We really need to talk about autoimmunity, as it could be considered one of the scariest epidemics we're facing. When you're diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, it means you have signs and symptoms of a problem caused by antibodies attacking your own cells and tissues.

In some cases, these signs may not be considered clinically significant, and therefore would not lead to a clinical diagnosis. In fact, the presence of these antibodies is higher in our modern world than ever before. Autoimmune disease is a serious problem, and we can think of autoimmunity as a precursor for this problem.

Most autoimmune illnesses attack connective tissue like joints, tissue, skin, and muscles. These illnesses are also more common in women than in men. Common symptoms include pain, fatigue, and digestive issues. While conventional medicine doesn't accept a widespread explanation for autoimmune issues, functional medical doctors agree that autoimmunity starts with a damaged intestinal layer.

In your intestines, there is a unique single-cell barrier. The integrity of this barrier relies on the junctions between the cells. Numerous studies have shown that this layer is seriously damaged by stress. When this lining is damaged, large molecules can gain entry into our bloodstream, which can lead to the many issues we see with autoimmunity.

Women are significantly more likely to experience autoimmune issues, and this is due to higher levels of stress. Not only do women have a lot to manage, but we're also more likely to need more time for emotional processing than men. The answer? Testosterone can help balance mood and ultimately help women cope better with stress. Testosterone replacement therapy may significantly reduce the instance of these issues.