Women, Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs!

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted March 6, 2025

I’ve spent decades in medicine, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that women are tough as nails. They’re pros at pushing through discomfort and brushing off warning signs.

But that strength can also be their biggest health risk.

Feeling tired? Well, of course—after all, you’re juggling a million things!

Short of breath? It must be that bug that’s going around.

Hot flashes? Just part of getting older, right?

WRONG…
It’s true that you don’t need to panic over every little sniffle, ache, or twinge. But ladies, there ARE some symptoms you absolutely shouldn’t ignore.

Yesterday, I shared with the guys five red flags they should never ignore. Today, let me pull back the curtain on five potentially serious warning signs for you gals…

1. That “Different” Kind of Tired:

Between family commitments and that never-ending to-do list, it would be surprising if you weren’t occasionally tired. But extreme exhaustion isn’t normal.

Fatigue is often an early warning of something serious. In fact, 70 percent of women who have had a heart attack report feeling extreme exhaustion in the weeks before.

Plus, fatigue is one of the most commonly reported symptoms before a cancer diagnosis. When your body’s screaming for rest and a good night’s sleep doesn’t help, that’s your wake-up call to see a doctor.

2. Severe Hot Flashes:

Hot flashes are often part of the transition of menopause and beyond. But if yours are disturbing don’t just suffer through them.

Your doctor can give you options to help ease low-estrogen-triggered hot flashes. But if they’re severe and frequent, your body might be signaling something more than menopause. So, make an appointment and get it checked out.

3. The Depression Connection:

Mainstream medicine often overlooks the fact that depression isn’t just an isolated mood disorder.

Women with depression have a significantly higher risk of heart disease.

Your mental health and heart health are deeply connected—ignore one, and the other could suffer. Talk with your doctor about depression and get screened for heart disease.

4. The Breath You Can’t Catch:

Forget what you’ve seen in movies. Women’s heart attacks rarely come with dramatic chest-clutching pain.

Instead, watch out for unexplained shortness of breath, especially if it comes with nausea or unusual fatigue. And no, it’s never okay to assume it’s “just anxiety”—far too many women make that mistake (and so do doctors).

If you ever experience shortness of breath, call an ambulance or head to the ER and get checked.

5. Post-Menopause Bleeding:

Let me be crystal clear: If you’re post-menopausal and see ANY bleeding, don’t wait. Don’t rationalize. Don’t “give it a few days.”  This isn’t one of those “wait and see” situations. It’s a get it checked NOW moment.

Symptoms are your body’s way of trying to communicate with you. And sometimes, it’s sending messages you can’t afford to ignore.

You know your body better than anyone. If something feels off, don’t let anyone dismiss your concerns. Not your family or friends—and certainly not a doctor who’s too busy to listen.

Because when it comes to these five warnings, being “too busy” to get checked out could be a deadly mistake.

P.S. Want to live longer? Reach for your toes.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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