Life can be really busy for women—taking care of family, working a job, and keeping everything at home running smoothly. But if you start feeling chest pain, shortness of breath, or constant fatigue, you shouldn’t ignore it. It’s easy to forget about your own health, but some symptoms should never be ignored. Ignoring them can lead to serious health problems. Dr. Natalia Hapych, a certified family medicine physician, explains ten symptoms that women should always pay attention to so they can stay healthy.

If You Notice Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain, Talk to Your Doctor

It might seem great to lose a few pounds or scary to gain weight all of a sudden, but changes in weight without changes in your diet or exercise could be a sign of a problem. Dr. Hapych explains losing weight for no reason can mean there’s something wrong, like thyroid issues, diabetes, or even cancer. On the other hand, gaining weight suddenly could be due to hormonal problems or fluid buildup related to heart or kidney issues. If your weight changes quickly and you don’t know why, talk to your doctor. It’s better to check it out and be safe, she says.

Sudden Shortness of Breath

Getting out of breath after climbing stairs can be normal, but if you suddenly feel short of breath during things that never bothered you before, it’s a sign something could be wrong. It could be from anemia, lung issues, or even heart problems.

Dr. Hapych says that sudden breathlessness could be a sign of a heart attack, especially for women since their symptoms are often different from men’s. If you’re feeling short of breath for no clear reason, get it checked out. It’s better to be safe, especially with anything related to your heart or lungs.

Chest Pain Should Never Be Ignored

Chest pain is serious, and everyone should take it seriously—especially women. Women might not feel the classic crushing chest pain during a heart attack. Instead, they might feel tightness, pressure, or pain in their neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.

Dr. Hapych says these subtle signs are often missed, which means women don’t get the help they need fast enough. If you feel unusual pain or pressure in your chest, don’t ignore it. Get medical help right away. It could save your life, she stresses.

Constant Fatigue

We all get tired sometimes, but if you’re always tired, even after resting, it could mean something more. It might be from thyroid issues, anemia, sleep apnea, or even depression, according to Dr. Hapych. For women, feeling very tired all the time can also be a warning sign of heart disease. She says if you’re always feeling exhausted, no matter how much you sleep, talk to your doctor to find out why.

Abnormal Bleeding Should Be Checked Out

If you have unusual bleeding—like very heavy periods, bleeding between periods, or bleeding after menopause—you need to take it seriously. It could be due to fibroids, hormone problems, or even uterine or cervical cancer. Dr. Hapych explains that bleeding after menopause can be a warning sign of serious health problems. If you notice any changes in your normal bleeding patterns, talk to your doctor.

Severe Abdominal Pain Shouldn’t Be Ignored

If you have strong stomach pain that doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of different health problems like gallstones, appendicitis, or ovarian cysts. It could also mean you have a problem in your digestive system or a condition called pelvic inflammatory disease. If you suddenly have severe stomach pain, see your doctor as soon as you can.

New or Unusual Lumps Need to Be Examined

If you find a lump in your breast, under your arm, or anywhere else, don’t ignore it. Not all lumps mean cancer—some are just cysts—but it’s important to have a doctor check it to be sure. Dr. Hapych says finding and treating breast cancer early is extremely important. Do regular self-exams, and if you find anything unusual, make an appointment with your doctor.

Sudden or Severe Headaches

Headaches happen to everyone, but if you have a really bad headache that’s different from what you’ve had before, you should see a doctor. In fact, Dr. Hapych says It could be a migraine, or it could be something more serious, like a brain aneurysm or a stroke. If you have the worst headache of your life or a headache with other symptoms like vision problems, get medical help right away.

Sudden Vision Changes

If you have blurry vision, double vision, or suddenly lose vision, it can be scary. These changes could mean eye problems, a stroke, or diabetes. Sudden changes in vision could mean your blood sugar is not under control, Dr. Hapych explains. If you suddenly have vision changes, especially with other symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

Depression or Anxiety Should Be Taken Seriously

If you feel very sad, hopeless, or extremely anxious, don’t ignore it, Dr. Hapych says. Some women try to deal with it alone, but untreated mental health issues can get worse over time and hurt your quality of life. If you’re feeling sad or anxious for a long time, consider talking to a psychologist or counselor. There is no shame in getting help—you deserve to feel good.

Conclusion

These symptoms are not just small problems—they can be signs of serious health issues that need attention. As women, it’s important to listen to our bodies and get help when something feels wrong, Dr. Hapych emphasizes. If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. Taking care of yourself and catching problems early can help you stay healthy and feel your best.