The immune system is your body’s front line of defense against bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders. Here you can find out about how the immune system works and about specific autoimmune diseases, which are three times more common in women than in men.

What Is the Immune System?

What Is Autoimmune Disease?

Information on Specific Autoimmune Diseases

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

Sjogren’s Syndrome

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Scleroderma

Multiple Sclerosis

Associated Disorders

Fibromyalgia Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

This information on autoimmunity comes from the Society for Women’s Health Research book “The Savvy Woman Patient: How and Why Sex Differences Affect Your Health.” 

The chapter on autoimmunity is authored by Rita Baron-Faust, editor of the Weill-Cornell Women’s Health Advisor and a best selling author of numerous books including Mental Wellness for Women, Breast Cancer: What Every Woman Should Know, Being Female: What Every Woman Should Know About Gynecological Health, A Woman's Guide to Sleep (co-author), and The Autoimmune Connection (co-author). She is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Autoimmune and Related Diseases Association.

You can also download the entire "Savvy Woman Patient" chapter on Autoimmunity as a PDF.

Donate $35 or more to receive "The Savvy Woman Patient" book as a free gift.