Sjogrens Syndrome and Treatment: What Women Need to Know | Dr. Kara Wada

In this conversation, Dr. Jolene Brighten and quadruple–board-certified allergist & immunologist Dr. Kara Wada unpack why sjogren's disease is widely under-recognized, how “perfectionist” health habits can backfire into autoimmune flares, and exactly how to think about sjogren's treatment, testing, microbiome/barrier health, dysautonomia, POTS, MCAS, and smarter allergy therapies. A sjogren’s test typically includes autoantibodies (SSA/SSB), but these are only ~60–70% positive, so diagnosis relies on the full picture: history, eye/dental findings, sometimes biopsy. Importantly, Sjögren’s carries a 5–10% lifetime risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, so persistent lymph nodes deserve prompt evaluation. Because labs can be “normal” while life isn’t, bring concrete examples of how symptoms limit your day, and ask for a plan that fits your stage of life (puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause). This episode is brought to you by: LUMEBOX LUME Box delivers professional-grade LED light therapy in a sleek, easy-to-use device that targets fine lines, pigmentation, and dullness at the cellular level. Just minutes a day can help boost collagen, calm inflammation, and reveal that lit-from-within glow. Shop now → https://drbrighten.com/lumebox use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase. Dr. Brighten Essentials At Dr. Brighten Essentials , every product is crafted to support your hormones, boost your energy, and help you feel your best—inside and out. Exclusive for podcast listeners: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off your order. Shop now → https://drbrightenessentials.com Chorus At Chorus , our Organic Gut Harmony formula is rooted in a 700-year-old botanical blend and updated with modern science to help your body thrive. From easing bloating and improving digestion to boosting energy and clarity. Exclusive for podcast listeners: use this link http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Sjögren’s Foundation (patient education & resources): https://www.sjogrens.org Gut Hormone Connection Episode: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/gut-health-probiotics/ Therapies discussed: Allergy shots; Sublingual immunotherapy (tablets/drops) and Intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) Medications referenced (discuss with your clinician): Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil); H1 antihistamines (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine); H2 blocker (famotidine); caution with diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Research context named in the episode: LEAP trial (early oral peanut introduction): https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1414850 Follow Dr. Kara Wada: 💻 Website: https://drkarawada.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/immuneconfidentmd/ ⭕ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drkarawada 👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten: 💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten 🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten 🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/ 🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten 👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices