5 Health Symptoms Women Shouldn’t Ignore

It might be a headache that keeps coming back, or maybe you lost a few pounds without meaning to. If you’ve noticed small changes in your health, you may be tempted to shrug them off.

But something small may be a sign of a more serious issue with your health. Here are 5 symptoms women shouldn’t ignore:

1. Shortness of breath. If you’ve noticed that you don’t have your usual energy, or that it’s harder than normal to exercise, you may want to talk with your doctor. Unexplained shortness of breath is an early symptom of lung disease.
2. Trouble with your vision. After a long day, you may blame eyestrain if your vision seems blurry. But a sudden vision problem in one or both eyes may be a sign of stroke. Seek medical care right away.
3. A change on the scale. Losing weight without trying can be an early symptom of cancer. If you’ve shed or gained weight without changing your diet or activity level, make an appointment to see your doctor to determine the cause.
4. A headache you can’t shake. Headaches are common, but they can also be a sign of something more serious such as a stroke or tumor. If you’ve had a headache that’s more severe than you’ve ever had, or one that lasts for days, see your doctor right away.
5. Sudden, unexplained fatigue. An overloaded schedule may be the first thing you blame when you feel tired, but severe tiredness, especially out of the blue, is a common symptom of heart attack in women. Other symptoms include a feeling of pressure in your chest, severe shortness of breath, and unexplained nausea or vomiting. Seek emergency medical care right away.

You know your body better than anyone, but if you can’t explain a nagging symptom, talk with your doctor.