Why Autoimmune Diseases Affect More Women in India

Nearly 70 percent of individuals living with autoimmune diseases are women, making this a significant health concern in India. Leading medical experts emphasize the need to recognize Women and Autoimmune Diseases as a major public health issue across the nation. Doctors in India have consistently observed that these conditions are more common among women, particularly those aged 20 to 50, a period marked by active hormonal and lifestyle factors.

Understanding the Increased Vulnerability in Women

During a dedicated session on women’s health and autoimmune disorders at the 40th Annual Conference of the Indian Rheumatology Association (IRACON 2025), rheumatologists discussed several contributing factors. Hormonal changes, genetic predispositions, and distinct biological mechanisms make women more susceptible to autoimmune conditions.

For example, the female immune system, although generally stronger at fighting infections, can sometimes mistakenly attack the body’s own healthy tissues. Recent research from Stanford University highlights a special molecule called Xist RNA, produced by women to control one of their two X chromosomes. This molecule may sometimes confuse the immune system, causing it to target healthy cells instead of protecting them. This biological difference could be a key reason for the higher incidence of autoimmune diseases in women.

Common Autoimmune Conditions and Their Impact

Autoimmune disorders arise when the body’s defense system, which usually guards against infections, erroneously attacks its own tissues. Common conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, thyroiditis, psoriasis, and Sjögren’s syndrome. These diseases can affect various parts of the body, including joints, skin, blood vessels, and even vital internal organs such as the heart and lungs.

Dr. Uma Kumar, Head of Rheumatology at AIIMS, New Delhi, notes that nearly seven out of ten patients with autoimmune diseases in her clinic are women. She observes a clear pattern: women often present late due to overlooking persistent symptoms.

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors Also Contribute

Beyond biological predispositions, experts at IRACON 2025 agree that lifestyle and environmental factors play a crucial role in triggering autoimmune disorders among Indian women. Elevated pollution levels, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, increased stress, and insufficient sleep are all significant contributing factors. Some studies suggest that exposure to air pollutants and industrial chemicals can disrupt hormonal and immune pathways, further escalating the risk.

Dr. Neeraj Jain, Vice Chairman of Rheumatology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, explains that while the Stanford study offers a biological explanation, social and environmental factors in India notably increase the incidence of autoimmune diseases. Poor lifestyle habits and infections can also trigger or worsen autoimmune responses. For those interested in specializing in conditions affecting women’s health, consider the International Post Graduate Program In Obstetrics or the Post Graduate Program In Gynaecology.

Challenges in Diagnosis and Management of Autoimmune Diseases

Many women in India unfortunately ignore early warning signs such as persistent tiredness, joint stiffness, or swelling, often dismissing them as minor issues or consequences of stress or aging. Furthermore, family responsibilities, a lack of awareness, or social reasons frequently delay women from seeking medical attention. This allows the disease to progress silently, leading to more severe conditions by the time they consult a specialist.

Dr. Bimlesh Dhar Pandey, Organising Secretary of IRACON 2025, shares that he regularly encounters women in their 30s or 40s who have endured unexplained joint pain or swelling for years before receiving a diagnosis. By then, the disease may have already caused considerable damage to joints or organs. Dr. Pulin Gupta, a Professor and Rheumatologist, similarly notes that many women endure years of incorrect treatment before reaching a specialist. Early identification of symptoms and prompt referral to rheumatologists are crucial to prevent long-term disability. A deeper understanding of rheumatological conditions can be gained through specialized training, such as the Postgraduate Diploma In Rheumatology.

The Path Forward: Awareness and Policy

India currently faces a considerable shortage of trained rheumatologists, with fewer than 1,000 specialists serving a population of over a billion. Conference Chairman Dr. Rohini Handa underscores that autoimmune diseases are as prevalent as diabetes or heart disease but receive significantly less attention. Considering that 70% of those affected are women, this cannot be treated as a gender-neutral issue.

Experts advocate for focused policies, including robust awareness campaigns, women-specific research, and enhanced access to rheumatology services across India. They suggest training primary care physicians to recognize early symptoms and refer patients appropriately. Public health programs should also integrate autoimmune diseases into women’s health initiatives, similar to how reproductive and cancer screenings are promoted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why are women more prone to autoimmune diseases?

Women are more susceptible due to a combination of hormonal changes, genetic predispositions, and unique biological mechanisms. For instance, the Xist RNA molecule, produced by women, can sometimes confuse the immune system into attacking healthy cells.

Q2: What lifestyle factors contribute to autoimmune diseases in women?

Increasing pollution, sedentary routines, unhealthy diets, rising stress levels, and a lack of adequate sleep are all recognized lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to the development or worsening of autoimmune conditions.

Q3: What are the main challenges in managing autoimmune diseases in India?

Key challenges include delayed diagnosis because women often ignore early symptoms or delay seeking care due to social reasons or lack of awareness. Additionally, there is a significant shortage of trained rheumatologists and a need for better public health policies and awareness campaigns.

References

1. Women account for 70 pc of autoimmune disease patients: Experts – ETHealthworld.
2. Seven in ten autoimmune disease patients in India are women, say experts at IRACON 2025.
3. Autoimmune Disease in India, now an Epidemic!
4. Women’s Day: Women more prone to autoimmune diseases in their reproductive age.
5. Women account for 70 pc of autoimmune disease patients Experts – The Week.
6. Women Issues in Autoimmune Diseases: Compilation of Indian Data – ResearchGate.
7. Women and Autoimmune Disease – Siemens Healthineers India.
8. Challenges in the diagnosis and management of SLE in India – ResearchGate.
9. Why are autoimmune disorders on rise? – Times of India.
10. Autoimmune Diseases Are Rising in India—Here’s Why (and What You Can Do).
11. The rise of autoimmune disorders in Indian populations – Zocto.
12. Autoimmune Health Crisis: Karnataka Lacks Registry for Patients’ Care – Deccan Herald.
13. Prevalence of Autoimmune Diseases and Its Challenges in Diagnosis – PubMed.

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