7 Lesser-Known Signs of Autoimmune Disease
If you’ve ever gone to the doctor because something feels wrong, only to be told your labs are fine or that you’re “probably just stressed,” you know how maddening it is. You walk out feeling unheard, still dealing with symptoms that don’t make sense, and wondering if you’re being dramatic.
Spoiler: You’re not.
Many autoimmune issues begin with small, strange symptoms that don’t seem connected at first. But when you step back, they can paint a much clearer picture. Here are a few signs of autoimmune disease that people don’t talk about enough, the kind of strange symptoms that can easily slip under the radar.
- Unusual Hair Loss
You know how some hair shedding is normal? This isn’t that. This is “Why is my hairbrush suddenly full?” or “Why is this one patch thinning?” Sometimes, even eyebrows or lashes start disappearing. It’s your body hinting that something deeper might be going on.
- Chronic Hives
If you’re getting random hives that appear like uninvited guests and don’t leave, yeah, that’s not just allergies. When they keep coming back or stick around for weeks, your immune system might be overreacting to something internal, not external.
- Unexplained Weight Changes
Losing weight without trying? Gaining weight even though nothing’s changed? Autoimmune conditions, especially ones that affect the thyroid, can send your metabolism into chaos.
It’s not in your head.
- Dry Eyes or Mouth
When your eyes constantly feel gritty, or your mouth is so dry you’re chugging water all day, that’s worth paying attention to. Many autoimmune conditions interfere with moisture production long before other symptoms show up.
- Low-Grade Fever
That slightly-warm, kind-of-achy feeling that never quite becomes a full fever? Super common in autoimmune issues. It’s your body staying in a weird, constant “something’s wrong” mode.
- Puffy or Swollen Ankles
A little swelling now and then isn’t unusual, but if your ankles or feet puff up regularly, especially when you haven’t been on them all day, inflammation or immune-related issues might be the cause.
- Mouth Ulcers
Those painful little sores that pop up out of nowhere, stick around forever, and make eating annoying? They can be a sign your immune system is acting up, especially if they’re frequent.
The Takeaway
If you’re noticing these symptoms, book an appointment with a rheumatologist, who may be able to pinpoint and diagnose your specific condition. If you’ve experienced medical gaslighting and trauma, and you’re not quite ready to see another doctor, you may prefer to start with this book written by a rheumatologist.
