Sjögren's syndrome: a women's health problem

Like many other systemic connective tissue diseases, Sjögren's syndrome (SS) occurs more frequently in women, with a female to male ratio of 9:1. Unlike other diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, this syndrome occurs more frequently in menopausal and postmenopausal women, although there is now evidence to suggest some patients may have autoimmune diathesis years before they develop sicca complaints. Several clinical features of SS have particular relevance for the female patient. An abnormal pregnancy, as occurs in the neonatal lupus syndrome, may be the initial manifestation of an autoimmune diathesis. Dyspareunia and chronic fatigue are important complaints that are not taken seriously. This paper will address the clinical manifestations of SS, with particular emphasis on those features that demonstrate that SS is a women's health problem.