Do you recognise any of these symptoms?
These conditions are often chronic and require long-term management to reduce symptoms and prevent damage to organs or tissues. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to maintain quality of life and improve outcomes.
Common autoimmune diseases in women
Rheumatoid Arthritis: 75 % of patients are women
• Causes painful inflammation in joint linings( fingers, wrists, ankles), leading to disability and potential deformity if untreated
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus( SLE): 90 % of patients are women
• Causes widespread inflammation and tissue damage of joints, skin, brain, lungs, kidneys and blood vessels
Hashimoto’ s Thyroiditis: 85 % of patients are women
• Leads to an underactive thyroid which causes many functions of the body to slow down. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, dry skin, hair loss and cold intolerance
Multiple Sclerosis( MS): 70 % of patients are women
• The immune system destroys the protective myelin sheath covering nerve cells in the central nervous system. This interrupts communication between the brain and the rest of the body leading to numbness, weakness and difficulty walking
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: 57 % of patients are women
• Causes skin cells to multiply too fast, forming itchy, scaly patches. Psoriatic arthritis involves joint inflammation
Celiac Disease: 65 % of patients are women
• An immune reaction to eating gluten that damages the small intestine
The good news is you don’ t have to let an autoimmune disease define or confine you. You can live life more fully, actively and with greater self-assurance. Specific actions can make a measurable difference in reducing symptoms, preventing flare-ups and maintaining better health.
Bonitas provides care and support for various autoimmune diseases through its chronic medicine benefits and care programmes, focusing on managing long-term, high-cost and life-threatening conditions. Visit the website to learn more about our Care Programmes.
There is more information on autoimmune diseases on the Bonitas Female Health website or call the Bonitas Female Health Programme on 0860 999 121 ext. 4.
Bonitas Member Magazine Issue 1 / 2026
14