Women are disproportionately affected, particularly between the ages of 20 and 50, a period when hormonal and lifestyle factors are most active
Young women account for nearly seven out of 10 patients diagnosed with autoimmune diseases, health experts have said, highlighting the urgent need for awareness, early screening, and timely intervention among females.
Autoimmune diseases are chronic conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own healthy cells and tissues. Common disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroiditis, psoriasis, and Sjögren’s syndrome. These illnesses can affect joints, skin, blood vessels, and even vital organs such as the heart or lungs, often leading to long-term complications if left untreated.
Women are disproportionately affected, particularly between the ages of 20 and 50, a period when hormonal and lifestyle factors are most active. Experts note that many women tend to overlook early symptoms due to lack of awareness or competing family responsibilities, which allows the disease to progress silently.
“In my outpatient clinic at AIIMS, almost seven out of every 10 patients with autoimmune diseases are women. We see a clear pattern — women often come late because they overlook persistent symptoms,” said Dr. Uma Kumar, Head of Rheumatology at AIIMS, New Delhi.
She added that genetic makeup, hormonal fluctuations during reproductive years and after childbirth, combined with stress, obesity, and nutritional deficiencies, make women more vulnerable to autoimmune conditions. “Early recognition and timely intervention can prevent irreversible damage and improve quality of life,” Kumar emphasised at the 40th Annual Conference of the Indian Rheumatology Association.
Doctors caution that symptoms such as fatigue, joint stiffness, or swelling are frequently dismissed by women as minor issues or signs of stress and ageing. Many delay seeking medical help due to societal pressures or family obligations, allowing the disease to reach advanced stages before proper diagnosis.
“Genetic and molecular factors also play a role,” said Dr. Pulin Gupta, Professor and Rheumatologist at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. “A recent study by Stanford University found that women’s bodies produce a molecule called Xist RNA, which regulates one of the two X chromosomes. However, this molecule can sometimes confuse the immune system, causing it to attack healthy cells instead of protecting them — a key reason why autoimmune diseases are more common in women.”
Dr. Gupta added, “In my practice, about 70 per cent of autoimmune patients are women, many of whom have undergone years of ineffective treatment before reaching a specialist. Identifying early signs and referring women to rheumatologists promptly can prevent long-term disability.”
Dr. Bimlesh Dhar Pandey, from a leading city-based hospital, echoed the concern, noting that many women in their 30s and 40s live with unexplained joint pain or swelling for years. “By the time they reach us, the disease has often caused significant joint or organ damage,” he said, calling for widespread education and awareness campaigns to ensure early diagnosis and better outcomes for women.
Experts emphasise that autoimmune disorders are a major women’s health issue in India and must be addressed with targeted screening, patient education, and access to specialist care. Recognising early warning signs can drastically improve quality of life and reduce the long-term burden of these chronic conditions.
