Autoimmune Conditions Often Appear When Estrogen Fluctuates
This effect was related to the T cell activations which are involved in AI processes. Hormone receptors on the T cells’ surface seem to be involved in stimulating these cells into “attack mode”. The body ‘s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in the joints, skin, brain, and various other organs.
The link between extreme estrogen fluctuations and AI diseases may explain why women tend to develop these conditions most often when postpartum, or during perimenopause.
During the postpartum period, these hormone levels go from very high, to very low. Then, over time, estrogen must rise in order for their menstrual cycles to to start again.
Similarly, during perimenopause, many women experience extreme hormone level fluctuations as their bodies adjust to having fewer periods, before they stop menstruating entirely.
Conditions such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Grave’s Disease are often seen at these key points in time.