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Sjogren Syndrome
Sjogren syndrome is an autoimmune condition that targets moisture glands and can affect nerves and organs. We address immune triggers, gut, hormones, and the nervous system.
What you may be noticing
Eyes that feel sandy and burn. A mouth so dry that crackers are hard to swallow and you drink water through every meal. Dental problems that seem to appear from nowhere. Deep fatigue, joint aches, dry skin, vaginal dryness, and sometimes numbness or burning in the hands and feet. Brain fog is common.
New swelling of the salivary glands that persists, unexplained fevers, or lymph node enlargement need prompt medical evaluation.
Why it is rarely one thing
Sjogren syndrome is a systemic autoimmune condition. The immune system infiltrates the glands that produce tears and saliva, and it can also affect the joints, lungs, kidneys, skin, blood vessels, and nervous system. It is much more common in women, often begins in midlife, and can occur alone or with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Hashimoto thyroiditis.
Autoimmunity rarely has a single cause. Genetic susceptibility meets triggers such as viral infections, hormonal shifts, intestinal permeability, and chronic stress. Epstein-Barr virus has been studied as a possible trigger, and this remains a hypothesis. Small fiber neuropathy and autonomic dysfunction are increasingly recognized, which explains burning pain, dizziness on standing, or digestive changes in some people.
My stance is that autoimmunity can often be turned down when we find and remove what keeps provoking it. Rather than asking only which diagnosis you carry, I ask what is driving the immune system right now. I picture a toxic burden bucket: viruses, mold, chemicals, and gut permeability fill it until the immune system loses tolerance. The sequence matters. Open drainage first, then seal the barriers, gut first, then lower the load. That ordering is a working clinical framework.
Patterns we look for
- SSA and SSB antibodies, antinuclear antibodies, and rheumatoid factor.
- Thyroid autoimmunity.
- Intestinal permeability and microbiome balance.
- Viral reactivation history.
- Toxic burden, mold exposure, and personal care chemicals.
- Oral microbiome and dental health.
- Vitamin D and omega-3 status, and sex hormone changes.
- Small fiber neuropathy and autonomic function.
- Sleep and stress physiology.
How I evaluate it
The comprehensive functional neurological exam includes sensory testing for small fiber patterns, autonomic assessment from lying to standing, cranial nerve function, and blink and corneal reflexes.
Functional labs may include antinuclear antibodies, SSA and SSB, rheumatoid factor, complement levels, a complete blood count, a full thyroid panel with antibodies, vitamin D, inflammatory markers, sex hormones, intestinal permeability markers, viral markers, and a comprehensive stool analysis. I coordinate with your rheumatologist, eye care provider, and dentist.
How we address it
- Keep your rheumatology care central, including any medication decisions.
- Open drainage pathways before any detox work.
- Identify and reduce immune triggers: food reactivity, infections, mold, and chemical exposures.
- Repair the gut barrier and rebalance the microbiome.
- Rebalance vitamin D, omega-3 fats, blood sugar, and hormones.
- Support moisture with hydration and humidified spaces, and protect the oral microbiome with gentle, fluoride-conscious and SLS-free care chosen with your dentist, avoiding harsh antibacterial or alcohol rinses.
- Calm neuroinflammation and use brain-based rehabilitation for sensory and autonomic function where affected.
Autoimmunity is a conversation between the immune system and its environment. We work to change the conversation.
Book your Comprehensive Functional Medicine Eval/Neurological Exam today to discover what the contributing root causes are that are underlying your health concerns.