A majority of women ignore health-related red flags

Have you ignored signs that there's something wrong with your health? For women, it's an all too common instinct. 

According to a survey by MD Live, an Evernorth virtual healthcare provider, nearly 60% of women ignore their intuition when it tells them something is wrong with their bodies — at least until the symptoms disrupt their daily tasks. And yet, over 80% of women trust their intuition is correct in sensing something is off with their health, yet they're cautious in acting on it. 

"Our survey found that women frequently delay seeking care for gynecological, mental health, respiratory and skin issues," says Dr. Vontrelle Roundtree, associate chief medical officer at MD Live. "On average, women wait more than six weeks to seek care for gynecological and mental health concerns, while they wait more than three weeks for respiratory issues. This trend is especially concerning for conditions that may not present immediate or severe but could signal underlying health issues if left untreated."

Read more: Screening for cancer, saving lives: A union on a mission

The World Health Organization estimates that up to 50% of cancer diagnoses could be prevented through early detection and intervention, and up to 58% of people at risk for type 2 diabetes could reduce their chances of developing the disease through early intervention, according to the CDC. However, between rigid work schedules and the cost of care in the U.S., Americans are not incentivized to book doctor appointments. According to MD Live, 45% of women ignore their symptoms during the workday, and 37% would refuse to leave work if they feel unwell. 

But work isn't the only thing keeping women from seeking care. 

"Surprisingly, nearly one-quarter of women in our survey said they delay care because they fear being perceived as overly dramatic, with this number rising to 36% among Gen Z women," says Roundtree. "Some of the women in our survey hesitate due to past experiences of 'medical gaslighting,' where healthcare providers dismissed their concerns."

Read more: A guide to GLP-1 adoption: How employers can add this benefit in 2025

A survey by SHE Media found that 72% of women have experienced medical gaslighting, which is when healthcare providers downplay or dismiss a patient's symptoms or concerns. There's a long history of the healthcare industry taking women less than seriously, with gender bias permeating not just how healthcare professionals respond to patients but also their knowledge of female health. This adds up to women going through a lot more trouble for diagnosis. For example, women are twice as likely as men to have to report their symptoms five or more times before doctors diagnose them with cancer, according to the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. 

While women certainly have valid reasons for their hesitation, Dr. Roundtree asks that they not brush aside their intuition. According to MD Live, 43% of women report their health concerns worsened after ignoring the signs. 

"Women should pay close attention to any unexplained or persistent symptoms," she says. "For example, fatigue that doesn't improve with rest can be a sign of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid disorders."

Read more: How this healthcare benefit is helping women manage PCOS

Dr. Roundtree points to chronic bloating as well, noting that consistent bloat after meals could be a sign of gastrointestinal disorders, including IBS or even ovarian cancer. Weight fluctuations that don't seem related to diet or lifestyle changes could also indicate hormonal imbalances or metabolic disorders. 

Dr. Roundtree emphasizes that employers have a vital role to play in women getting the care they need to stay healthy. Beyond offering comprehensive health plans and virtual healthcare solutions, it's crucial company leaders encourage workers to prioritize their health. If a work culture doesn't give employees the space to use their benefits, then the benefits can't do the company or its workers much good. 

"Offering flexible schedules, normalizing conversations around health concerns and providing easy access to virtual care options can make a substantial difference," says Dr. Roundtree. "Most importantly, reducing stigma around seeking care during the workday can make a notable difference in ensuring women feel supported to prioritize their health without hesitation or fear of judgment."