Lupus

Autoimmune disease is the fourth leading cause of disability in women. There are over 80 different disorders, such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Seventy-five percent of these illnesses occur in women, mostly of childbearing age. Lupus is three times more common in African-American women, even though women of all races get lupus. With autoimmune disease a person's immune system, which fights off disease and infection, attacks healthy tissue, making a person sick. Autoimmune diseases are hard to diagnose and treat. People can suffer a great deal, both physically and mentally, before health care providers figure out what is wrong.

Lupus and other autoimmune diseases can affect a woman's body image in many ways. Physical changes a woman has no control over can occur. With lupus, there is a trademark "butterfly" rash on the face and hair loss. Fatigue that can often be extreme is a partner in all of these illnesses, and can lead to depression. Coping with not feeling well, sometimes every day, can be very stressful. A woman may lose her independence or not be able to care for her family. It is important for women to talk about their concerns and to get the support they need. Many advances are happening with the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune diseases. The National Women's Health Information Center has provided the following publications and organizations to help women learn more about lupus and other autoimmune disorders and how to maintain a positive body image.

Publications

Understanding Autoimmune Diseases
This publication offers information on the immune system, how autoimmune diseases affect it, who are most affected by autoimmune diseases, possible causes and available treatment options.

Autoimmune Disease in Women - The Facts (Copyright © AARDA)
This Internet site provides information that is specific to women and provides specific information about some of the main autoimmune diseases and their treatment.

Systemic Lupus and the Nervous System (Copyright © Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.)
People with lupus often experience headaches, confusion, difficulty with concentrating, fatigue and occasionally have seizures, strokes, or other signs of nervous system involvement. Nervous system involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is unclear and controversial. This brochure will briefly discuss how lupus may affect the nervous system, categorize the many signs and symptoms associated with nervous system involvement, review the diagnostic work-up and discuss disease management.

Lupus

Publications

Organizations