Autoimmune diseases and fibromyalgia: what they have in common and why they affect women more
Autoimmune diseases and fibromyalgia are chronic conditions that, at first glance, appear very different. While in autoimmune diseases the immune system attacks the body's own tissues, in fibromyalgia pain and fatigue result from a change in the way the central nervous system processes pain signals.
But both share something important: they are conditions that disproportionately affect women and have debilitating symptoms, emotional impact, and underdiagnosis in common.
What are autoimmune diseases?
The immune system is the body's natural defense against viruses, bacteria, and toxins. In an autoimmune disease, this system becomes unbalanced and starts attacking healthy cells and tissues, causing chronic inflammation.
Common examples include:
Hashimoto's thyroiditis (thyroid)
Rheumatoid arthritis (joints)
Psoriasis (skin)
Celiac disease (intestine)
Multiple sclerosis (nervous system)
According to Cooper & Stroehla (American Journal of Medicine, 2003), there are more than 80 recognized autoimmune diseases, affecting up to 10% of the population.
What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic widespread pain syndrome accompanied by fatigue, non-restorative sleep, concentration problems ("fibro fog"), and hypersensitivity to stimuli.
Although it is not classified as an autoimmune disease, there are points of contact:
Fibromyalgia is associated with low-grade inflammatory processes.
Many patients have concomitant autoimmune diseases, such as
rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Physical and emotional stress is a common trigger for both.
conditions.
What do they have in common?
Predominance in women
Between 75–80% of patients with autoimmune diseases are women. In fibromyalgia, the proportion is similar: about 80–90% of diagnoses are in women.Inflammation and chronic pain
Although the mechanisms are different, both involve inflammatory phenomena and hypersensitivity of the nervous system.Psychological impact
Anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders are common and can worsen symptoms in both conditions.
UnderdiagnosisIn both autoimmune diseases and fibromyalgia, the initial symptoms can be vague—fatigue, diffuse pain, brain fog—leading to years of waiting for a correct diagnosis.
Why do they affect women more?
Science does not yet have all the answers, but several hypotheses have been investigated:
Hormonal influence
Estrogen appears to modulate the immune system, potentially increasing susceptibility to autoimmunity.
Hormonal changes (puberty, pregnancy, menopause) are associated with worsening symptoms.
Genetic differences Certain genes linked to the X chromosome appear to increase the risk of autoimmunity—and women have two X chromosomes.Response to stress
Women show greater reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which may contribute to greater vulnerability to conditions related to chronic stress.Social and cultural factors
Women often face a greater burden of family and professional responsibilities
, associated with higher levels of stress. In addition, female symptoms
are often clinically undervalued, leading to delays in diagnosis.
Integrative support strategies
Although there is no definitive cure, several approaches can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life:
Anti-inflammatory diet
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, seeds, and nuts.
Reduction of ultra-processed foods, sugars, and alcohol.
Herbal medicine
Turmeric and ginger → anti-inflammatory action.
Ashwagandha → adaptogen for stress.
Valerian and chamomile → sleep support.
Key nutrients
Magnesium → muscle and nerve relaxation.
Vitamin D → immune balance.
Omega-3 → anti-inflammatory.
Emotional management
Meditation and mindfulness → reduce pain perception.
Cognitive behavioral therapy → proven effectiveness in fibromyalgia.
Autoimmune diseases and fibromyalgia are distinct conditions, but they have many points in common: they predominantly affect women, are linked to stress and inflammation, have a psychological impact, and are underdiagnosed.
More than ever, it is essential to look at these diseases with a holistic approach: treating not only the physical symptoms, but also the emotions, lifestyle, and balance of the body as a whole.
References: Cooper GS, Stroehla BC. The epidemiology of autoimmune diseases. Am J Med. 2003 | Bazzichi L, et al. Cytokine patterns in fibromyalgia and their correlation with clinical features. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2007 | Fairweather D, Rose NR. Women and autoimmune diseases. Nat Rev Immunol. 2004 | Queiroz LP. Worldwide epidemiology of fibromyalgia. Clinics. 2013 | Cutolo M, et al. Sex hormones, immunity and autoimmune diseases. Autoimmun Rev. 2012| Bale TL, Epperson CN. Sex differences and stress across the lifespan. Nat Neurosci. 2015 | Grossman P, et al. Mindfulness-based stress reduction and health benefits. J Psychosom Res. 2007 | Bernardy K, et al. Cognitive behavioral therapies for fibromyalgia. Arthritis Res Ther. 2010.