Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus): Causes

It is difficult to know exactly what causes a person to develop lupus. Some people are born with a genetic predisposition to lupus. This means that people with a family member with autoimmune disease are more likely to develop one.  Exposures in the environment may cause a "trigger" which causes lupus to become active.  Environmental triggers are thought to include viral infections, exposure to silica dust, sun exposure, various medications and hormones-especially estrogen. Estrogen is thought to be an important trigger for the development of lupus.  This may be why women develop this condition more readily than men and during reproductive years. Researchers are working to determine more precisely the cause or causes of lupus.