Common yet ignored health issues in men and women

When it comes to health, we often worry about big diseases and forget the everyday issues silently affecting our well-being. Many men shrug off symptoms as “stress” or “just being tired,” delaying important checkups that could catch problems early. Women, on the other hand, frequently ignore signs of several disease. Mood swings, or fatigue are brushed off as “normal” or blamed on a busy lifestyle.

The takeaway? Don’t ignore the little signs. Your body whispers before it screams. Regular check-ups, balanced nutrition, sleep, and stress management can go a long way in preventing chronic issues. Health isn’t just about staying disease-free—it’s about feeling good every day.

Unexplained changes in bowel habit:
We often feel our bowel habits are affected by our food intake and often ignore changes in bowel habits. Unexplained changes in bowel habits, such as a shift in frequency, consistency, or the presence of blood, can be a sign of an underlying issue, and it's crucial to seek medical advice if these changes persist or are accompanied by other symptoms. Various infections, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel cancers, celiac disease , etc can present in early stages with these symptoms. These symptoms should not be ignored and a medical advice should be sought.

Always tired / chronic fatigue :
We often feel we are tired because of our daily routine. It can be sometimes because of common treatable causes like anaemia, thyroid disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, heart disease or vitamin deficiencies. Some of such patients are suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome.

Irregular heartbeats :
An irregular heartbeat, also known as an arrhythmia, occurs when the heart beats too fast, too slow, or with an irregular rhythm. It's a problem with the heart's electrical system, which controls the heartbeat, and can have various causes and symptoms. A common problem called atrial fibrillation which presents with palpitations can sometimes lead to complications like stroke, on other hand some palpitations can be serious ventricular arrhythmias which can sometimes lead to sudden cardiac death.

Unexplained weight loss:
If a person loses weight un-intentionally of more then 5% within few months’ time, it can be sign of underlying serious medical condition and it should nit be ignored. It can be a sign of underlying cancer, thyroid issue, diabetes, chronic infections like tuberculosis, or HIV, and rarely some mental disorders. Most of these conditions and reversible with treatment at early stages and hence warrants an early medical advice.

Chest uneasiness or pain:
If a person is having chest pain or breathing difficulty at rest or after doing some exertion such as climbing stairs, going uphill, or walking fast; could be sign of a serious underlying heart or lung problem.
An appropriate clinical examination, and few basic investigations help to conclude the diagnosis. Some cases might have serious blockages in heart vessels and are at risk of serious life-threatening heart attacks.

Mental diseases:
Mental diseases have a different stigma in society and this is very deep rooted. It’s always difficult to differentiate between common day to day mood variations and serious mental disorders. Stigma and lack of awareness can create barriers to seeking professional help, leading to delayed or inadequate treatment, which can worsen mental health conditions. Individuals with mental health conditions may experience discrimination and judgment from family, friends, and colleagues, leading to further isolation and distress. Increased education and awareness about mental health can help to reduce stigma, promote understanding, and encourage people to seek help when they need it. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing accurate information and support to individuals with mental health conditions, as well as addressing stigma and discrimination. Encouraging open and honest conversations about mental health can help to normalize experiences and reduce stigma.

Dr Geeta Makhija Consultant Physician and diabetologist – Jaslok Hospital