70% of autoimmune disease patients are women: Experts

Nearly 70 per cent of people living with autoimmune diseases are women, particularly those aged between 20 and 50, when hormonal and lifestyle factors are most active, according to health experts at the Indian Rheumatology Association conclave.

Autoimmune disorders occur when the body’s defence system, which normally protects against infections, mistakenly attacks its own tissues. Common conditions arising from this include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroiditis, psoriasis and Sjögren’s syndrome — all of which can affect the joints, skin, blood vessels and even internal organs such as the heart and lungs.

Dr Uma Kumar, head of rheumatology at AIIMS, New Delhi, said that almost seven out of every ten patients suffering from autoimmune disorders who visit the hospital are women.

“We see a clear pattern — women often come late because they overlook persistent symptoms. Genetic make-up, hormonal changes during reproductive age and after childbirth, combined with stress, obesity and nutritional deficiencies, can make them more vulnerable to autoimmune diseases. It’s time we recognise autoimmune disorders as a major women’s health issue in India,” Dr Kumar said.

Echoing similar experiences, Dr Neeraj Jain, vice-chairman of rheumatology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, added, “We have also seen the same trend — a clear majority of autoimmune patients are women. The Stanford study gives a biological explanation, but social and environmental factors in India play a major role in increasing the incidence of autoimmune diseases. Pollution, infections and poor lifestyle habits can all trigger or worsen autoimmune responses.”

Experts agreed that, in addition to biological factors, lifestyle and environmental elements play a key role in triggering autoimmune disorders among Indian women. Rising pollution levels, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, high stress and lack of adequate sleep are all contributing factors. Studies have shown that exposure to air pollutants and industrial chemicals can disrupt hormonal and immune pathways, further increasing risk, the experts noted.

Doctors at the conclave emphasised that timely diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference. While autoimmune diseases cannot be completely cured, they can be effectively managed through medication, exercise, balanced nutrition and stress control.

India currently faces a severe shortage of trained rheumatologists — fewer than 1,000 specialists for a population of over a billion. Experts suggested that primary care physicians should be trained to recognise early symptoms and refer patients promptly.