Lupus Symptoms in Women: An Overview and Further Insights
Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, affects more females than males, particularly those of childbearing age. This condition can be challenging to diagnose due to its symptoms often overlapping with those of other conditions.
Early Signs of Lupus in Females
Identifying the early signs of lupus can be crucial in early diagnosis and treatment. Common early signs include:
- Fatigue: Crippling fatigue is a hallmark symptom of lupus, often reported by more than 80% of patients, even when blood tests show normal levels of iron, thyroid function, and blood counts.
- Joint Pain: Achy, stiff fingers, wrists, or knees that improve with movement, not rest, are typical symptoms of lupus. This is due to overnight inflammation.
- Rashes: A butterfly-shaped (malar) rash, appearing on both cheeks and the bridge of the nose, is a classic sign of lupus, found in roughly 50% of cases. Other rashes triggered by sun exposure can also be indicative of the disease.
- Photosensitivity: Rashes triggered by sun exposure, which can develop within minutes to hours after exposure, are common in individuals with lupus.
- Fever, Skin Lesions, and Hair Loss: Recurring fevers, skin lesions, and hair loss, particularly on the scalp, may also be signs of lupus.
These symptoms can be confused with other conditions, such as menopause, as both can cause fatigue, joint pain, and skin issues. Lupus is more common in women, and hormonal fluctuations may influence its onset and severity.
Other Common Symptoms
Lupus can cause a range of symptoms, some of which include:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting, are common in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- SLE can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, including the mouth, liver, and pancreas, and may cause sores to form in the mouth.
- Thyroid diseases, including hypothyroidism, are more common in people with lupus than in the general population. Thyroid cancer may also be more prevalent in people with SLE.
- Arthritis, which causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in the morning, is a common symptom of lupus.
- Around 30% of people with lupus show signs of dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Symptoms may include grittiness, irritation, discomfort, and redness.
- Hair loss, including hair thinning and the development of bald patches, is a symptom of lupus that females may experience.
Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
If a person experiences an unexplained and recurring fever, or symptoms such as shortness of breath, stabbing pains in the chest, or coughing, they should seek medical advice. Early diagnosis and treatment of lupus can help prevent potential complications. A person can speak with a healthcare professional about ways to manage fatigue, hair loss, and other symptoms related to lupus.
It is essential to remember that while this article provides an overview of lupus and its symptoms, it is not intended to replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing symptoms you are concerned about, it is always best to contact a healthcare professional.
[1] National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (n.d.). Lupus. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/lupus [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Lupus. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/symptoms-causes/syc-20356073 [3] Lupus Foundation of America. (n.d.). What is lupus? Retrieved from https://www.lupus.org/resources/what-is-lupus [4] American College of Rheumatology. (n.d.). Lupus. Retrieved from https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Lupus [5] Lupus Research Alliance. (n.d.). Lupus. Retrieved from https://www.lupusresearch.org/about-lupus
