page 1

PAY ATTENTION: SYMPTOMS OF

SERIOUS HEALTH CONDITIONS

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health

womenshealth.gov

1-800-994-9662

TDD: 1-888-220-5446

NAT I O N A L WO M E N ’ S H E A LT H I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T E R

The following shows some symptoms that 

could be signs of serious health conditions, 

which should be checked by a doctor or 

nurse. It is important to note that you might 

feel symptoms in one part of your body that 

could actually mean a problem in another 

part. Even if the symptoms don’t seem related, they could be. Keep track of your symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms, 

make an appointment to see your doctor. 

Listen to what your body is telling you, and 

be sure to describe every symptom in detail 

to your provider. 

Note: A chart of diagnostic tests that your 

provider might order are found later in this 

guide.

Signs of a heart attack

Some symptoms of a heart 

attack can happen a month 

or so before the heart attack. 

Before a heart attack, women 

may have had one or more of these symptoms:

● unusual tiredness

● trouble sleeping

● problems breathing

● indigestion

● anxiety

During a heart attack, women may have 

one or more of these symptoms:

● pain or discomfort in the center of the 

chest

● pain or discomfort in other areas of the 

upper body, including the arms, back, 

neck, jaw, or stomach

● other symptoms, such as shortness of 

breath, breaking out in a cold sweat, 

nausea, or light-headedness

If you have any of these symptoms, go 

to an emergency room right away or 

call 911.

Signs of a stroke

Signs of a stroke happen suddenly and are different from 

signs of a heart attack:

● sudden or developing 

problems with speaking or understanding

● sudden or developing problems with 

sight

● sudden or developing problems with 

balance, coordination, walking, and dizziness

● sudden numbness or weakness in the 

face, arms, or legs

● sudden severe headache with no known 

cause

If you have any of these symptoms, go 

to an emergency room right away or 

call 911.

Symptoms of reproductive health problems

● bleeding or spotting 

between periods

● itching, burning, or irritation (including bumps, blisters, or sores) 

of the vagina or genital area

● pain or discomfort during sex

● severe or painful bleeding with periods

● moderate to severe pelvic pain

● unusual (for you) vaginal discharge of 

any type or color or with strong odor

Symptoms of breast 

problems

● nipple discharge

● unusual breast tenderness 

or pain
page 2

PAY ATTENTION: SYMPTOMS OF

SERIOUS HEALTH CONDITIONS

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health

womenshealth.gov

1-800-994-9662

TDD: 1-888-220-5446

NAT I O N A L WO M E N ’ S H E A LT H I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T E R

● breast or nipple skin changes: ridges, 

dimpling, pitting, swelling, redness, or 

scaling

● lump or thickening in or near breast or 

in underarm area, or tenderness

Symptoms of lung 

problems

● coughing up blood

● persistent cough that gets 

worse over time

● repeated bouts of bronchitis or 

pneumonia

● shortness of breath

● wheezing

Symptoms of stomach or 

digestive problems

● bleeding from the rectum

● blood or mucus in the stool 

(including diarrhea) or 

black stools

● change in bowel habits or not being able 

to control bowels

● constipation, diarrhea, or both

● heartburn or acid reflux (feels like burning in throat or mouth)

● pain or feeling of fullness in stomach

● unusual abdominal swelling, bloating, or 

general discomfort

● vomiting blood

Symptoms of bladder 

problems 

● difficult or painful 

urination

● frequent urination or loss 

of bladder control

● blood in urine

● feeling the urge to urinate when bladder 

is empty

Symptoms of skin 

problems

● changes in the skin, such as 

changes in existing moles 

or new growths 

● moles that are no longer round or have 

irregular borders

● moles that change colors or change in 

size (usually get bigger) 

● frequent flushing (a sudden feeling of 

heat)

● jaundice (when the skin and whites of 

the eyes turn yellow)

● painful, crusting, scaling, or oozing sores 

that don’t heal

● sensitivity to sun 

Symptoms of muscle or 

joint problems

● muscle pains and body 

aches that are persistent, or 

that come and go often

● numbness, tingling (pins and needles 

sensation), or discomfort in hands, feet, 

or limbs

● pain, stiffness, swelling, or redness in or 

around joints

Symptoms of emotional 

problems

Note: These symptoms can 

have a physical cause and are 

usually treatable.

● anxiety and constant worry

● depression: feeling empty, sad all the 

time, or worthless
page 3

PAY ATTENTION: SYMPTOMS OF

SERIOUS HEALTH CONDITIONS

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health

womenshealth.gov

1-800-994-9662

TDD: 1-888-220-5446

NAT I O N A L WO M E N ’ S H E A LT H I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T E R

● extreme fatigue, even when rested

● extreme tension that can’t be explained

● flashbacks and nightmares about 

traumatic events

● no interest in getting out of bed or 

doing regular activities, including eating 

or sex

● thoughts about suicide and death

● seeing or hearing things that aren’t there 

(hallucinations)

● seeing things differently from what they 

are (delusions)

● “baby blues” that haven’t gone away two 

weeks after giving birth and seem to get 

worse over time

● thoughts about harming yourself or your 

baby after giving birth

Symptoms of headache 

problems

● headaches between the eyes

● headaches that come on 

suddenly

● headaches that last longer than a couple 

of days

● seeing flashing lights or zigzag lines and 

temporary vision loss before a headache 

starts

● spreading pain in face that starts in one 

eye

● severe pain on one or both sides of head 

with upset stomach, nausea, or vision 

problems

Symptoms of eating or 

weight problems

● extreme thirst or hunger

● losing weight without trying

● desire to binge on food excessively

● desire to vomit on purpose

● desire to starve (not eat at all)