Are You Missing the Signs? 5 Health Conditions Women Often Overlook

(BPT) - Sometimes your body sends signals that something's not quite right, but those signals don't always match what you'd expect. Many common health conditions show up differently in women than in men, yet most medical research and education have traditionally focused on male symptoms. Combined with cultural assumptions and conflicting information, it's no surprise that some signs get missed in women. In fact, according to a recent MD Live by Evernorth survey, while two-thirds of women say they feel confident recognizing symptoms, most were unable to correctly identify female-specific signs of common health issues from heart disease to mental health conditions.

"When symptoms are vague or don't fit the usual description, they're easy to miss or misinterpret, especially in women," explains Dr. Maggie Williams, Medical Director of Primary Care at MD Live. "The more women understand the ways their bodies communicate distress, the quicker they can act on them and the better they can advocate for the care they deserve."

Dr. Williams breaks down five common health conditions where women's symptoms may look different and explains how to spot the signs that you should seek care.

1. Heart Attack

While chest pain is a hallmark heart attack symptom for both men and women, women are much more likely to experience accompanying or alternative symptoms that are subtler and easier to dismiss. These can include nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, jaw, neck and back pain, and overwhelming fatigue. As a result, these symptoms are often mistaken for anxiety, acid reflux, or run-of-the-mill tiredness, which can cause women to delay seeking care right away.

2. ADHD

ADHD has long been associated with hyperactivity and impulsivity - traits that are more commonly seen and diagnosed in boys. However, in girls and adult women, symptoms can be far more subtle and internalized: trouble focusing, constant disorganization, forgetfulness, internal restlessness and frequent mood changes. These symptoms are often confused with anxiety, burnout, or simply undesirable personality traits. Men are more likely to have the hyperactive type of ADHD, so they tend to get flagged earlier in childhood, while women often go undiagnosed until adulthood.

3. Perimenopause

Perimenopause - the transition phase before menopause - can last for years and bring a wide range of physical and mental changes. In addition to hot flashes and irregular periods, many women experience brain fog, sleep issues, mood swings, and even joint stiffness or pain. Because these symptoms are gradual, they often go unrecognized or are misattributed, especially when they begin earlier than expected.

4. Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid issues, like an overactive or underactive thyroid, are much more common in women. They affect the body's metabolism and can lead to symptoms that affect every part of the body: mood swings, joint pain, unexplained weight changes, hair loss, sensitivity to temperature, and menstrual changes. Since many of these symptoms overlap with stress-related concerns, thyroid disorders may be falsely blamed on lifestyle or age.

5. Depression

Depression in women doesn't always mean feelings of constant sadness. Additional common signs are low energy, ongoing physical pain (especially headaches or digestive problems), excessive guilt, feelings of worthlessness and sleeping more than usual.

The best thing women can do for their health is listen to their bodies. If something feels "off" or doesn't have a clear explanation, don't ignore it. Virtual care options - like those available through MD Live - can offer an easier and more convenient way to talk to a board-certified doctor, ask questions, and get guidance on what to do next. Check with your health insurer to see what virtual care options are covered by your plan. However, if symptoms feel severe or you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.