There was a moment during my conversation with Fiona that has stayed with me ever since. She spoke about how women are often diagnosed years later than men with the same conditions.
Just pause and think about that. Years of living with pain, fatigue, and worry. Years of being told “it’s nothing,” only to discover, too late, that it was something all along.
Why Are Women Still Being Missed?
From hormonal conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), to perimenopause and beyond, the pattern is clear: women’s health problems are frequently dismissed, misunderstood, or delayed in being properly addressed.
A large part of this traces back to outdated research. Historically, the male body was used as the default in medical studies, while the female body was considered “too complicated.” As a result, we now live with a healthcare system that is still catching up when it comes to understanding women’s health.
And the cost of that gap? It’s women living in pain, confusion, and silence.
A Blast from the Past
I can still remember growing up and overhearing conversations between the women in my family. Stories of long waits, unexplained symptoms, and the infamous phrase: “It’s just in your head.” These were everyday women, juggling families, careers, and personal battles, yet their struggles were brushed aside.
Fast forward to today, and heartbreakingly, not much has changed. I hear the same stories from women across generations, echoing back the same frustration: “Why does it take so long to be believed?”
Time for Change
Now, let me be clear, there are countless dedicated professionals working tirelessly within the system. This isn’t about blaming individuals; it’s about recognising where the system itself needs reform.
We need:
- Better medical records that follow patients across different providers.
- More research focused specifically on women’s health conditions.
- A cultural shift that teaches us to trust women’s voices when they say, “I don’t feel right.”
Healthcare should not be a guessing game, especially not for half the population.
Why This Matters
When women are dismissed, entire families are affected. Careers are disrupted, relationships strained, and mental health takes a hit. The ripple effect is enormous.
And yet, with the right attention, resources, and empathy, change is absolutely possible. Women deserve timely, accurate diagnoses. They deserve to be heard the first time.
Fiona’s story is both powerful and painfully familiar. If you’ve ever felt overlooked or dismissed in your own health journey, I invite you to listen to our conversation on The Visionary Podcast. Together, we shine a light on the gaps and why it’s time to close them.
– Written by host Hala Ali
The Visionary with Hala Ali Podcast 