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Rachel V Thomas

Autoimmune Diseases: A Silent Health Crisis Affecting Women | Women's Day Special

A staggering 80 percent of women worldwide silently bear the burden of <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/autoimmune-diseases">autoimmune diseases</a></span>, which often manifest as joint pain, hair loss, brain fog, and unexplained weight changes. 

These conditions, which often begin with mild symptoms, over time, worsen and develop into chronic illnesses such as Multiple Sclerosis, <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/lupus">Lupus</a></span>, and <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis">Rheumatoid Arthritis</a></span>. 

The conditions are challenging to diagnose as symptoms often fluctuate, overlap with other conditions like thyroid disorders or viral infections, and are sometimes affected by gender bias in medicine. 

The delayed diagnosis significantly impacts women’s careers and personal lives. 

“Approximately 80 percent of patients with autoimmune disorders are women, yet awareness remains low. Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and autoimmune thyroid disease often begin during the most productive years of women’s lives, affecting careers, fertility, heart health, mental health, and overall quality of life,” said Dr. Uma Kumar, Head of Rheumatology at AIIMS, New Delhi, in an interview with HealthandMe. 

“Correct diagnosis of autoimmune diseases is frequently delayed, leading to preventable organ damage and disability,” she added. 

<h2>Autoimmune Diseases Often Speak Softly </h2>

There are more than 100 different types of autoimmune diseases. All occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and damage to organs, joints, glands, or the nervous system.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Neeraj Jain, Vice Chairman, Department of Rheumatology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said: “As a rheumatologist, I frequently see women living with persistent symptoms that remain unexplained for years before an autoimmune disease is diagnosed". 

Dr. Jain explained that common symptoms include: 

<ul><li>Persistent fatigue</li><li>Joint pain</li><li>Hair loss</li><li>Brain fog</li><li>Unexplained weight changes</li><li>Recurrent inflammation</li></ul>      

“Because these symptoms can overlap with stress, hormonal changes, or lifestyle factors, diagnosis is frequently delayed,” Dr. Jain said. 

Singer and actress <span>Selena Gomez</span> shared her experience with lupus in 2017. 

“I would get fevers, headaches, and fatigue, but I always just kept going. I kind of ignored it, to be honest. … I don’t think I made the right decisions because I didn’t accept it. That’s extremely selfish, and at the same time, really just unnecessary. I’m not really proud of that,” Gomez was quoted as saying to TODAY. 

 While an estimated more than 10 million individuals globally suffer from these disease, women face a fourfold higher risk than men.

The higher prevalence of autoimmune diseases in women is linked to: 

<ul><li>Genetic susceptibility</li><li>Sex hormone influences</li><li>Stress</li><li>Environmental factors such as pollution</li></ul> 

A 2020 study by Franklin University in the US found that many autoimmune disorders tend to affect women during periods of high stress, such as pregnancy or hormonal changes. 

Research from a 2024 Stanford Medicine study found that inactivation of the X chromosome can trigger autoimmune responses. 

Studies have noted the role of estrogen and an overactive immune system in increasing women's susceptibility to autoimmunity. 

Environmental factors, including pollution, viruses, and mitochondrial damage, have also recently emerged as reasons driving autoimmune disease rates among women, as per a 2024 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. 

Exposure to PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, and ozone has been linked to increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis, particularly for genetically susceptible individuals. Living near busy roads, with constant traffic-related pollution, also correlates with a higher risk. 

<h2>Why Early Detection Is Important </h2>

Early evaluation and timely diagnosis are essential. Appropriate treatment can significantly improve the quality of life and prevent long-term complications. 

Persistent or unexplained symptoms should never be ignored, as early medical assessment can make a major difference in outcomes. 

Telugu actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu, diagnosed with Myositis in her podcast, recalled subtle early symptoms: 

“I remember specifically the year before I was diagnosed… I woke up with this condition. Early signs mimicked overexertion—fatigue during shoots, inability to hold props, and rapid exhaustion. A critical incident during an action sequence led to fainting and a head concussion, forcing me to pause work. I had to take a lot of steroid shots, which really messed up my skin.” 

“Autoimmune diseases often speak softly through symptoms, but early listening can change the course of a life,” Dr. Jain said. 

Similarly, Tennis star Venus Williams said that she was forced to withdraw from the 2011 U.S. Open after a seven-year struggle with Sjögren's syndrome, which she described as an “invisible” and “miserable” disease. 

She suffered from debilitating fatigue, joint pain, numbness, and swelling. 

While autoimmune diseases are considered chronic and cannot be cured, some individuals experience remission, where symptoms may lessen or disappear temporarily. 

Key medications to treat the host of autoimmune disorders include immunosuppressants, steroids, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), and replacement Therapy.

Beyond medications, adopting lifestyle modifications can also help. Studies have proven that dietary changes such as adopting anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diets (e.g., AIP diet) and avoiding processed foods can help autoimmune conditions.

Techniques like yoga and meditation can help manage Stress and boost immune responses. Regular, moderate exercise can also help reduce inflammation and maintain mobility.

<h2>Autoimmune Diseases: A Gateway For Comorbidities In Women </h2>

The persistent inflammation, immune system dysregulation, and organ stress caused by the disorders often also compound risks for 

<ul><li>Heart diseases like heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis</li><li>Endocrine issues like hypothyroidism, Type 1 diabetes, </li><li>Kidney problems, </li><li>Liver inflammation and scarring, </li><li>Bone loss, including osteoporosis, joint deformities, and fractures</li><li>Mobility, vision, and balance issues</li><li>Recurrent infections </li><li>Brain fog</li><li>Memory problems</li><li>Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety</li></ul> 

“Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and societal education are key to improving disease outcomes,” Dr. Kumar noted. 

“Despite the availability of many effective drugs, there is still an unmet need. We must strengthen gender-sensitive research focused on women’s immune health and build awareness at all levels to address this silent epidemic.” 

Health Conditions A-Z

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womens day

Autoimmune Diseases

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Lupus

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

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A staggering 80 percent of women worldwide silently bear the burden of autoimmune diseases, which often manifest as joint pain, hair loss, brain fog, and unexplained weight changes. These conditions, which often begin with mild symptoms, over time, worsen and develop into chronic illnesses such as Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.  The conditions are challenging to diagnose as symptoms often fluctuate, overlap with other conditions like thyroid disorders or viral infections, and are sometimes affected by gender bias in medicine. The delayed diagnosis significantly impacts women’s careers and personal lives.  “Approximately 80 percent of patients with autoimmune disorders are women, yet awareness remains low. Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and autoimmune thyroid disease often begin during the most productive years of women’s lives, affecting careers, fertility, heart health, mental health, and overall quality of life,” said Dr. Uma Kumar, Head of Rheumatology at AIIMS, New Delhi, in an interview with HealthandMe.  “Correct diagnosis of autoimmune diseases is frequently delayed, leading to preventable organ damage and disability,” she added.  Autoimmune Diseases Often Speak Softly  There are more than 100 different types of autoimmune diseases. All occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and damage to organs, joints, glands, or the nervous system.Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Neeraj Jain, Vice Chairman, Department of Rheumatology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said: “As a rheumatologist, I frequently see women living with persistent symptoms that remain unexplained for years before an autoimmune disease is diagnosed". Dr. Jain explained that common symptoms include:  Persistent fatigueJoint painHair lossBrain fogUnexplained weight changesRecurrent inflammation      “Because these symptoms can overlap with stress, hormonal changes, or lifestyle factors, diagnosis is frequently delayed,” Dr. Jain said.  Singer and actress Selena Gomez shared her experience with lupus in 2017.  “I would get fevers, headaches, and fatigue, but I always just kept going. I kind of ignored it, to be honest. … I don’t think I made the right decisions because I didn’t accept it. That’s extremely selfish, and at the same time, really just unnecessary. I’m not really proud of that,” Gomez was quoted as saying to TODAY.  Why Women Are More Affected  While an estimated more than 10 million individuals globally suffer from these disease, women face a fourfold higher risk than men.The higher prevalence of autoimmune diseases in women is linked to:  Genetic susceptibilitySex hormone influencesStressEnvironmental factors such as pollution A 2020 study by Franklin University in the US found that many autoimmune disorders tend to affect women during periods of high stress, such as pregnancy or hormonal changes. Research from a 2024 Stanford Medicine study found that inactivation of the X chromosome can trigger autoimmune responses.  Studies have noted the role of estrogen and an overactive immune system in increasing women's susceptibility to autoimmunity.  Environmental factors, including pollution, viruses, and mitochondrial damage, have also recently emerged as reasons driving autoimmune disease rates among women, as per a 2024 study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. Exposure to PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, and ozone has been linked to increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis, particularly for genetically susceptible individuals. Living near busy roads, with constant traffic-related pollution, also correlates with a higher risk.  Why Early Detection Is Important  Early evaluation and timely diagnosis are essential. Appropriate treatment can significantly improve the quality of life and prevent long-term complications. Persistent or unexplained symptoms should never be ignored, as early medical assessment can make a major difference in outcomes.  Telugu actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu, diagnosed with Myositis in her podcast, recalled subtle early symptoms:  “I remember specifically the year before I was diagnosed… I woke up with this condition. Early signs mimicked overexertion—fatigue during shoots, inability to hold props, and rapid exhaustion. A critical incident during an action sequence led to fainting and a head concussion, forcing me to pause work. I had to take a lot of steroid shots, which really messed up my skin.”  “Autoimmune diseases often speak softly through symptoms, but early listening can change the course of a life,” Dr. Jain said. Similarly, Tennis star Venus Williams said that she was forced to withdraw from the 2011 U.S. Open after a seven-year struggle with Sjögren's syndrome, which she described as an “invisible” and “miserable” disease. She suffered from debilitating fatigue, joint pain, numbness, and swelling.  While autoimmune diseases are considered chronic and cannot be cured, some individuals experience remission, where symptoms may lessen or disappear temporarily.  Key medications to treat the host of autoimmune disorders include immunosuppressants, steroids, Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), and replacement Therapy. Beyond medications, adopting lifestyle modifications can also help. Studies have proven that dietary changes such as adopting anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diets (e.g., AIP diet) and avoiding processed foods can help autoimmune conditions. Techniques like yoga and meditation can help manage Stress and boost immune responses. Regular, moderate exercise can also help reduce inflammation and maintain mobility. Autoimmune Diseases: A Gateway For Comorbidities In Women The persistent inflammation, immune system dysregulation, and organ stress caused by the disorders often also compound risks for Heart diseases like heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosisEndocrine issues like hypothyroidism, Type 1 diabetes, Kidney problems, Liver inflammation and scarring, Bone loss, including osteoporosis, joint deformities, and fracturesMobility, vision, and balance issuesRecurrent infections Brain fogMemory problemsMental health conditions like depression and anxiety “Early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and societal education are key to improving disease outcomes,” Dr. Kumar noted.  “Despite the availability of many effective drugs, there is still an unmet need. We must strengthen gender-sensitive research focused on women’s immune health and build awareness at all levels to address this silent epidemic.”  

autoimmune diseases: a silent health crisis affecting women | women's day special

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