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 their immune system may become confused more easily than normal. When a person with this predisposition is exposed to something in their environment, lupus symptoms may result. Environmental triggers are thought to include viral infections, exposure to silica dust, sun exposure, various medications, and hormones-especially estrogen. This may be why more women than men have lupus and why lupus symptoms are often first noticed during pregnancy, after giving birth (postpartum), or when girls reach puberty. Researchers are working to determine more precisely the cause or causes of lupus.

This information has been approved by JoAnn Gillis, MD (April 2008).