When Women Speak, We Must Listen

I often encounter a diverse range of patients, particularly women, presenting with a variety of symptoms and health concerns. A troubling pattern I’ve frequently observed is the tendency of their husbands or family members to dismiss these concerns, with comments like, “She’s always feeling unwell, but I tell her it’s nothing.” This reflects a deeper societal issue where women’s health, much like other aspects of their lives, is often minimized or overlooked. One recent memorable case was of a young woman who came to me with recurring headaches. Her husband brushed it off as something trivial, offering her paracetamol for relief. When her symptoms escalated to occasional vomiting, further evaluation revealed that she had a brain tumor.

This case is a stark reminder that while some symptoms may seem minor or insignificant, they can be early indicators of more serious underlying conditions. Women’s health concerns—whether chronic fatigue, pain or hormonal issues—should never be dismissed. Failing to acknowledge these symptoms not only delays potential diagnoses but can also lead to lasting physical and emotional consequences.

It is important to recognize and address women’s health concerns. We’ll understand some common symptoms that are frequently ignored, the potential risks of overlooking them, and emphasize the critical need to pay attention to the health narratives of the women in our care. Even seemingly simple issues like persistent fatigue, irregular menstrual cycles or unexplained weight fluctuations should be thoroughly investigated rather than brushed aside.

1. Fatigue and Weakness: Possible Thyroid Disorders

Chronic fatigue is one of the most reported symptoms among women. While fatigue can be linked to various causes such as stress or lack of sleep, persistent and unexplained exhaustion may point to thyroid dysfunction, particularly hypothyroidism. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, leading to a slowdown in the body's metabolism.

Additional symptoms: Dry skin, brittle hair, constipation, weight gain, and feeling unusually cold. In contrast, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) may cause symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and weight loss.

Thyroid conditions are more common in women than men, particularly during periods of hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause. Early detection through blood tests can help regulate thyroid function with medication.

2. Pelvic Pain and Irregular Periods: Signs of Gynecological Conditions

Pelvic pain, especially when coupled with irregular periods, can indicate a variety of reproductive health issues. Endometriosis, a condition where the tissue lining the uterus grows outside of it, is a common cause of pelvic pain. This condition can lead to severe pain during menstruation, heavy bleeding, and infertility.

Another common diagnosis is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), where women experience irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and sometimes excessive hair growth. PCOS results from hormonal imbalances and can lead to long-term health complications like diabetes and heart disease if left untreated.

Additional symptoms of gynecological issues: Bloating, pain during intercourse, and abnormal vaginal discharge could point to infections or uterine fibroids.

3. Unexplained Weight Gain or Loss: Metabolic and Autoimmune Disorders

Fluctuations in weight are common among women, but unexplained weight gain or loss without dietary or lifestyle changes can be a red flag. Conditions like Cushing's syndrome (excess cortisol production) and diabetes can lead to unexplained weight gain, while autoimmune conditions like Graves' disease or rheumatoid arthritis may cause rapid weight loss.

Diabetes in women may present with signs like frequent urination, excessive thirst, and fatigue. Autoimmune diseases, where the body's immune system attacks healthy tissue, often result in symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and swelling, affecting organs such as the thyroid (in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) or the digestive tract (in celiac disease).

Additional symptoms: For autoimmune disorders, you may also notice hair loss, skin rashes, or unexplained fevers.

4. Shortness of Breath and Chest Pain: Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is often considered a male issue, but it is the leading cause of death for women. One reason it’s underdiagnosed in women is that heart attack symptoms can present differently. Instead of the classic crushing chest pain, women may experience:

Shortness of breath

Unusual fatigue

Nausea or vomiting

Pain in the neck, jaw, shoulder, or back

Women may also experience chest pain, but it’s often more subtle and sometimes dismissed as anxiety or heartburn. Cardiovascular issues like coronary artery disease (CAD) or congestive heart failure can cause these symptoms. Early intervention is key, so recognizing atypical signs in women is critical for timely treatment.

5. Joint Pain and Muscle Stiffness: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus

Women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Both conditions are chronic and involve the immune system attacking the body’s tissues, causing inflammation.

RA typically presents with joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly in the hands and wrists.

Lupus may cause similar joint issues but also involves symptoms such as a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, fatigue, and organ involvement (e.g., kidney problems).

These conditions are more likely to flare during times of stress or hormonal changes, and long-term management is required to prevent complications.

6. Persistent Headaches and Dizziness: Migraines or Anemia

Women are more likely than men to suffer from migraines, often linked to hormonal fluctuations. Migraines can cause intense throbbing headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, and vomiting. Women may notice migraines before or during their periods, during pregnancy, or at menopause due to estrogen level changes.

On the other hand, persistent dizziness or lightheadedness could indicate anemia, a condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to tissues. This is particularly common in women due to menstrual blood loss, pregnancy, or dietary deficiencies. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and cold extremities.

7. Depression and Anxiety: Mental Health Concerns

Depression and anxiety are more common in women, particularly due to hormonal fluctuations during life stages like puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. Mental health issues can manifest as persistent sadness, irritability, or even sleep disorders.

Additional Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, fatigue, and headaches. Women are also more prone to conditions like insomnia and restless leg syndrome, often linked to hormonal shifts or mental health issues.

Postpartum depression can affect new mothers, leading to feelings of overwhelming sadness, difficulty bonding with the baby, and even thoughts of self-harm. Perimenopausal depression may also occur as estrogen levels decline, triggering mood swings, irritability, and sleep disturbances.

8. Frequent Urination and Pain: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections are common in women and present with symptoms like a frequent urge to urinate, burning sensation during urination, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. UTIs can be mild but, if left untreated, may progress to more serious kidney infections.

Additional symptoms: Fever, lower back pain, and pelvic discomfort may accompany more severe cases.

9. Bone Weakness and Joint Pain: Osteopenia and Osteoporosis

Bone health is an important area of concern for women, particularly post-menopausal women. Osteopenia (early bone loss) and osteoporosis (advanced bone thinning) are common but often overlooked. These conditions result in weak bones, increasing the risk of fractures.

Symptoms: Unexplained bone pain, joint pain, stiffness, and a higher likelihood of fractures. Early diagnosis and treatment through lifestyle changes and medication can prevent serious complications.

10.  Frequent Urination and Pain: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs present with symptoms such as a frequent urge to urinate, pain during urination, and strong-smelling urine. If untreated, UTIs can lead to kidney infections.

Additional Symptoms: Fever, lower back pain, and pelvic discomfort in more severe cases.

Understanding the signs and symptoms that commonly affect women is essential for early diagnosis and treatment. From thyroid disorders and autoimmune diseases to cardiovascular and mental health concerns, women’s health is multifaceted. Regular check-ups and attention to even subtle changes in your body can help detect underlying health issues before they become severe. Always consult your doctor when symptoms persist to ensure timely and effective care.