Introduction
It’s a troubling truth many women discover the hard way: when it comes to autoimmune diseases, they’re often misdiagnosed or dismissed. From persistent fatigue to joint pain and mysterious skin flares, symptoms are frequently attributed to stress, hormones, or lifestyle — rather than investigated for underlying autoimmune causes.
This delay isn’t just inconvenient — it can be damaging. Untreated autoimmune conditions can progress rapidly, affecting organs, mobility, fertility, and mental well-being. In Singapore and across the globe, women deserve better recognition, faster referrals, and more informed care when it comes to autoimmune illness.
Why Women Face Delays in Autoimmune Diagnosis
Up to 80% of autoimmune conditions occur in women, yet research historically underrepresents them. Many conditions — including lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren’s syndrome — are more prevalent in females. Still, diagnostic tools were often validated on male-dominant populations, leaving gaps in clinical recognition of how these diseases manifest in women.
- Symptom Overlap: Fatigue, hair loss, and weight fluctuations may be seen as hormonal changes or stress responses rather than disease markers.
- Multiple Providers: Women often consult several specialists before getting a unifying autoimmune diagnosis — prolonging the journey to answers.
- Dismissive Language: Anecdotal reports and studies confirm many women hear phrases like “It’s probably anxiety” or “You’re just tired from work” long before they’re tested for ANA or other autoimmune markers.
Singapore Context: Where Are We Now?
While Singapore offers world-class healthcare, autoimmune care still requires more visibility. Primary care settings may not always flag symptoms as autoimmune early on, especially when blood markers are borderline or patients present with non-specific issues like rashes, muscle pain, or bloating.
Institutions like NUH and SGH have specialized rheumatology and immunology clinics. However, wait times for public referrals can stretch weeks. Early diagnosis efforts could be improved by incorporating symptom-checker tools, increasing autoimmune education among GPs, and encouraging patients to advocate for second opinions.
Commonly Misdiagnosed Autoimmune Conditions in Women
- Lupus: Often mistaken for chronic fatigue, depression, or even fibromyalgia. Affects multiple organ systems and is frequently diagnosed late.
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Can be confused with mood disorders, PCOS, or menopause due to overlapping symptoms like irregular cycles and weight gain.
- Sjögren’s Syndrome: Dry eyes and mouth are sometimes brushed off as aging, dehydration, or medication side effects.
- Endometriosis + Autoimmune: Women with autoimmune diseases may also have co-occurring conditions like endometriosis, further muddying the diagnostic process.
Emotional Toll of Being Dismissed
A misdiagnosis is not just a medical delay — it’s an emotional injury. Women may internalize the idea that their symptoms are imagined or exaggerated. The lack of validation from doctors, employers, or even family members can lead to:
- Chronic stress and anxiety
- Delayed treatment plans
- Relationship strain due to lack of understanding
- Isolation from friends or support systems
How You Can Advocate for Yourself
If you suspect something is wrong, trust your gut. Being proactive in Singapore’s healthcare system means:
- Requesting Specific Tests: Ask about ANA, ESR, CRP, thyroid antibodies, and Vitamin D levels.
- Keeping a Symptom Journal: Document fatigue, joint pain, rashes, or other recurring issues.
- Referrals to Specialists: You are allowed to request a referral to an immunologist or autoimmune-focused clinic.
- Seeking Multidisciplinary Clinics: Aaria Clinic, NUH, Parkway East, and other private groups offer integrative care with rheumatologists, allergists, and dietitians under one roof.
A Call for Change
It’s time to break the cycle of misdiagnosis. We need:
- Increased autoimmune education for primary care doctors
- Patient-led symptom screening tools
- More local research into gender-specific autoimmune presentations
- Support for NGOs and patient advocacy groups raising awareness
Final Thoughts
If you’re a woman experiencing unexplained symptoms and aren’t being heard — don’t give up. Your experience is real. Autoimmune diseases are complex and often invisible, but with the right support, early intervention is possible. At Aaria Clinic, we believe listening to your lived experience is the first diagnostic tool that matters.
Let’s work together to bring better visibility, research, and respect to autoimmune health — starting with women, and starting today.
