Women across the UK are facing significant challenges in having their health concerns taken seriously by medical professionals, according to prominent NHS doctor and television presenter Dr Amir Khan. The healthcare expert has highlighted a troubling pattern where female patients frequently have their symptoms dismissed or misattributed to psychological factors.
The Reality of Medical Gaslighting
Dr Khan, who appears regularly on ITV's Lorraine and Good Morning Britain, expressed his concern about what he describes as medical gaslighting - where women's genuine health complaints are systematically downplayed by healthcare providers. This phenomenon isn't limited to rare cases but represents a widespread issue affecting countless women seeking medical assistance.
The doctor explained that many female patients report being told their physical symptoms are all in their head or simply related to stress or anxiety. This dismissive approach can lead to delayed diagnoses and prolonged suffering for conditions that require proper medical attention and treatment.
Specific Health Conditions Affected
Dr Khan identified several specific health areas where women commonly face diagnostic challenges. Heart disease presents differently in women compared to men, yet many doctors still look for traditional male-pattern symptoms, leading to missed diagnoses in female patients.
Similarly, conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often take years to diagnose properly, despite causing significant pain and discomfort. Women reporting symptoms related to these conditions frequently encounter skepticism or suggestions that they're exaggerating normal menstrual discomfort.
Autoimmune diseases, which disproportionately affect women, also face similar diagnostic delays. Patients may visit multiple doctors over several years before receiving appropriate testing and diagnosis for conditions like lupus or multiple sclerosis.
Practical Steps for Better Healthcare
Dr Khan offered practical advice for women who feel their health concerns aren't being taken seriously. He emphasised the importance of preparation before medical appointments. Patients should document their symptoms thoroughly, including when they occur, what makes them better or worse, and how they impact daily life.
Bringing a support person to appointments can also help, as they can provide additional perspective and moral support during discussions with healthcare providers. If patients feel dismissed, Dr Khan recommends being direct with questions like What specific conditions have you ruled out? or Can you document in my notes that you're refusing to investigate these symptoms?
For those who continue to feel unheard, seeking a second opinion is completely appropriate. Dr Khan stressed that patients have the right to advocate for their health and should not feel obligated to stay with a doctor who consistently dismisses their concerns.
The healthcare professional also called for better training for medical students and practicing doctors to recognise and address their unconscious biases when treating female patients. Improving awareness of how conditions manifest differently across genders could significantly reduce diagnostic delays and improve health outcomes for women nationwide.
