Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can damage any part of the body. Women are more likely to develop lupus than men, and the disease can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments. The most common type of lupus is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which can be mild or severe and can affect different parts of the body. The signs and symptoms of lupus that a woman may experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease. The most common signs and symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
- Butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose or rashes elsewhere on the body
- Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure
- Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Memory problems and difficulty expressing thoughts if the brain is affected by lupus
- Reduced number of healthy red blood cells (anemia) and an increased risk of bleeding or blood clotting if blood is affected by lupus
- Inflammation of the chest cavity lining, which can make breathing painful if the lungs are affected by lupus
Other symptoms of lupus may include hair loss, mouth or nose sores, and kidney problems. Lupus can also cause other health conditions or issues, such as heart disease and osteoporosis. If a woman experiences any of these symptoms, she should talk to her healthcare provider and ask questions. Even small changes in her symptoms or health can be a sign that lupus is affecting her differently.
