Understand the risk factors and causes that can contribute to the development of lupus.
Lupus cause and risk factors
The prevalence of Lupus in the United States is 20 to 150 cases per 100,000 people. The exact cause is unknown but is believed to occur when a person inherits a genetic predisposition to lupus and is exposed to an environmental trigger.
There are more than 50 identified genes associated with lupus. The estrogen hormone is also believed to be involved in causing lupus. This explains why it is prevalent in women.
Factors that contribute to an increased risk for lupus are:
- Common in women.
- Most often diagnosed between 15-45 years old.
- More common among African Americans, Hispanic and Asian Americans.
