Misconceptions about autoimmune diseases can delay diagnosis and proper treatment.

Emma* always thought autoimmune diseases were rare—until she got diagnosed with one.

For years, she brushed off her exhaustion as stress. The joint pain? Normal aging. The fatigue? Maybe stress or poor sleep. Every doctor visit ended the same: "Your labs look fine."

When I shared with her that she had Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, she was stunned. "I thought autoimmune diseases were rare," she said. "And aren't they untreatable?" “No,” I replied, "that’s a myth. And unfortunately, it’s one of many."

Misconceptions like these keep millions of people from getting the care they need. So, today, let’s call out five of the biggest myths about autoimmune diseases:

🚫 Myth #1: Autoimmune diseases are rare.

✅ Truth: Over 50 million Americans live with an autoimmune disease—contrast this with the fact that 38.1 million Americans live with diabetes. Yet, because they’re often invisible, autoimmune diseases are rarely discussed.

🚫 Myth #2: You can cure autoimmune disease with diet alone.

✅ Truth: While nutrition plays a huge role in managing symptoms, autoimmune diseases are complex, and treatment requires a multi-pronged approach. A personalized plan—including lifestyle changes, medications, and medical monitoring—offers the best outcomes.

🚫 Myth #3: Only women get autoimmune diseases.

✅ Truth: Women are diagnosed at higher rates, but men can and do develop autoimmune diseases. The difference? Men are often diagnosed later, sometimes because of lingering stereotypes.

🚫 Myth #4: Autoimmune diseases only affect one part of the body.

✅ Truth: Many autoimmune diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, impact multiple organs and systems. The immune system doesn’t attack a single area—it can create widespread inflammation affecting the entire body.

🚫 Myth #5: If your symptoms aren’t constant, you must not be sick.

✅ Truth: Autoimmune diseases flare and remit—meaning some days are manageable, while others are debilitating. And because someone looks fine today doesn’t mean they aren’t struggling tomorrow. It also doesn’t mean they feel good today even if they look “okay”.

Why This Matters

Emma’s diagnosis changed the way she saw her health. She realized how much misinformation had kept her from advocating for herself sooner. If she had known the truth earlier, she might have found answers years ago.

If you or someone you love is struggling with unexplained symptoms, don’t wait. Understanding autoimmune diseases can be the first step toward better health.

🔹 Share this email to spread awareness. Because the more we know, the better we can fight back. 💙

To Your Health,

Amy Loden Tiffany, MD

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*Name changed to protect privacy.

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