As a woman, you could have work, family, and life under control, but is your health paying the price? In the midst of managing it all, something crucial often gets pushed aside: your PRECIOUS health. Did you know that women are more likely to dismiss heart health concerns until it’s too late? A 2014 study revealed that women tend to wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking help. But what if your body is already trying to tell you something? While it’s natural to feel under the weather every now and again — a lingering headache, changes in skin or weight are normal so you ignore it, thinking they would just go away. But ignoring your body’s signals can come with serious risks. To help you navigate how and when to be concerned about these health issues, we’ve compiled some of these health symptoms in women that you should not ignore.
01
Heavy Periods Accompanied with Pain
Do you ever feel like your period is running your life? For many women, heavy bleeding and painful cramps are just part of the monthly routine—but when does “normal” cross the line into something more serious? Most women experience cramps [dysmenorrhea] and some discomfort during their period, but severe pain that disrupts your daily life or bleeding that lasts longer than a week could signal something more serious. That unbearable cramping might be caused by primary dysmenorrhea, the kind of pain that’s driven by hormone-induced contractions of the uterus.
While over 50% of women deal with some period pain for a day or two, it’s when that pain worsens or becomes long-lasting that it could be a sign of secondary dysmenorrhea—a condition linked to ovarian cysts, fibroids, or even more complex health issues. Similarly, heavy bleeding during your period—known as menorrhagia—could be more than just an inconvenience. If you’re passing large clots, bleeding for more than seven days, or needing to change your tampon or pad every hour, it’s time to see a doctor. Menorrhagia can be caused by hormonal imbalances like PCOS or thyroid issues, but in some cases, it could be a red flag for uterine or cervical cancer.
02
Breathlessness
Feeling out of breath after climbing stairs or during intense exercise is normal. But what if you’re struggling to catch your breath even when you’re resting? For women, this experience is more common compared to men according to BBC News, and it could be a sign of something more serious. This condition, known as dyspnea, can range from a mild inconvenience to a terrifying sensation of suffocation. It can be caused by anything from asthma to more severe conditions like heart disease or anxiety, according to Healthline. In some cases, breathlessness might even point to advanced lung cancer, especially if a tumor is pressing on your lungs or blocking airways.
Don’t ignore it. Whether your breathlessness comes on suddenly or has been lingering for weeks, talk to your doctor. Early detection makes all the difference in treating underlying conditions before they become life-threatening.
03
Pain Around Your Pelvic
Experiencing pelvic pain? While some discomfort during your period is common, persistent and unusually painful pelvic pain could be a red flag for a more serious condition, like endometriosis. This condition occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, leading to pain, scarring, and hormonal imbalances. This condition affects millions of women, often going undiagnosed and leading to severe health consequences, including infertility or even cancer.
But endometriosis isn’t the only potential cause of chronic pelvic pain. Ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and pelvic inflammatory diseas (PID) are other culprits, and in rare cases, it may be a sign of cancer [CDC]. Shockingly, Many women reportedly don’t report pelvic pain, often brushing it off. Experts advises, women need to speak up about their symptoms. Pelvic pain might be the warning sign your doctor should explore more deeply.
04
Dysphagia: Difficulty to Swallow
If you find yourself frequently feeling like something is stuck in your throat or having difficulty swallowing, you might be experiencing a condition known as dysphagia. More common in women, this issue can affect any
part of the throat or esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food and water to the stomach. Symptoms can include regurgitating food or liquids and needing to chew more thoroughly before swallowing. While occasional difficulties may be linked to minor issues like stress or a sore throat, persistent problems warrant attention.
For women experiencing chronic dysphagia, it’s crucial to consult a doctor to rule out serious conditions, including the rare but concerning possibility of esophageal cancer. This type of cancer may narrow the esophagus due to a tumor or a swollen thyroid gland, often accompanied by symptoms like unintended weight loss, chest pain, coughing, or heartburn. Other causes of swallowing difficulties can range from common ailments like tonsillitis and acid reflux.
05
Irregular Viginal Bleeding
Spotting between periods or experiencing irregular vaginal bleeding can feel unsettling. But is it always a cause for concern? Not necessarily. Changes in your medications, lifestyle, or even diet can sometimes trigger unexpected bleeding, and in many cases, it’s nothing serious. However, if this happens frequently or lasts longer than expected, it’s your body’s way of telling you to pay attention.
While occasional spotting might seem harmless, ignoring persistent irregular bleeding could mean missing early signs of something more serious. According to WebMD, Thyroid disorders, sexually transmitted infections, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and even blood clotting issues like von Willebrand disease could be at play . In some cases, it’s even a warning sign for endometrial cancer, with more than 90% of women diagnosed with the condition experiencing abnormal bleeding.
Endometrial cancer is more common after menopause, but women of any age should report unusual bleeding to their doctor.
06
Swell in Your Legs and Feet
A little swelling in your legs or feet after a long day of sitting or standing is common and usually harmless. This condition, called edema, happens when excess fluid builds up in your blood vessels. Factors like inactivity, salty foods can temporary cause swelling, which often goes away with movement and better circulation. However, if the swelling becomes persistent or worsens, it may signal a more serious issue that requires medical attention.
Chronic or severe edema could indicate deep-vein thrombosis, a dangerous condition where a blood clot forms in your leg and may travel to the lungs, potentially becoming life-threatening. Women are at higher risk for deep-vein thrombosis during pregnancy or when undergoing hormone replacement therapy. Some serious causes of leg and foot swelling include vein damage, heart failure, and kidney or liver disease. The key is to trust your instincts—if the swelling doesn’t resolve, don’t wait to get it checked out. Early diagnosis can help prevent treat more severe health issues down the road.
07
Spotting Changes in Your Breasts
Noticing a lump in your breast can send your mind racing, but in some cases, lumps aren’t cause for alarm. Many are simply the result of hormonal changes, and some women naturally have lumpier breasts. But how do you know when to be concerned? Most breast changes are totally normal skin issues. However, it’s still important to stay alert to certain signs. If you notice any of the following— changes in skin color or texture, nipple enlargement bloody discharge, or a lump that grows over time—it’s time to schedule a visit to your doctor.
While your risk of developing breast cancer increases after age 50 or if you have a family history, cancer can affect women of all ages and backgrounds. That’s why it’s crucial to take any breast change seriously, regardless of your age. Catching potential issues early gives you the best chance for successful treatment.
08
Discharge in one or Either of Your Nipple
Noticing fluid leaking from one or both nipples can be alarming, but before you panic, you might want to know that not all discharge is cause for concern. In fact, milky or clear discharge is fairly common during pregnancy or breastfeeding, thanks to a hormone called prolactin, which stimulates milk production. But what if you’re not pregnant or breastfeeding? Could it be a sign of something more serious?
In some cases, nipple discharge can be linked to benign issues like hormonal changes, infections, or fibrocystic breast conditions. Even a small growth in the pituitary gland can trigger an overproduction of prolactin, leading to discharge. And surprisingly, some women may experience it for no identifiable reason at all. While Dr. Therese Bartholomew Bevers, a clinical cancer prevention expert, reassures that nipple discharge is “very rarely due to breast cancer,” it’s still essential to take note of any unusual symptoms. Discharge that is bloody, occurs only from one nipple, or happens without any physical stimulation should not be ignored.
09
Watch Out for Chest Pains
When it comes to heart health, chest pain is often most common or a primary warning sign of a heart attack, as women’s symptoms can differ from men’s. While chest pain remains the most common heart attack symptom for both genders, women are more likely to experience additional symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and even pain radiating to the back or jaw. If you’re feeling any type of chest discomfort—whether it’s sharp, dull, or constant—don’t panic, but don’t brush it off either. Heart attacks don’t always strike with dramatic flair, many begin subtly, escalating from mild discomfort to something more serious over time.
There are other causes of chest pain as Havard Health Publishing notes that only about 20% of Americans who seek evaluation for chest pain receive a diagnosis of a heart attack or unstable angina each year. Other serious conditions can also present with similar symptoms are aortic dissection, or a pulmonary embolism— can lead to chest pain that demands immediate attention. In rare cases, lung cancer may manifest as chest, shoulder, or back pain, often accompanied by a persistent cough.
10
Unexpected Weight Loss
Losing a few pounds without trying might seem like a welcome surprise, but unintentional weight loss can sometimes be a sign that something isn’t right beneath the surface.
One common cause is hyperthyroidism, a condition where your thyroid becomes overactive, speeding up your metabolism. Women with hyperthyroidism often feel weak, anxious, or moody and may experience symptoms like hand tremors or an irregular heartbeat. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to more serious health complications.
Beyond thyroid issues, unexpected weight loss could point to gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or even peptic ulcers. Although rare, ovarian cancer can also trigger unintentional weight loss. If you’ve dropped more than 10 pounds without effort in six to 12 months, it’s time to consult your doctor. Identifying the cause early can prevent more severe complications and get you on the right treatment path.
11
Changes in The Skin
“Your skin is your body’s window to your health,” This phrase could not be more true. As the largest organ, our skin can reveal a lot about what’s happening inside our bodies. While changes in our skin—like new spots or discoloration—are often a normal part of aging, they can also be warning signs that something is off. From rashes that indicate allergies or infections to changes in skin tone linked to more serious conditions, your skin can give crucial clues about your overall health (via Everyday Health). For example, if you notice a darkening of your skin around joints or folds, it could signal an underlying issue with your adrenal glands.
However, skin changes are perhaps most famously associated with skin cancer. You should be vigilant about spots, bumps, ulcers, or moles that change over time. While benign marks tend to stay the same, any growth that morphs in size, shape, or color could be a warning sign of melanoma or another type of skin cancer.
