{"id":7998,"date":"2022-05-05T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-05T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hancockhealth.org\/?p=7998"},"modified":"2022-05-05T09:00:00","modified_gmt":"2022-05-05T13:00:00","slug":"elusive-autoimmune-conditions-its-not-just-in-your-head","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hancockhealth.apgar.digital\/es\/2022\/05\/elusive-autoimmune-conditions-its-not-just-in-your-head\/","title":{"rendered":"Elusive Autoimmune Conditions: It\u2019s NOT Just in Your Head"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n Consejos de atenci\u00f3n m\u00e9dica<\/a> <\/div>\n\n

Elusive Autoimmune Conditions: It\u2019s NOT Just in Your Head<\/h1>\n\n
\n\n May 5, 2022<\/span>\n\n
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Have you been feeling unwell lately, but when you check with your doctor, he can\u2019t seem to find an obvious problem? Are you a woman suffering from untreated fatigue, pain, or skin and digestive problems? If so, you may have found yourself under the elusive umbrella of an autoimmune disease<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system can\u2019t tell the difference between your own cells and an outside invader and attack you instead of an intruding virus or bacteria. There are more than 100 types of autoimmune diseases documented, some of the more common ones being rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, Hashimoto\u2019s disease, Sjogren\u2019s, Grave\u2019s disease, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, psoriasis, and fibromyalgia. Nearly 80% of patients diagnosed with one of these disorders are women. <\/p>\n<\/div>

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Why women?<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Concrete reasons why women are more susceptible haven\u2019t been determined, although we do know that genetics and hormones play a large role. Hormonal changes are the norm during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, and these are the exact times women appear most vulnerable to developing a chronic autoimmune condition. The trickiest part about seeking a diagnosis is that these times also often align with increased life stress, such as that of a first-time postpartum mother or a young woman entering middle or high school. It\u2019s common to blame stress for symptoms such as fatigue or pain and, therefore, many doctors simply don\u2019t investigate further.  <\/p>\n<\/div>

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How do I seek a diagnosis?<\/h2>\n<\/div>
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Autoimmune conditions vary greatly in their presentation from person to person. However, there are some key markers to look for, depending on the disorder. These markers, found in blood work or biopsies, help many doctors diagnose autoimmune illnesses. Many patients start with their family doctor when seeking answers, then move on to a specialist. Don\u2019t hesitate to advocate for yourself if something doesn\u2019t seem right to you about your health. Seek second or even third opinions as necessary, and if your physician isn\u2019t listening to you, find a doctor who will take your concerns seriously.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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Although genetics and hormones play a large role, there are other risk factors to look for when it comes to autoimmune disorders. You may be at heightened risk if you:<\/p>\n<\/div>

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