6 health concerns every woman should understand

Research is increasing our understanding of the differences between the health needs of men and women.  From hormones to autoimmune conditions and heart disease, biological differences can influence how symptoms present, how conditions progress, and even how quickly women are diagnosed. 

Understanding these differences can help you recognise symptoms earlier, ask informed questions, and take proactive steps towards protecting your health.

In this blog, we discuss six health concerns that commonly affect women, including: 

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) 
• Autoimmune diseases  
• Breast cancer  
• Endometriosis  
• Depression and anxiety 
• Cardiovascular risks
   

1. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

 

Studies estimate that up to a whopping one in five women have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but as many as 70% of women go undiagnosed [1].  

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age that affects how your ovaries work. Symptoms typically appear in the late teens or early 20s, and it can lead to infertility, weight gain, and metabolic issues. Management of PCOS focuses on making lifestyle changes and contraceptive, or fertility, medication.

Common features of PCOS include:

• Irregular periods: The ovaries do not regularly release eggs (ovulation)

• Excess androgen: High levels of male hormones are present, which can cause excess facial or body hair

• Polycystic ovaries: The ovaries become enlarged and contain multiple fluid-filled sacs (follicles) that surround the eggs

. 

PCOS can also increase the risk of some conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease later in life.

You can read more about PCOS in our PCOS Guides.

If you’re experiencing PCOS symptoms, our Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Blood Test can help you on your journey to diagnosis.  

2. Autoimmune diseases

 

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells within the body (through an immune response, in the same way it would attack a virus or foreign body). Autoimmune diseases affect both men and women, but women are disproportionately affected – with 80% of people living with an autoimmune disease being female [2]. 

There are over 80 different autoimmune diseases, affecting different parts of the body. You may have more than one autoimmune disease, as having multiple autoimmune conditions is fairly common since one autoimmune condition predisposes you to developing others.  

The most common autoimmune diseases include: 

• Thyroid diseases, such as Graves’ or Hashimoto’s 

• Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease 

• Coeliac disease  

• Pernicious anaemia  

• Rheumatoid arthritis  

• Lupus 

• Type 1 diabetes 

Why are women affected?

The link between gender and the risk of developing an autoimmune disease isn’t completely understood, but experts believe that female hormones could make women more susceptible [2].  

Autoimmune diseases are often overlooked, as symptoms can be similar to other, more common, conditions. Therefore, if you suspect an autoimmune disease is the cause of any of your long-term symptoms, you should seek medical advice.  

We also have a range of bespoke Autoimmune Disease Blood Tests that test for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes.  

3. Breast cancer

 

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK and can affect both men and women. However, it’s much more prevalent in women, with one in eight women being diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime [3]. Some women can be at greater risk of developing breast cancer than others.  

Risks for developing breast cancer include: 

• Age 

• Family history  

• Being overweight  

• Drinking alcohol  

• Genetics 

Symptoms of breast cancer can vary from woman to woman, and one of the most important things you can do is to check yourself every month. CoppaFeel! has a great Chest Check 101 to help you get to know your body and be aware of breast cancer symptoms.  

Symptoms of breast cancer include: 

• A new lump or area of thickened breast tissue 

• An unusual lump in your armpit or around your collarbone

• A change in the size or shape of your breasts  

• Discharge or fluid from the nipple  

• Dimpling of the skin on your breasts  

• A change in the appearance of your nipple  

• Pain in your breast or armpit

For younger pre-menopausal women, the appearance and feel of their breasts can change over a month due to hormonal changes. The most important thing is to know what is normal for you so you can identify anything unusual if it occurs.  

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, you should see your GP. In many cases, these changes are nothing to worry about, but it’s always best to get checked.  

4. Endometriosis

 

Endometriosis can affect women of any age, and it is thought one in ten women have endometriosis [4].  

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue begins to form in other areas of the body, most commonly in your ovaries, bowels, and pelvis. This tissue can cause inflammation and pain, which changes in intensity depending on which stage in your monthly cycle you are.

Women living with endometriosis may also have heavy periods, which are difficult to manage with pads and tampons. If you’re experiencing endometriosis symptoms, you should visit your GP, especially if they are significantly impacting your life. Although there is no direct cure for endometriosis, there are many treatments available to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

Learn more with our guide to endometriosis.

5. Depression and anxiety

 

Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety than men [5] and depression in women is just as prevalent [6]. For women, hormones can play a huge factor in the development of depression.  

From post-natal baby blues to menopause, female hormones can fluctuate throughout life. These fluctuations can have a huge impact on mental health and leave women more at risk of developing depression and anxiety [6].  

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and sometimes a medical cause could be to blame for your low mood. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies such as low vitamin D, ferritin, and low B vitamins can affect your mental wellbeing. Hormone imbalances and inflammation can also contribute. You can read more about how your biology affects your mental health in our blog. 

 

Lifestyle changes to better your mental health include: 

• Journalling  

• Exercising, such as walking or yoga 

• Practising mindfulness

• Spending time with friends

• Forest bathing  

• Taking more time for yourself  

• Eating a healthy balanced diet 

If you’re feeling persistently low for longer than two weeks, it’s best to seek medical advice. 

6. Cardiovascular risks

 

Heart health isn’t just a concern for men. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most common health risks facing women globally, yet many women don’t realise their risk until later in life [7].

Everyday factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, stress, sleep and activity levels all play a role. In addition, life stages like pregnancy and menopause can influence heart health in ways that are unique to women.

Many cardiovascular risks are manageable. Understanding your body, recognising changes, and making small, sustainable lifestyle choices can all help support long-term heart health.

 

---

References 

1. PCOS prevalence (no date) NICE. Available at: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/polycystic-ovary-syndrome/background-information/prevalence/#:~:text=Polycystic%20ovary%20syndrome%20(PCOS)%20is,2014%3B%20RCOG%2C%202014%5D. (Accessed 18 February 2026). 
2. Angum, F. et al. (2020) “The prevalence of autoimmune disorders in women: A narrative review,” Cureus [Preprint]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.8094.  (Accessed 18 February 2026)
3. Breast Cancer (no date) NHS choices. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer/ (Accessed 18 February 2026). 
4. Endometriosis facts and figures (no date) Endometriosis UK. Available at: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/endometriosis-facts-and-figures (Accessed 18 February 2026). 
5. Remes O, Brayne C, van der Linde R, Lafortune L. (2016) A systematic review of reviews on the prevalence of anxiety disorders in adult populations. Vol. 6, Brain and Behavior. Available at: doi.wiley.com   (Accessed 18 February 2026)
6. Albert, P.R. (2015) “Why is depression more prevalent in women?,” Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 40(4), pp. 219–221. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1503/jpn.150205 (Accessed 18 February 2026)
7. World Health Organization (2025) Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) – Fact sheet.  (Accessed 19 February 2026)