Women more likely to be told autoimmune symptoms are psychological – study

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By Storm Newton, Press Association

Women with autoimmune conditions that can cause symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain and rashes are more likely to be told their symptoms are psychological, according to a study.

They also face longer waits for a diagnosis compared with men, analysis suggests.

While issues affect both sexes, researchers said women “may face additional disadvantages”, and highlighted that “historical biases in medicine may persist”.

Dr Melanie Sloan, of the department of public health and primary care at the University of Cambridge, and Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia (UEA), said it can sometimes “take months or years before a diagnosis becomes clear”.

The study, led by the University of Cambridge and UEA, included more than 6,600 people with autoimmune conditions. The majority were female and from the UK.

Patients listed their main condition, with almost a quarter of women having the autoimmune thyroid conditions, Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease.

Hashimoto’s disease can cause weight gain, hair loss, fatigue and joint pain, while the symptoms of Graves’ disease include bulging eyes, palpitations and weight loss.