10 signs you may have an autoimmune disease and not know it

Autoimmune diseases are becoming increasingly common. The World Health Organization estimates that they affect 5 to 10% of the world's population, especially women of childbearing age. Despite this, many diagnoses come late because the initial symptoms are vague and easily confused with fatigue, stress, or "everyday things."

What is an autoimmune disease?

The immune system is the body's "army": it defends us from viruses, bacteria, and other invaders. But in autoimmune diseases, internal confusion occurs: the immune system starts attacking healthy cells and tissues as if they were enemies.

This attack causes chronic inflammation, which can affect organs, joints, skin, intestines, thyroid, or nervous system.

There are more than 80 identified autoimmune diseases—some more localized (such as psoriasis, on the skin), others systemic (such as rheumatoid arthritis, which affects several joints).

The big challenge: symptoms vary widely and can develop slowly, delaying diagnosis.

• 1. Chronic fatigue

  Persistent fatigue, even after adequate rest, is one of the most common symptoms. In Hashimoto's disease, for example, an underactive thyroid causes exhaustion.

• 2. Joint pain

  Pain, stiffness, and swelling in the hands, feet, or knees can be early signs of rheumatoid arthritis.

• 3. Skin problems

  Red patches, flaking, or rashes that worsen with stress may indicate psoriasis. Up to 40% of these cases progress to psoriatic arthritis.

• 4. Hair loss

  Alopecia areata is a condition in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to localized bald patches.

• 5. Digestive problems

  Frequent diarrhea, poor nutrient absorption, bloating, and anemia can be signs of celiac disease.

• 6. Recurrent low-grade fevers

  Constant inflammation can cause mild fevers with no apparent cause—common in lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

• 7. Sensitivity to cold and weight changes

  Autoimmune hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's) causes cold intolerance, weight gain, dry skin, and depression.

• 8. Tingling and muscle weakness

  In multiple sclerosis, the destruction of myelin causes numbness, blurred vision, and difficulty walking.

• 9. Brain fog

  Memory and concentration difficulties are common in fibromyalgia, Hashimoto's disease, and lupus, associated with inflammation and nervous system imbalance.

• 10. Family history

  Having immediate family members with autoimmune diseases increases the risk by 2 to 4 times.

What should you do if you identify with these signs?

• See a doctor and have blood tests done (inflammatory markers, autoantibodies, hormones, vitamin D).

• Keep a symptom diary.

• Don't ignore persistent signs — early diagnosis makes a difference in quality of life.

The good news is that, even without a definitive cure, many autoimmune diseases can be managed with the support of medical teams. And naturopathy comes in as a complement:

1. Anti-inflammatory diet

2. Adaptogenic herbal medicine

3. Calming essential oils

4. Stress and sleep management

References: Chaker L, et al. Hypothyroidism. Lancet. 2017 | Firestein GS, McInnes IB. Immunopathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. NEJM. 2017 | Boehncke WH, Schön MP. Psoriasis. Lancet. 2015 | Gilhar A, et al. Alopecia areata. NEJM. 2012 | Ludvigsson JF, et al. The Oslo definitions for celiac disease. Gut. 2013 | Hauser SL, Cree BAC. Multiple Sclerosis. NEJM. 2020 | Cooper GS, Stroehla BC. The epidemiology of autoimmune diseases. Am J Med. 2003.