It is no secret that women have different health needs than men. Unfortunately, points out Marla Ahlgrimm, the medical field continues to be dominated by the latter. This might, in part, contribute to rampant misdiagnosis of the following condition in women.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a health condition exclusive to women. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that it is typified by extreme pain and heavy bleeding. Women with endometriosis often experience persistent fatigue, pain during sex, and nausea and vomiting while on their period. Unfortunately, two-thirds of women with the condition notice symptoms during early puberty, but it often takes a decade or longer to correctly diagnose the problem.
Coronary heart disease
Coronary heart disease is one of the many conditions that have symptoms that are different between the sexes. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that women may experience vague issues such as fatigue, neck pain, and nausea when they have the non-obstructive variety of coronary heart disease. This makes it exponentially more difficult to pinpoint the problem. Women may be diagnosed with stress or other less serious conditions for many years before receiving a thorough exam, which includes a coronary angiography.
ADHD
Marla Ahlgrimm notes that many people associate ADHD with hyperactive children. More specifically, even seasoned healthcare providers tend to look at ADHD as a male-dominated condition. It’s estimated that up to 75% of girls with ADHD are not diagnosed, and those that do seek help don’t receive the clinical attention until age 12. By contrast, boys tend to be diagnosed and receive treatment by the time they are seven years old.
Marla Ahlgrimm encourages young girls to consider a career in medicine and hopes that having more women behind the stethoscope will lead to better and more expedient diagnoses and treatment for the fairer sex.
Marla Ahlgrimm has co-authored two ground-breaking books,