2023-07-20 00:39:18
According to several studies [1], there is a link between taking hormonal contraceptives and an increased risk of developing various autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or Crohn’s disease. This is explained by the role of hormones in modulating the immune system (cf. Pr René Ecochard: “There is no asexual human being”).
In the case of post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy, which consists of administering very low doses of estrogen (1/6 of the dose of oral contraceptives), the incidence of systemic lupus erythematosus is higher among users of hormonal treatments than at the others. In addition, clinical trials have shown that the administration of these estrogens increases the rates of thromboembolism, coronary heart disease and strokes.
Hormonal contraceptives are widely used by women. According to data collected in 2017-2019 in the United States, 65% of women use contraceptives, including 14% long-lasting reversible contraceptives and 10.4% oral contraceptives (see Contraception: French women are changing their practices).
About 78% of patients with autoimmune diseases are women. Studies have confirmed that they have a greater ability to produce antibodies, which allows them to react more effectively against infections. However, there is also a potential risk of hyper-immune responses leading to pathogenic effects and a predisposition to autoimmunity.
[1] Desai MK and Brinton RD (2019) Autoimmune disease in women: Endocrine transition and risk across the lifespan. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 10. doi: 10.3389/slot.2019.00265.
Harding AT and Heaton NS (2022) The impact of estrogens and their receptors on immunity and inflammation during infection. Cancers, 14(4). doi: 10.3390/cancers14040909.
Lateef A and Petri M (2012) Hormone replacement and contraceptive therapy in autoimmune diseases. Journal of Autoimmunity, 38(2–3). doi: 10.1016/j.jaut.2011.11.002.
Markle JGM et al. (2013) Sex differences in the gut microbiome drive hormone-dependent regulation of autoimmunity. Science, 339(6123). doi: 10.1126/science.1233521.
Taneja V (2018) Sex hormones determine immune response. Frontiers in Immunology, 9. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01931.
Williams WV (2017) Hormonal contraception and the development of autoimmunity: A review of the literature.The Linacre Quarterly, 84(3). doi: 10.1080/00243639.2017.1360065.
Source : News Medical, Deliana Infante (18/07/2023)
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