Majority Of Americans Ignore Seemingly ‘Mild’ Health Symptoms — Especially Women and Boomers

A new survey reveals that six in 10 Americans admit to ignoring health symptoms they dont consider “serious,” with women — particularly older women — being the most likely to brush off aches, pains, and other potential warning signs.

The survey of 2,000 adults, conducted by Talker Research for MD Live, found that 58% of women are likely to ignore seemingly minor symptoms, compared to 54% of men. When asked why, women were more likely to say they didnt want to overreact (44%), while men often believed they could simply push through (46%).

Despite experiencing aches and pains an average of four times a week, nearly a quarter of women report dealing with them daily — a number that rises significantly among baby boomer women, 68% of whom said they routinely ignore such discomfort.

“Womens health concerns have often been minimized or misinterpreted, leading many to second-guess their own symptoms,” said Dr. Maggie Williams, medical director for Primary Care at MD Live by Evernorth. “This is particularly common among older women, who may assume symptoms are just part of getting older. However, conditions dont always present the same way in women, and when these differences go unrecognized, critical warning signs can be missed.”

The survey suggests a broader knowledge gap when it comes to recognizing how certain medical conditions manifest differently in men and women. The majority of respondents were unaware that symptoms of depression, anxiety disorders, and even strokes can look different across genders.

Among the findings: 74% were unaware that strokes can present differently in men and women; 61% didnt recognize gender-specific signs of depression and anxiety; 70% of women didnt know digestive disorders may show up differently in women.

Most women missed common female-specific heart attack or stroke symptoms such as nausea (80%), jaw pain (76%), and fainting (76%).

These gaps in understanding may be contributing to delayed care. Nearly half of women surveyed said they believe their gender is more likely to wait longer for an accurate diagnosis, and one in three have delayed seeking care after being told their symptoms were “normal.”

Experiences with misdiagnoses and conflicting information can further complicate health decision-making. One in five women said that social media has made them more confused about their health, while two-thirds of all respondents reported encountering contradictory medical advice online each month.

Although 74% said access to online health information has improved their awareness, 31% admitted they struggle to trust non-professional sources.

“Misinformation and conflicting advice can make it difficult for people to trust what theyre experiencing,” Williams said. “While online resources can provide general guidance, theres no substitute for speaking with a trusted, board-certified doctor who can assess symptoms in the right context and ensure they arent overlooked or dismissed.”