The most up-to-date book on the subject gives women all the essential information on diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune medical conditions The Autoimmune Connection explains the links between autoimmune diseases and offers up-to-date information on diagnosis, treatments, and risks for women with one or more autoimmune disease, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Crohn’s disease. You will will learn how to sort out vague and seemingly unrelated early signs and symptoms; which diagnostic tests they may need and what the results can mean; how autoimmune diseases and treatments can affect you at different stages of life; what new treatments and therapies are on the horizon; and where to find the proper specialist and how to navigate the health-care system NEW: Major breakthroughs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, diabetes, Celiac, multiple sclerosis NEW: Potential environmental triggers for autoimmunity, such as cigarette smoke, crystalline silica, asbestos, mercury, lead, viruses and other microbes, pesticides, pollutants, solvents, and petroleum byproducts NEW: Current drugs on the market and recently discovered side effects and long-term complications connected to existing drug therapies NEW: Healthcare law reform provisions and key changes to Medicare and Medicaid