32 | OCTOBER 31 • 2024 J
N

W

hen it comes to health, 
women’s intuition isn’t 
just a hunch — it’s 
practically a superpower. According 
to recent research from MD Live by 
Evernorth, more than two-thirds of 
women say they have a sixth sense 
when it comes to their health. 
This “ill-tuition” is the innate 
ability to sense when something 
may be wrong with your body — 
and 81% of women trust it. Yet, 
despite this trust, most women 
hold off on seeking care until their 
symptoms interfere with their daily 
lives, instead of being proactive at 
the first sign that something is off. 
This delay can lead to unnecessary 
worsening of symptoms.
“Many common symptoms can be 
early warning signs of an underlying 
health condition. Ignoring your 
body’s signals can prevent timely 
diagnosis and treatment,” explains 
Dr. Vontrelle Roundtree, associate 
chief medical officer for MD Live by 
Evernorth. “Trusting your intuition 
and acting on it early can make all 
the difference in managing your 
health.”

Roundtree discusses five common 
symptoms that women tend to 
dismiss, according to the research, 
what conditions they may point 
to and why it’s important to seek 
timely medical care when your 
intuition sounds the alarm.

1. ITCHING THAT DOESN’T 
GO AWAY
Itching may seem like just a minor 
annoyance, but if it’s persistent, it 
may point to various underlying 
health issues. Itching could signal 
hormonal fluctuations, skin 
conditions like eczema, or even 
liver or kidney problems. Itching 
without a visible rash can be a sign 
of broader health issues because it 
often indicates that the root cause 
lies beneath the surface of the skin 
rather than on it. For pregnant 
women, persistent itching may be 
a symptom of cholestasis, a liver 
condition that requires immediate 
medical attention.

2. PERSISTENT BLOATING
Bloating is normal after eating a 
big meal or when experiencing 

the occasional digestive issue. But, 
when bloating occurs frequently, it 
could be a sign of gastrointestinal 
disorders such as irritable bowel 
syndrome (IBS). Bloating that gets 
worse over time could be a symptom 
of stomach inflammation or certain 
cancers. In fact, bloating is one of 
the more common early warning 
signs of ovarian cancer, caused by 
the buildup of fluids in the stomach.

3. FATIGUE
Feeling tired is often unavoidable, 
especially for women balancing 
work, family and other 
responsibilities. However, when that 
tiredness becomes persistent and 
starts affecting your quality of life, it 
might point to fatigue, a debilitating 
condition that significantly impacts 
your daily life. Fatigue is often a 
symptom of an underlying chronic 
condition, such as diabetes, heart 
disease, depression or thyroid 
disorders. If a good night’s sleep or 
taking time to rest doesn’t make a 
noticeable difference in your energy 
levels, it’s time to consult a doctor to 
explore the potential causes.

4. UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT 
FLUCTUATIONS 
It’s not uncommon for a woman’s 
weight to naturally fluctuate, espe-
cially during their menstrual cycle. 
However, unexpected weight gain or 
loss can indicate hormonal imbal-
ances, thyroid problems or metabol-
ic disorders. When weight changes 
are sudden and not resulting from 
changes in your diet or exercise rou-
tine, it’s important to rule out any 
larger health issues, like cancer or 
chronic illness.

5. CHRONIC ANXIETY
Although anxiety is commonly 
associated with mental health 
disorders, its presence can also point 
to underlying physical health issues. 
If you’re feeling anxious without 
a clear reason, or your anxiety is 
constant, it’s important to explore 
whether a physical condition could 
be contributing. Anxiety is often 
linked to cardiovascular diseases 
and endocrine problems, like 
hyperthyroidism. Regardless of 
whether it stems from something 
physical or mental, early 
intervention is critical.

YOUR FIRST CALL: A DOCTOR
These symptoms may not always 
seem urgent, but it’s important not 
to ignore them, especially if they 
become persistent or chronic. 
 “If you feel something is off with 
your health, trust your intuition 
and seek medical advice promptly,” 
Roundtree advises. “Doctors are 
here to help you get to the bottom 
of your symptoms — no matter how 
big or small they may seem.” When 
your instincts tell you something is 
off, you can schedule a virtual visit 
with an MD Live board-certified 
doctor to get an expert medical 
opinion without unnecessary delays.
Remember, it’s always better to 
address a potential health concern 
when it’s small rather than wait until 
it becomes more serious. The next 
time your ill-tuition kicks in, trust 
it. 

WOMEN’S HEATH

5 health symptoms women shouldn’t ignore, according to a doctor.

(BPT)

Listening to 
 Your Ill-Tuition 

