When Symptoms Start to Overlap
Joint pain. Fatigue. Brain fog. Digestive issues. Flare days that come out of nowhere. Many people living with hypermobility notice their symptoms look a lot like autoimmune disease — and for good reason. These two worlds overlap more than most realize.
If you’ve ever wondered whether there is “more going on,” you’re not imagining things.
Why These Conditions Are Often Connected
Autoimmune diseases appear more frequently in people with EDS and hypermobility than in the general population. Researchers are still uncovering why, but immune dysregulation, chronic inflammation, and genetic susceptibility likely play a role. Some people develop both. Others have one that mimics the other. And many fall somewhere in between.
This overlap can make diagnosis confusing and care frustrating.
Why Symptoms Can Look So Similar
Both hypermobility disorders and autoimmune disease can cause widespread pain, fatigue, swelling, temperature sensitivity, digestive problems, and neurological symptoms. Flares can feel nearly identical. Blood work may be normal. Imaging may not explain what you’re feeling.
This can lead to years of being told “everything looks fine” while your body says otherwise.
When It’s One, the Other — or Both
Some people truly have autoimmune disease. Some truly have EDS or HSD. And many have both at the same time. These conditions are not mutually exclusive. Having one does not protect you from the other.
This is why careful evaluation, history, and pattern recognition matter so much.
What Next Steps Can Look Like
If your symptoms feel inflammatory, cyclical, or progressively worsening, it is reasonable to ask about autoimmune screening. Thankfully there are blood tests that can officially diagnose many autoimmune conditions. At the same time, if you are hypermobile with chronic pain and multisystem symptoms, hypermobility should be part of the conversation — even if blood work is negative. Hypermobility and EDS are tested not with blood work but with a physical exam and going through a checklist to see if you meet the required criteria.
One normal lab panel should never be the end of the discussion.
The Takeaway
Hypermobility and autoimmunity often travel similar roads. Sometimes they walk together. Sometimes one masquerades as the other. You deserve a provider who is willing to look at the full picture instead of choosing a single box.
Your story matters.
Your symptoms are real.
And clarity is possible.
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Have you ever wondered whether your symptoms were autoimmune, hypermobility-related, or both? What helped you find answers?
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Warm regards,
The Hypermobile Solutions Team
References
Home. The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/
What is HSD?. The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-hsd/
What is eds?. The Ehlers Danlos Society. https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/what-is-eds/
Jovin, D., Atwal, P., Herman, K., Block, N., Maxwell, A. J., Mitakides, J., Maitland, A. M., Saperstein, D., Hamilton, M., Schofield, J., Koby, M., Klinge, P., McElroy, A., Bluestein, L., Chopra, P., Tishler, J., Pocinki, A. G., Varga, J., Dempsey, T., … Lane, K. (2020). Disjointed: Navigating the diagnosis and management of Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders. Hidden Stripes Publications, Inc.
Smith, C., & Wicks, D. (2017). Understanding Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder: (previously known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type & Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, respectively). Redcliff-House Publications.
Cox, C. (2022). Holding it all together when you’re Hypermobile. Journey2Joy
Afrin, L. B. (2016). Never bet against Occam: Mast cell activation disease and the modern epidemics of chronic illness and medical complexity. Sisters Media, LLC.
Freeman, K., Goldstein, D. S., & Thompson, C. R. (2025). The dysautonomia project: Understanding autonomic nervous system disorders (2nd ed.). Bardolf.
Disclaimer
This blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no provider/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at the user’s own risk. The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.