By Everything Lifestyle Staff

Women's Health

The 5 Most Misdiagnosed Health Conditions in Women

Feb 6, 2025 | 12:30 PM

Women’s symptoms may be downplayed or attributed to other causes for these conditions.

When it comes to health, women often face unique challenges. One of the biggest? Misdiagnosis. Some health issues in women are frequently overlooked or mistaken for something else. This can delay treatment and lead to frustration or poor health outcomes. Here are five conditions that are most commonly misdiagnosed in women.

1. Cardiovascular Issues – Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, yet it’s often missed. Why? Women’s heart attack symptoms can be different from men’s. Instead of crushing chest pain, women may feel fatigue, nausea or jaw pain. Doctors sometimes mistake these signs for stress or indigestion. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to speak up and ask for a heart health evaluation.
2. Autoimmune Diseases – Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis are tricky. They affect women far more often than men and can mimic other conditions. Symptoms like fatigue, joint pain and rashes are sometimes dismissed as stress or aging. It often takes years—and multiple doctors—to get the right diagnosis. If you suspect an autoimmune condition, consider seeing a specialist.
3. Cancer – Certain cancers, like ovarian or cervical cancer, are frequently misdiagnosed. Early symptoms—like bloating, back pain or irregular bleeding—can seem harmless or be confused with other issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Regular check-ups and knowing what’s normal for your body can help catch cancer early.
4. Neurological Disorders – Conditions like migraines, multiple sclerosis (MS) or even strokes are often overlooked in women. A migraine might be written off as “just a bad headache.” Stroke symptoms, like confusion or dizziness, can be misinterpreted as anxiety or vertigo. Trust your instincts, and if your symptoms feel serious, insist on further testing.
5. Endometriosis – Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. It causes severe pelvic pain, heavy periods and even infertility. Despite affecting millions of women, it often goes undiagnosed or is mistaken for bad menstrual cramps. If period pain disrupts your life, don’t brush it off. Talk to a gynecologist who understands this condition.

Why Misdiagnosis Happens

Women’s health is complex, and sometimes doctors don’t recognize symptoms because they don’t fit the “typical” profile. Hormones, stress and even gender bias in healthcare can play a role.

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Here are a few ways you can take control of your health and make it less likely that your symptoms will be ignored or misdiagnosed:

• Know your body: Pay attention to new or unusual symptoms.
• Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to push for answers or second opinions.
• Be proactive: Regular screenings and check-ups are key.

Your health is worth fighting for. If you have symptoms and believe you have a serious health condition, trust yourself, be proactive and don’t settle for less than the care you deserve. You are your own best health advocate!

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_{Medical Review: Perry Pitkow, MD}