While medical errors happen to both men and women, women are misdiagnosed far more often than men. Studies show women are 50 percent more likely to be misdiagnosed when having a heart attack and 33 percent more likely when having a stroke, among other serious conditions. Medical gaslighting occurs when a provider inappropriately dismisses a patient’s concerns. Often, women say their issues are blamed on hormones, stress, weight, or anxiety. If your provider acts dismissive or if you feel you aren’t being heard, insist that you know your body and what you’re experiencing is not normal. Try keeping a symptom journal or find a second opinion. Learn more about medical gaslighting.
