Nine out of ten patients are women. The average age of onset is late 40s although Sjogren's occurs in all age groups in both women and men. The hallmark symptoms are dry eyes and dry mouth. Sjogren's can also cause dryness of the skin, nose, and vagina. Sjogren's also may affect other organs, such as the kidney, GI tract, blood vessels, lung, liver, pancreas, and the central nervous system.
Many patients experience debilitating fatigue and joint pain.
Symptoms can plateau, worsen, or go into remission. While some people experience mild symptoms, others suffer debilitating symptoms that greatly impair their quality of life. Approximately half of people with Sjogren's have Primary, and the other half have Secondary Sjogren's.