Can Suppressed Emotions Cause Autoimmune Diseases In Women?

Picture this: a huge house is being guarded by multiple security guards. Now imagine your body is that house, and the security guards are your immune system – protecting your body from diseases, infections and what not. But what if the guards themselves invade your house and attack you? That’s what an autoimmune disease feels like. Autoimmune diseases are health conditions that take place when your immune system attacks your own body, instead of defending it. They are also known as autoimmune disorders.

As per a Stanford Medicine-led study, somewhere between 24 and 50 million Americans suffer from one or another autoimmune disease. And as per the study, as many as 4 out of 5 of these are women. So are women more prone to autoimmune diseases? Can suppressed emotions in women be the main culprit behind it? Our expert Dr Brunda MS, Sr Consultant - Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore answers all this for you.

What Triggers Autoimmune Diseases?

Before diving into the question of whether women are more prone to autoimmune diseases or not, let us understand what causes them. “So autoimmune diseases are triggered when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells. The exact cause is not known, but it usually involves a mix of factors,” says Dr Brunda MS.

The expert explains, “Genetics play a role, as autoimmune conditions often run in families. Infections caused by viruses or bacteria can confuse the immune system and start an abnormal immune response. Hormonal changes, especially in women, may also influence risk. Environmental factors such as pollution, smoking, stress, poor sleep, and exposure to certain chemicals can act as triggers. Gut health problems and long-term inflammation may further increase risk. In most cases, autoimmune diseases develop due to multiple triggers acting together, not a single cause.”

What Are The Early Warning Signs Of Autoimmune Disease?

So how to identify autoimmune diseases? “Early warning signs of autoimmune disease are often vague and easy to ignore,” answers Dr Brunda MS. On this note, the expert lists them down for us:

• Constant fatigue that does not improve with rest is one of the most common symptoms. Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, especially in the morning, may appear early.
• Frequent body aches, muscle weakness, or unexplained pain can occur.
• Some people notice skin rashes, hair loss, or sensitivity to sunlight.
• Repeated low-grade fever, swollen glands, or feeling unwell for long periods can be warning signs.
• Digestive problems like bloating, diarrhea, or constipation may also be linked. Unexplained weight changes, numbness, or tingling in hands and feet can appear.

“Early medical advice helps prevent long-term damage,” adds the expert.

Also Read: Can Nightmares Be A Sign Of Autoimmune Diseases? Doctor Clarifies

Why Women Get More Autoimmune Diseases

Now let us circle back to the main point – why are women more prone to autoimmune diseases. “Women get autoimmune diseases more often than men mainly because of hormonal and biological differences. Female hormones like estrogen can make the immune system more active, which helps fight infections but also increases the risk of immune overreaction. Changes in hormones during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can trigger immune imbalance,” shares Dr Brunda MS.

The expert continues, “Genetics also play a role, as many immune-related genes are linked to the X chromosome, and women have two X chromosomes. Women may also respond more strongly to infections and stress, which can trigger autoimmune reactions. Environmental factors and lifestyle stress add to the risk. Overall, a stronger immune response in women can sometimes turn against the body itself.”

A recent study was published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. It noted that women with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or systemic sclerosis may have a higher rate of death linked to cardiovascular diseases than men with autoimmune diseases.

Can Suppressing Feelings Lead To Autoimmune Disease?

Many people believe autoimmune diseases can be caused because of suppressed emotions. Is this true? “Suppressing feelings alone does not directly cause autoimmune diseases, but chronic emotional stress can affect the immune system. When feelings like anger, sadness, or anxiety are constantly ignored, the body stays in a state of stress for a long time. This can increase inflammation, weaken immunity, and make the immune system more likely to overreact,” explains Dr Brunda MS.

“Over time, this may increase the risk of autoimmune conditions in people who are already genetically or environmentally vulnerable. Healthy ways to deal with emotions, like talking, exercising, meditation, or counselling, can reduce stress and support a balanced immune system, lowering the risk of immune-related problems,” adds the expert.

Can Women Get Autoimmune Disease From Suppressed Anger?

It is often believed that women are more prone to autoimmune disease because of suppressed anger. How much truth is there? Our expert explains.

“There is no direct proof that suppressed anger alone causes autoimmune diseases in women, but it may play a role. Women often experience more emotional stress and may keep feelings like anger or frustration inside, which can increase stress hormones in the body. Long-term stress can affect the immune system and increase inflammation, which may trigger or worsen autoimmune reactions in people who are already at risk. Genetics, hormones, and lifestyle also matter more than emotions alone. Learning to express feelings in healthy ways, like talking, journaling, or meditation, can help reduce stress and support better immune health in women,” explains Dr Brunda MS.

Also Read: When Your Body Fights You: Expert Explains The Rise Of Unexplained Autoimmune Symptoms

The Final Word

Women get autoimmune diseases more often than men mainly because of hormonal and biological differences. There is no direct proof that suppressed anger alone causes autoimmune diseases in women, but it may play a role. Women often experience more emotional stress and may keep feelings like anger or frustration inside, which can increase stress hormones in the body. Long-term stress can affect the immune system and increase inflammation, which may trigger or worsen autoimmune reactions in people who are already at risk.