In India, about 70% of autoimmune disease patients are women, mainly aged between 20 and 50—when hormonal activity and lifestyle factors are at their peak. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroiditis, psoriasis, and Sjögren's syndrome. These diseases can impact joints, skin, blood vessels, and organs such as the heart and lungs.
Dr. Uma Kumar, head of rheumatology at AIIMS New Delhi, highlights that women often present late to clinics, ignoring early symptoms. Genetic factors combined with hormonal changes during reproductive years and after childbirth, plus stress, obesity, and nutritional deficiencies, increase women’s vulnerability to autoimmune disorders.
Rising Cases Among Women in Their 30s and 40s
Dr. Bimalesh Dhar Pandey, rheumatology director at Fortis Hospital, notes many women suffer unexplained joint pain or swelling for years before diagnosis. Most patients visiting him are in their 30s and 40s. By the time they seek medical help, joint or organ damage may already be advanced. Early symptoms like fatigue and stiffness often get overlooked or misattributed to stress or aging.
Similar Trends at Other Hospitals
Dr. Neeraj Jain from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital confirms the majority of autoimmune patients are women. Stanford studies offer biological explanations, but social and environmental factors also contribute to rising cases in India. Dr. Pulin Gupta from RML Hospital reports 70% of autoimmune patients at his clinic are women, many of whom received incorrect treatments before specialist care.
Shortage of Rheumatologists in India
India faces a severe shortage of trained rheumatologists, with less than 1,000 specialists for over a billion people. Experts recommend training primary care doctors to recognize early symptoms and ensuring timely referrals. Public health policies should integrate autoimmune disease awareness into women's health programs, alongside fertility and cancer screenings.
