So You Think You Might Have an Autoimmune… What’s Next?
A LiBellé StrongHer Guide to Understanding Your Body March is Autoimmune Awareness Month , and for many women this topic hits very close to home. There are over 100 known autoimmune diseases , and millions of people live with them every day. Yet many people spend years searching for answers before receiving a diagnosis . Why? Because autoimmune disease often begins quietly. Symptoms can appear gradually, come and go, or mimic other conditions. Many people are told their symptoms are stress, aging, hormones, or “just in your head.” But when your body is trying to tell you something, it’s worth listening. First — What Is an Autoimmune Disease? Your immune system’s job is to protect you from viruses, bacteria, and infections. But in autoimmune disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks your own healthy tissues , producing proteins called autoantibodies that signal the body to fight itself. Depending on which tissue is targeted, this can affect: • joints • muscles • skin ...