According to statistics, there are between 80 and 100 different autoimmune disorders. The actual figure of Americans having one or more is debated. Whatever the number, the largest percentage of the total is female. This predominance does not waver when it comes to a specific autoimmune disease – Sjogren’s disease where women are believed to account for 90 percent of all cases.
Describing Sjogren’s Syndrome
Sjogren’s syndrome is typical of autoimmune disorders. It occurs when the immune system – designed to protect the body – reacts adversely to a stimulus. The system then proceeds to attack the very organ it was intended to protect.
This is typical for Sjogren’s disease. The resultant symptoms are reflective of the areas targeted by the disorder. According to current understanding, the disease is mediated by an autoantibody and inflammatory response that focuses its attention on the salivary and lacrimal gland tissues responsible for saliva and tear production respectively. As a result, two symptoms are considered the “hallmark” traits of this disorder. They are:
1. Dry eye
2. Dry mouth
Although the signature characteristics, others exist. Among the ones specifically relating to females is vaginal dryness. Yet can either its origins or its symptoms be indicative of why those affected are mainly female?
Why a Gender Predominance?
Many autoimmune disorders affect more women than men. Among them are:
• Rheumatic autoimmune diseases
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Systemic sclerosis
• Sjogren’s syndrome
While a gender predominance is indicated, research is still trying to discover the reason behind this. One area of concentration is female hormones.
The age of most women with Sjogren’s disease is between 55 and 60. These are years falling into the menopause and post-menopause period. Some research indicates the onset of Sjogren’s syndrome may relate to changes in the levels of estrogen and androgens like DHEA. Since there is currently no cure for this disease, this and other areas need to be explored to help find a cure.
