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Women & Inflammation

Why Does Chronic Inflammation Affect Women Differently?

June 05, 20253 min read

Hormones, immune responses, and stress patterns all play a role in making women more vulnerable to inflammation. Here’s why:

1. Hormonal Fluctuations

Estrogen can have both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory effects. When levels drop (like during PMS, perimenopause, or menopause), inflammation tends to rise. Cue joint pain, fatigue, and mood changes.

2. Autoimmune Conditions

Women are far more likely to be diagnosed with autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis—all conditions that involve chronic inflammation.

3. Lifestyle Overload

Many women juggle multiple roles—caregiver, career woman, partner, organizer of all the things—which can lead to chronic stress, poor sleep, skipped meals, and an overburdened body.

4. Environmental & Detox Triggers

Mold exposure, personal care products, pesticides, and processed foods can all tax your detox systems and lead to increased inflammation—especially when your gut isn’t functioning optimally.


4 Sneaky Causes of Chronic Inflammation

🍟 1. Diet Drama

Some foods just fuel the fire:

  • Refined sugar and carbs

  • Trans fats and fried foods

  • Processed oils (like soybean or corn oil)

  • Gluten and dairy (especially if you’re sensitive)

  • Alcohol

A diet loaded with these foods keeps your body in a state of low-grade inflammation.

💤 2. Sleep Struggles

Sleep is when your body resets and repairs. Skimp on rest, and inflammation rises. Hormonal shifts can make this worse for women—hello, menopause night sweats or PMS insomnia.

🧼 3. Detox Overload

Your liver, gut, and lymph system work hard to remove toxins. But if your digestion is sluggish or you’re overloaded with chemicals, your body can’t keep up. That buildup? You guessed it—inflammation.

😫 4. Stress (and More Stress)

Your body can’t tell the difference between a lion chasing you and a packed inbox. Chronic stress keeps cortisol high, which raises inflammation and throws your sleep, hormones, and cravings out of balance.


How to Cool the Fire: Strategies for Women

Good news: chronic inflammation is reversible. Here’s how to show your body some anti-inflammatory love:

🥑 Eat to Heal

Load up on:

  • Omega-3s: Salmon, chia seeds, flaxseed, walnuts

  • Colorful veggies & fruit: Berries, kale, spinach, beets

  • Spices: Turmeric and ginger are your inflammation-fighting besties

  • Whole grains: Oats, quinoa, brown rice

  • Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, nuts

💊 Supplement Wisely

  • Curcumin – Anti-inflammatory powerhouse

  • Fish Oil – Omega-3 boost

  • Vitamin D – Especially if you’re indoors a lot

  • Magnesium – For calm nerves and muscle recovery

  • Probiotics – Gut health = less inflammation

  • Boswellia – Great for joint support

(Always talk to your provider before starting supplements!)

🧘‍♀️ Lifestyle Shifts That Work

  • Move often – Even daily walks can lower inflammation

  • Sleep well – 7–9 hours nightly and a regular bedtime routine

  • Manage stress – Meditation, breathwork, journaling, saying no

  • Limit exposure – Filtered water, non-toxic products, and organic when possible


What About Testing?

If you're wondering whether inflammation is affecting your health, functional testing can help. Ask your provider about:

  • C-Reactive Protein (CRP) – A general inflammation marker

  • ESR (Sedimentation Rate) – Checks for ongoing inflammation

  • Autoimmune Panels – If you suspect something deeper


Let’s Bring It All Home

Chronic inflammation might be common, but it’s not inevitable—and it’s definitely not permanent. Your body is designed to heal. With the right food, rest, movement, and support, you can shift out of survival mode and into vibrant, balanced health.

🌿 Ready to take the next step?

If you’re dealing with symptoms of chronic inflammation, I’m here to help you uncover the root causes and create a personalized, natural plan that works with your body—not against it.

Book your free “Too Tired to Think?” consult today. Let’s uncover what’s draining your energy and build a plan to reclaim your vitality.

inflammationwomen's healthhormonesfunctional healthroot causeautoimmune
blog author image

Lechia Frederick, MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, CRNP

Lechia (pronounced Lee-Sha) has over 35 years experience in the nursing field. She has worked with naturopathic practitioners and patients who want more holist care. Your body, mind, and spirit are all connected and each needs to be nurtured in order to feel your best.

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