Mother and daughter smiling together
Mother and daughter smiling together
Mother and daughter smiling together

Lupus Risk Factors

Unfortunately, exactly what causes lupus isn’t known. Scientists believe it’s triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as medications, infections and stress. They also believe that there is a link between the female hormone estrogen and lupus.

Who’s at the highest risk of developing lupus?

We do know who has a stronger chance of developing lupus:

  • Gender: Even though anyone can get lupus, it most often affects women. They’re nine to ten times more likely than men to develop it.

  • Age: Lupus can occur at any age, but most are diagnosed in their 20s and 30s.

  • Race: Lupus is two to three times more common in African-American women than in Caucasian women. It’s also more common in Hispanic, Asian, and Native American women. African-American and Hispanic women are more likely to have severe forms of lupus.

  • Family history: Relatives of people with lupus have a greater chance of developing lupus. Only about 2 percent of children whose mothers have lupus will develop it.

Researchers Explore Origins of Lupus, Find Reason for Condition's Prevalence Among Women

Why does lupus occur more often in women? Researchers have found an answer involving the X chromosome and a genetic molecule once thought to protect from the disease.

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