Dr. Yathish G C, Lead Consultant – Rheumatology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru

Rheumatic diseases — which include autoimmune and inflammatory conditions like lupus,
rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma — affect millions of people worldwide. But women have been
known to be affected differently by rheumatic diseases. The reason why this happens is multifold.
Hormonal changes, immune system differences, delayed diagnoses, and even societal roles all play a
part. Because these conditions often involve chronic pain, fatigue, and unpredictable flare-ups, they
can have a profound impact on every aspect of a woman’s life — from work and relationships to
motherhood and mental health.
Here are five key ways rheumatic diseases affect women differently:

1. Higher Risk of Autoimmune Conditions – Women are far more likely to develop
   autoimmune rheumatic diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, especially during their
   reproductive years, due to hormonal and genetic factors that make their immune systems
   more reactive.
2. Hormonal Fluctuations Worsen Symptoms – Estrogen and other hormones influence how
   these diseases behave. Some conditions ease during pregnancy but flare afterward, while
   others, like lupus, may get worse during hormonal shifts. Understanding these hormone-
   disease interactions is vital for managing symptoms and planning important life events.
3. Pain and Fatigue Hit Harder – Women often report more severe pain, fatigue, and mood-
   related symptoms, which are sometimes dismissed or under-treated, affecting both physical
   and emotional well-being. They may also face a higher burden of invisible symptoms such as
   depression and sleep disturbances, which can drastically affect their quality of life.
4. Diagnosis Often Comes Late – Rheumatic symptoms in women are frequently misattributed
   to stress, aging, or anxiety, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment — especially for
   conditions like fibromyalgia or lupus. This delay can have serious consequences, from organ
   damage to reduced treatment effectiveness.
5. Life Stages Complicate Treatment – From planning a pregnancy to managing family
   responsibilities, women face unique challenges in balancing treatment with life, especially
   when medications affect fertility or daily functioning. For instance, many
   immunosuppressive drugs used in rheumatology are not safe during pregnancy, and women
   must navigate these complexities while balancing personal and family goals.
   Rheumatic diseases don’t just impact women more often — they impact them differently.
   Understanding how these conditions uniquely affect women helps lead to better diagnosis, effective
   treatment, and greater support. For women living with these challenges, being informed can make a
   world of difference. Doctors are increasingly recognizing the need for gender-sensitive approaches in rheumatology – ones that address not just the clinical symptoms, but the full spectrum of physical,
   emotional, and social challenges women face.

  Dr. Yathish G C, Rheumatic Diseases, Rheumatology