Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases, or diseases that cause the immune system to attack the body, occur more often in women than in men. Science has yet to offer a reason why, but it is believed that hormones play a role. The male sex hormone, testosterone, is thought to protect against autoimmune diseases like lupus.
Autoimmune diseases can develop suddenly and at any age. Lupus, for instance, will oftentimes begin in the teenage years and worsen without proper treatment. Other conditions, like Crohn’s or rheumatoid arthritis, will make those suffering from the symptoms feel as if they live in bodies older than their chronological age. This can also lead to depression.
