The female factor
Men and women are not equal when it comes to autoimmune conditions.
Graves' Disease is a
type of hyperthyroidism
that often affects the
eyes via infl ammation
in surrounding tissues.
Other symptoms may be
an enlarged thyroid gland
(goiter), weight loss with
increased appetite, anxiety,
chest pain, or palpitations
and shortness of breath.
Multiple
sclerosis (MS)
strikes the
central nervous
system (the
brain, optic
nerves and
spinal cord).
Brain lesions are
common with
this disease.
Lupus can damage many
parts of the body. Symptoms
like joint pain, rash, fever
and fatigue may come and
go, and can last from six
weeks to many years. New
symptoms may appear at
any time. There is no single
test for lupus, and diagnosis
may take months or years,
according to the NIAMSD.
Find
your om!
Take deep breaths
and relax.
Autoimmune diseases cause the body to attack its
own tissues. Scientists are still searching for the
reasons why, and the National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMSD) says that
a combination of factors probably causes autoimmune
diseases. These conditions affect more than 23 million
Americans — more than two-thirds of them women,
according to the National Institutes of Health.
The following autoimmune disorders more frequently
affect women than men, says the American
Autoimmune Related Diseases Association:
Rheumatoid
arthritis
is a long-term
infl ammatory disorder
that mostly attacks
joints. It can be
disabling and painful,
and lack of treatment
can lead to signifi cantly
reduced functioning
and mobility.
The stress of living with an autoimmune disease can
lead to clinical depression and anxiety. Medication
and other treatments help to suppress or control
symptoms, but there are no cures — for now.
Diagnosis can bring relief and treatment. Self-care,
especially that geared toward stress relief, can help
mitigate the effects of autoimmune conditions. Try:
– simple relaxation techniques, such as meditation or
guided imagery;
– regular physical activity, such as yoga or tai chi;
– maintaining a consistent sleep routine; and
– alternative therapies, such as chiropractic
or acupuncture.
Talk with your doctor before starting an exercise
regimen or complementary therapy.
Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
investigators are currently studying both
lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. If you're
interested in participating in clinical trials,
visit FeinsteinInstitute.org.
northwell.edu
14
For her
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