7 Signs You Might Have an Autoimmune Disorder and Not Know It

The body’s greatest betrayal is a quiet one when the immune system mistakes self for enemy.

An estimated 1 in 10 people globally have an autoimmune disease, and the prevalence is rising, according to the Sjögren’s Foundation. Although the prevalence is rising, the majority of individuals remain undiagnosed since the early signs are insidious or transient.”

Autoimmune diseases rank among the most frequent missed diagnoses since their manifestation may mimic anything from stress to an allergy.”

Identifying the early warning signals is critical to get a correct diagnosis and proper treatment. The following subtle signs, based on new research, could indicate that your immune system is attacking your own body in error.

Fruitless fatigue

Enduring, debilitating fatigue is a characteristic symptom of an underlying autoimmune disease. This is not the kind of tiredness you feel at the end of a workday; it’s profound energy depletion that persists even when there is plenty of sleep.  

According to the National Institutes of Health, fatigue is one of the top five early symptoms across various autoimmune diseases. It is often the most common and debilitating complaint reported by patients. Those with autoimmune diseases like lupus and Sjögren’s syndrome can experience debilitating fatigue that is not entirely alleviated by rest.

Recurrent joint pain or stiffness

Although it’s easy to blame joint pain on exercise or age, it can be an indicator of autoimmune inflammation, especially if you awaken with morning stiffness.

Two of the most common autoimmune joint diseases are rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, whose prevalence has been rising globally.

Brain fog, dizziness, or memory loss

Cognitive issues such as dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and confusion may manifest as a result of autoimmune inflammation against the nervous system.

It is not forgetfulness, according to ScienceDirect, people with autoimmune diseases do report a level of cognitive impairment, with executive dysfunction being the most consistently reported issue.  An ongoing “brain fog” should never be dismissed as usual with increasing age or the result of stress alone.

Unexplained gastrointestinal problems

If you’re constantly struggling with bloating, diarrhea, or new food sensitivities, your immune system may be reacting to your gut’s delicate ecosystem.

Gut dysfunction and autoimmunity are often intertwined, with the gut acting as an epicenter for immune misfires. This connection is so significant that the autoimmune diagnostic testing market has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Chronic skin changes

Your skin may be an early warning of how well your immune system is. Repeated rashes, unusual dryness, or patchy hair loss may be evident years before more obvious symptoms occur.

According to the Mayo Clinic, autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and lupus can cause dermatological signs that affect the skin. Because the skin is immunosensitive, it can become an early window into systemic inflammation.

Unexplained inflammation or pain flare-ups

Chronic inflammation is the underlying stimulus and hallmark of autoimmune disease. These diseases are reaching “epidemic proportions,” with staggering annual leaps in diagnosis due to inflammation.

If you’re experiencing recurring inflammation affecting more than one part of your body, such as your joints, skin, and internal organs, you need immediate medical evaluation.

Unstable hormones and changes in the reproductive system

According to JCI, autoimmune diseases are disproportionately diagnosed in women, who are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed compared to men in the US.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or autoimmune infertility may first present as irregular menstruation, recurrent miscarriage, or premature menopause. “Endocrine autoimmunity frequently disguises itself as a hormonal imbalance until specific testing is done.

Key takeaway

Autoimmune disease is subtle, and symptoms are simple to miss. Paying attention to the subtle symptoms is the key to getting answers and protecting your health. When your body’s immune system turns against you, early detection can prevent the damage from becoming permanent.” If you’re noticing any of these persistent symptoms, a checkup by a doctor is necessary.

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