones don’t just regulate periods and pregnancies; they also interact with immune cells in a big way.
Estrogen can both stimulate and suppress the immune response depending on its levels and timing. That means during puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause (yes, basically most of our lives), there are constant shifts that may trigger autoimmune flares or even onset.
2. Genetic and Epigenetic Layers
Research shows that women have more robust immune responses than men. On one hand, that helps us fight off infections more efficiently. On the other hand, it increases our risk for developing autoimmune reactions.
Add to that the fact that women have two X chromosomes, and things get even more complex. Some genes involved in immune function are located on the X chromosome—so when there’s a misfire or mutation, it can lead to heightened susceptibility.
And let’s not forget epigenetics—how our environment and experiences shape our gene expression. Childhood trauma, mold exposure, toxic relationships, overworking, and even under-eating can switch on the wrong immune signals at the wrong time.
3. Chronic Stress and Nervous System Dysregulation
One thing I talk about with almost every patient is the nervous system’s role in health—especially when dealing with chronic illness. Women are often socialized to be caregivers, overachievers, and peacekeepers, which can keep the body in a chronic fight-or-flight state.
When the nervous system is stuck in “go mode,” the immune system gets confused. Practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, and calming the vagus nerve can actually help downregulate autoimmunity. This is one of the key pieces that conventional medicine often misses.
Are Autoimmune Diseases Becoming More Common?
Unfortunately, yes. We’re seeing an uptick in autoimmune diagnoses across the board, and it’s not just better testing. Increased exposure to toxins, processed foods, mold, plastics, and even emotional stress are overwhelming the body’s regulatory systems.
And again, women tend to carry a heavier load when it comes to both physical and emotional stressors.
Rethinking Autoimmunity: It’s Not All in Your Head
Too many women are told they’re “fine” when they know something’s off. I see this over and over again: they go from doctor to doctor, getting labeled with anxiety or told to wait and see. Meanwhile, their body is crying out for support.
Learning how to tune into the body’s intuitive signals—and not override them—is a huge part of healing. I believe that practicing self-trust and advocating for answers are essential, especially if you suspect your symptoms are autoimmune-related.
What You Can Start Doing Right Now
If this is resonating with you, here are some foundational steps I recommend when navigating (or suspecting) autoimmune issues:
Supporting the nervous system with breathwork, somatic practices, and true rest
Balancing blood sugar by focusing on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods
Getting to the root of chronic infections, mold exposure, or toxic burden
Tracking symptoms and hormonal patterns so you can connect the dots
Working with someone who actually listens and sees the full picture (not just your labs)
You’re Not Broken—Your Body Is Speaking
Understanding why autoimmune diseases are more common in females isn’t about fear—it’s about empowerment. When you know the “why,” you can stop blaming yourself and start supporting your body with clarity and confidence.
I help women every day uncover the hidden roots of their chronic symptoms, and I’d love to help you too.
✨ Curious if we’d be a good fit? Book a free discovery call below. Let’s find out what your body’s been trying to say—and what healing could look like on the other side of it.
