Womens Health
Symptoms
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In the past, women’s cardiovascular symptoms were often under-recognized, leading many to be misdiagnosed or treated too late. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among women—claiming more lives each year than all cancers combined—yet signs often appear differently than they do in men.
A woman having a heart attack might feel fatigue, nausea, or pain in her back or jaw rather than the “classic” chest pressure. These subtle differences can delay diagnosis, but recognizing them can help you get the right treatment sooner.
Knowing your body and speaking up when something feels off can help you stay ahead of heart and vascular problems.
Women's health spans physical, emotional, and hormonal dimensions that evolve throughout your lifetime. From your reproductive years through menopause and beyond, every stage brings new changes—and new opportunities to protect your heart and vascular health.
Why women’s heart health requires specialized understanding:
Women’s symptoms of heart disease often differ from men’s.
Hormonal changes throughout life can influence cardiovascular risk.
Pregnancy and menopause both affect long-term vascular health.
Autoimmune conditions and chronic stress are more common in women.
Women are more likely to have symptoms dismissed or misdiagnosed.
Key health priorities include:
Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
Recognizing early heart and vascular warning signs.
Supporting hormone balance and bone health.
Prioritizing mental and emotional well-being.
Building consistent, trusting relationships with your care team.
Your health isn’t defined by one factor—it’s shaped by your hormones, life stages, and unique medical history. Awareness is the first step toward lasting balance and strength.
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Cardiovascular and Vascular Health
Heart and vascular disease remain leading health threats for women.
Many risks and symptoms look different from men’s and often go unrecognized.
Understanding these differences gives you a clearer picture of what to watch for and how to protect yourself.
Common conditions that affect women
Heart disease
Women may experience shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, nausea, indigestion, jaw or back pain, or a sense that “something isn’t right.” These symptoms can be easy to overlook and are sometimes misdiagnosed.
High blood pressure
Blood pressure may rise during pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause. Women’s blood pressure may rise more easily after eating salty foods.
Blood clots (DVT/PE)
Risk increases with pregnancy, hormonal birth control, hormone therapy, long travel, surgeries, and certain autoimmune conditions.
Stroke
Women have a higher lifetime risk. Pregnancy complications and migraine with aura can contribute.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Often mistaken for musculoskeletal pain. Look for leg pain with walking that improves with rest.
Warning signs you should never ignore
Unusual or overwhelming fatigue
Shortness of breath during normal activities
Chest pressure, tightness, or discomfort
Pain in jaw, neck, back, shoulder, or arms
Nausea, dizziness, or cold sweats
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Leg swelling, warmth, or redness on one side
If you develop sudden chest pain, severe headache, difficulty speaking, or weakness on one side of your body, call 911 immediately.
Ways to protect your heart and blood vessels
Know your numbers:
Blood pressure
Cholesterol
Blood sugar/A1C
Waist measurement
Triglycerides
Build protective habits:
Move your body regularly—walking, swimming, dancing, or strength training
Eat a heart-healthy diet (Mediterranean or DASH-style)
Limit processed foods, sodium, and added sugars
Don’t smoke or vape
Keep alcohol to no more than one drink per day
Get quality sleep
Stay consistent with screenings
Special considerations for women
Pregnancy complications (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth) influence lifelong heart health
Conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, and autoimmune diseases raise cardiovascular risk
Hormone therapy and birth control may affect clot risk—discuss your personal factors with a clinician
Migraine with aura can increase stroke risk
Understanding how your symptoms and risks may differ helps you get the care you need sooner—and that awareness supports better health moving forward.
Preventive Care and Screenings
Regular checkups help catch problems early, when they’re easiest to treat. But many women delay appointments because of busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or simply putting themselves last. Making preventive care a routine part of your life can protect your long-term health and well-being.
Recommended screenings by age
20s–30s
Blood pressure: At least once a year
Cholesterol & lipid panel: Every 4–6 years, earlier if you have risk factors
Diabetes screening: Every 3 years if you’re overweight or have a family history
Pap test: Every 3 years (ages 21–29)
Pap + HPV test: Every 5 years (ages 30+) or Pap alone every 3 years
Breast self-awareness: Know what’s normal for you
Clinical breast exam: Every 1–3 years
Mental health screening: Especially postpartum or during major life changes
STI screening: Based on sexual history
Skin exam: Check for new or changing moles
40s–50s
Everything above, plus:
Mammogram: Every 1–2 years starting at 40 (or earlier with family history)
Thyroid screening (TSH): If you have symptoms or family history
Cardiovascular risk assessment: Especially if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a strong family history
Colonoscopy: Starting at 45
Bone density baseline: If you have early menopause or additional risk factors
Perimenopause symptom monitoring: Track changes in cycles, mood, and sleep
50s–60s
Everything above, plus:
Bone density scan (DEXA): Every 2 years starting at 65—or earlier if postmenopausal with risk factors
More frequent cardiovascular monitoring: Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar
Diabetes screening: Every 1–3 years
Hearing and vision tests
Lung cancer screening: If you have a history of smoking
60+
Continue all age-appropriate screenings, plus:
Vascular testing (ABI or ultrasound): If you have leg pain, swelling, or PAD risk factors
Cognitive screening: For changes in memory or thinking
Fall-risk assessment: Important for preventing fractures
Medication review: To avoid interactions or unnecessary medications
Additional screening considerations
Pregnancy history matters: Conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or preterm birth increase long-term cardiovascular risk.
Family history: Early heart disease, stroke, breast or ovarian cancer on either side of your family may mean earlier or more frequent testing.
Genetic testing: Consider BRCA or other genetic testing if you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
What to bring to appointments
List of all medications, supplements, and vitamins
Family health history—from both your mother’s and father’s side
Symptom diary if you’ve noticed changes in energy, sleep, mood, or physical symptoms
Your menstrual history and any past pregnancy complications
Questions written down so you don’t forget them during the visit
A support person if you’ve ever felt dismissed or unsure during appointments
Mental Health & Emotional Well-being
Women experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions, and these can directly affect your heart and vascular health. Stress hormones raise blood pressure and inflammation. Depression and anxiety can change sleep, appetite, and energy—making it harder to care for your physical health.
Common challenges many women experience
Higher rates of anxiety and depression
Postpartum mood changes
Mood shifts related to menstrual cycles
Stress during perimenopause and menopause
Caregiver responsibilities
Managing work, family, and household demands
Feeling pressure to “hold everything together”
Warning signs to take seriously
Persistent sadness or hopelessness
Loss of interest in things you usually enjoy
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Changes in appetite or weight
Irritability, anger, or trouble concentrating
Physical symptoms without a clear cause
Anxiety that affects daily activities
Panic attacks
Thoughts of self-harm
If you ever feel unsafe or overwhelmed, call 988 for immediate support.
Ways to support your emotional health
Daily habits:
Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep
Move your body regularly
Spend time outdoors
Set boundaries and protect your time
Limit social media if it increases stress
Engage in activities that bring joy or calm
Connection and support:
Talk honestly with friends or family you trust
Join support groups for postpartum concerns, chronic illness, menopause, or caregiving
Ask for specific help when you need it
Spend time with people who help you feel understood
Professional help:
Therapy is a tool, not a last resort
Seek help if symptoms last more than two weeks or interfere with daily life
Talk to your clinician about treatment options
Look for specialists in postpartum mental health, trauma, or anxiety if needed
Caring for your emotional health supports your physical health, too. You deserve care that addresses both.
Hormones, Menopause and Vascular Health
Hormones play a major role in women’s cardiovascular and vascular health. Estrogen helps keep blood vessels flexible, supports healthy cholesterol levels, and influences how your body handles inflammation. As estrogen levels shift during perimenopause and menopause, your risk factors can change, too.
How hormonal changes can affect your cardiovascular health
As estrogen declines, many women experience:
Higher blood pressure
Rising LDL cholesterol
Lower HDL cholesterol
Increased triglycerides
Less flexible blood vessels
More weight gain around the midsection
Higher risk of heart disease and blood clots
Common symptoms during perimenopause and menopause
You may notice:
Irregular periods
Hot flashes or night sweats
Sleep disruptions
Mood changes or irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Joint pain
Vaginal dryness
Changes in libido
Heart palpitations
Headaches or migraines
Weight gain
Skin or hair changes
Daily habits that support vascular and overall health
Stay physically active, including strength training to protect muscle and bone
Follow a heart-healthy eating pattern such as Mediterranean or DASH
Limit sodium, added sugars, and highly processed foods
Maintain a healthy weight as metabolism shifts
Avoid smoking
Limit alcohol, which can worsen sleep and hot flashes
Prioritize sleep and talk with a clinician about persistent sleep problems
Monitoring and prevention
Track blood pressure at home and bring readings to appointments
Have your cholesterol checked annually after menopause
Monitor blood sugar, especially if you have additional risk factors
Get a bone density test at menopause if advised, or routinely starting at age 65
Stay current with mammograms and age-appropriate screenings
Treatment options to discuss
Hormone therapy (HT)
HT can reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal symptoms. It may offer cardiovascular benefits when started within 10 years of menopause and before age 60, but it is not right for everyone. Your age, personal history, type of hormones, dose, and route of administration all matter. HT is not recommended for women with a history of blood clots, stroke, certain cancers, or liver disease.
Non-hormonal treatment options
Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants
Some antidepressants for hot flashes
Gabapentin or pregabalin for nighttime symptoms
Cognitive behavioral therapy for mood and sleep concerns
Pelvic floor physical therapy
Urgent symptoms to report right away
Chest pain or pressure
Sudden shortness of breath
New or severe headaches
Vision changes
Leg swelling, redness, or warmth
Bleeding after 12 months without a period
Significant mood changes
If possible, look for a clinician trained in menopause care, such as someone certified by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). Knowledgeable guidance helps you manage symptoms and protect long-term heart and vascular health.
Building Long-Term Healthy Habits
Staying healthy isn’t about making big, dramatic changes. It comes from small habits you can stick with every day. These routines support your heart, your vascular system, and your overall well-being as life gets busier and your needs shift.
Nutrition that supports your body
Choose colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Limit processed foods, added sugars, and excess sodium.
Plan for real life—simple meals, batch cooking, and frozen produce all work.
Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Eating patterns like the Mediterranean or DASH diet are helpful for heart and vascular health.
Movement that fits your life
Aim for 150 minutes per week of activity, in whatever way works for you.
Strength training twice a week helps protect bone and muscle as you age.
Find activities you enjoy—walking, dancing, swimming, yoga, or gardening all count.
Make movement social when you can.
Sleep is essential
Aim for 7–9 hours each night.
Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
Limit screens before bed.
Talk with a clinician if you struggle with sleep or suspect sleep apnea.
Routine healthcare
Keep your preventive appointments.
Take medications as prescribed.
Track your key health numbers.
Build care with clinicians who listen and take your concerns seriously.
Managing stress in realistic ways
Set boundaries around your time and energy.
Practice deep breathing, meditation, journaling, or time in nature.
Protect time for activities that bring you joy, not just productivity.
Therapy can be helpful for chronic stress or past trauma.
Your health and your family
When you take care of your own health, you influence your family’s well-being too. Modeling preventive care, regular movement, and stress management encourages others to do the same.
Community and Support
You don’t have to navigate your health alone. Support from other women, friends, and trusted groups can make it easier to stay consistent, manage challenges, and feel understood.
Why community matters
Connection reduces stress and improves emotional well-being.
Hearing other women’s experiences can help you recognize symptoms sooner.
Support makes healthy habits easier to maintain.
Shared understanding helps counter feeling dismissed or unheard.
Encouragement during major life stages—pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, illness—makes a real difference.
Ways to stay connected
Local options:
Heart-health and wellness programs
Walking or fitness groups
Support groups for postpartum health, menopause, chronic conditions, or caregiving
Community centers, YMCAs, and hospital programs
Online options:
Condition-specific support groups
Menopause and perimenopause communities
Pregnancy and postpartum forums
Caregiver networks
Women’s health organizations with educational resources
Using your voice
Share concerns and questions with people you trust.
Talk openly about symptoms, especially if you feel unsure or dismissed.
Encourage friends and family to get preventive care.
Exchange helpful resources, articles, and tools.
Building your own support network
Identify a few people you can be honest with about health concerns.
Find someone with similar goals to check in with.
Consider group classes or virtual meetings to stay engaged.
Build care relationships with clinicians who listen and take your symptoms seriously.
Supporting other women
Check in on friends during major life changes.
Offer specific help when someone is overwhelmed.
Listen without judgment.
Celebrate health wins—big and small.
Community strengthens confidence, promotes early action, and helps women feel seen and supported.
Invest in Your Health — It's Your Greatest Strength
Your heart, your hormones, your health — they all matter. You deserve care that listens, treatment that works, and time dedicated to your wellbeing.
Schedule your preventive screenings. Find providers who respect you. Connect with other women who understand. And remember: taking care of yourself isn't selfish — it's essential.
References
American Heart Association. (2023). Go Red for Women: Understanding Heart Disease in Women. Circulation.
CDC. (2023). Women's Health: Cardiovascular and Preventive Guidelines. cdc.gov
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Heart Disease in Women: Why It's Different.
North American Menopause Society. (2022). The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement. Menopause.
NIH Office of Research on Women's Health. (2023). Sex and Gender in Health Research.
Garcia, M., et al. (2024). Cardiovascular Disease in Women. Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2023). Cardiovascular Health and Pregnancy.