10 Signs Your Symptoms Might Be Autoimmune – And What to Do Next
If you're feeling tired all the time, struggling with bloating or brain fog, or experiencing unexplained aches and skin flare-ups, you're not alone. These may seem like random, unrelated symptoms — but they could be early warning signs of an autoimmune condition.
As a rheumatologist and functional medicine doctor, I see many women who have been dismissed or told their blood tests are "normal" when they know something isn't right. Autoimmune diseases are often underdiagnosed, especially in women, and catching them early can make all the difference.
What Is Autoimmune Disease?
Autoimmune diseases happen when your immune system, which is meant to protect you, mistakenly attacks your own tissues. There are over 80 known types, including rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, lupus, coeliac disease, and psoriasis. These conditions can affect nearly any system in the body, from joints and skin to the gut, brain, and hormones.
10 Signs Your Symptoms Might Be Autoimmune:
Unexplained Fatigue – Waking tired even after a full night's sleep, or crashing in the afternoon.
Brain Fog – Difficulty concentrating, memory issues, or feeling mentally "cloudy."
Joint or Muscle Pain – Aching, stiffness, or swelling, especially if it moves around or isn’t linked to injury.
Bloating, Constipation or IBS – Digestive issues are often early signs of autoimmunity.
Skin Rashes or Hives – Especially those that flare unpredictably or are sensitive to the sun.
Thyroid Imbalance – Weight changes, cold intolerance, or mood swings could be linked to Hashimoto’s.
Frequent Infections or Slow Healing – A sign your immune system may be overworked or misfiring.
Hair Thinning or Loss – Common in conditions like lupus and autoimmune thyroid disease.
Numbness or Tingling – Especially in hands and feet, possibly pointing to nerve inflammation.
Mood Changes – Anxiety, low mood, or irritability that feels more biological than situational.
Why These Symptoms Are Often Missed
Most autoimmune conditions develop gradually. Early symptoms often overlap with stress, hormonal changes, or digestive issues, and routine blood tests can miss the subtle immune dysregulation happening beneath the surface.
That’s where a functional medicine approach can make a real difference. We go beyond symptom management to uncover the root causes — from gut health and infections to toxins, hormones, and nutrient deficiencies.
What You Can Do Next
If you recognise several of these signs in yourself, don’t ignore them. Your body is trying to tell you something.
Start here:
Download my free guide: "5 Root Causes of Autoimmune Disease They Don’t Tell You About"
Join the waitlist for my upcoming Autoimmune Reset course, where I guide you through a 12-week functional medicine framework to calm inflammation, support your immune system, and reclaim your health.
You deserve answers — and healing is possible.
Dr Kerry Aston is a Consultant Rheumatologist and Functional Medicine Practitioner with 15 years' experience helping women uncover the root causes of chronic illness and thrive again.