Women and Autoimmune disease
Susan Blum, MD, MPH
Format: Video of Slides

Autoimmune diseases are much more prevalent in women; 75% of autoimmune diseases affect women, while 25% affect men, a statistic that suggests estrogen is involved in some way. Because all immune cells have estrogen receptors, we know that estrogen must affect the immune system. The role of estrogens in autoimmune diseases has been well studied in women with lupus, where research has shown that oral contraceptives and the use of post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of developing lupus. Research has also shown that the incidence of lupus increases after puberty and drops after menopause when estrogen levels are lower, and that the severity of symptoms in patients with lupus often gets worse as estrogen levels climb, like during the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy.

In this presentation, Dr. Blum will review the proposed mechanism for the estrogen effect on the immune system and autoimmune diseases. She will also discuss the different estrogen metabolites (collectively, the 2, 4 and 16 estrones) and the possible role of the ‘bad estrogens’ in triggering lupus or making it worse. You will learn about estrogen metabolite testing, treatment strategies, and the importance of addressing hormone balance in your patients with autoimmune disease.