Early Signs of Lupus in Females

posted in Diagnosing Lupus on November 2, 2023 by

Gavin Abson

Updated December 29, 2023

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Lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease, predominantly impacts women. Around 90% of lupus patients are women, while 10% are men. This post covers the early signs of lupus in females.

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This blog on “Early Signs of Lupus in Females” was edited and contributed to by Donald Thomas, MD; author of “The Lupus Encyclopedia.” Parts of this blog post come from “The Lupus Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Health Care Providers, edition 2“

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Early detection and diagnosis of lupus are critical for effective management and improved quality of life. In this article, we’ll explore the early signs of lupus in females, helping you recognize the symptoms and seek timely medical attention.

What is Lupus?

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), also commonly known as lupus, is an autoimmune condition where the immune system cannot tell the difference between foreign invaders (like bacteria and cancer cells) and healthy tissues and cells. The person’s immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissues and organs. Lupus can affect all body parts, including the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, brain, and lungs.

Early Signs of Lupus in Females

Lupus symptoms can vary widely from person to person. However in some cases, these symptoms may be subtle, making early diagnosis challenging. Here are some common early signs of lupus in females:

1. Skin Rashes

Skin rashes are often one of the earliest indicators of lupus. The classic “butterfly rash” across the cheeks and nose is a well-known sign. However, lupus rashes (called cutaneous lupus) can take various forms, including red patches, sores, mottled skin, dilated blood vessels, or a scaly appearance. These rashes often worsen with sun exposure.

2. Joint Pain and Swelling

Joint pain and swelling, called arthritis, are common early symptoms of lupus. However this can be mistaken for other joint-related conditions (like fibromyalgia). Lupus-related joint pain typically affects multiple joints and can move from one joint to another.

3. Fatigue

Unexplained and persistent fatigue is another early sign of lupus in females. This fatigue can be severe and disruptive to daily life. Also, it is often accompanied by a difficult-to-explain feeling of not feeling well (called malaise).

4. Fever

Lupus can cause recurrent fevers without any obvious infection. While these fevers may come and go, they are usually low-grade.

5. Photosensitivity

Many lupus patients also experience increased sensitivity to sunlight, known as photosensitivity. This is due to a part of light called ultraviolet light. Exposure to any source of ultraviolet light (especially the sun) can trigger or worsen skin rashes and other lupus symptoms.

6. Hair Loss

Also known as alopecia, hair loss can be another common early sign of lupus in females. Hair may also become thin and brittle with diffuse thinning, and hair loss can be patchy.

7. Mouth or Nose Ulcers

Ulcers inside the mouth or nose are another frequent symptom in lupus patients. These sores are often painless and not noticed by the patient until a healthcare provider sees them on physical exam. These ulcers are often one of the first signs.

8. Raynaud’s Phenomenon

Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition where fingers and toes turn white or blue when exposed to cold temperatures or stress. It’s common in lupus patients.

9. Chest Pain and Breathing Difficulties

Inflammation of the chest cavity lining, lungs, or heart can cause chest pain and breathing difficulties. This usually causes chest pain that is worse with breathing and is often called pleurisy.

10. Cognitive Dysfunction

Some lupus patients may also experience cognitive dysfunction, often referred to as “brain fog.” This can affect memory, concentration, and overall cognitive function.

It’s important to note that these early signs may not always indicate lupus and can be associated with other conditions. A definitive diagnosis of lupus typically involves a combination of clinical symptoms, physical examination, blood tests, and sometimes tissue biopsies.

Seeking Medical Attention for Early Signs of Lupus in Females

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these early signs, seeking medical attention promptly is crucial. Lupus is a complex condition; early diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes. A rheumatologist, a specialist in autoimmune diseases, is often the healthcare provider who diagnoses and manages lupus.

Early signs of lupus in females can be subtle and varied, making diagnosis challenging. However recognizing these signs and seeking medical evaluation is essential for timely diagnosis and effective management. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider and work together to establish a diagnosis and develop a suitable treatment plan. With early intervention, lupus can be managed, and individuals can lead fulfilling lives despite the condition.

To learn much more about how and why lupus affects women so much, see my video (done in conjunction with Kaleidoscope Fighting Lupus):

For more in-depth information on early signs of lupus in females:

Read chapters 1, and 5 to 17 of The Lupus Encyclopedia, edition 2

Look up your symptoms, conditions, and medications in the Index of The Lupus Encyclopedia

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