Dr Punam Krishan, a GP known for her BBC appearances, has shared six vital questions older women should ask their doctors to advocate for themselves and catch health issues early. Working with stairlift and home lift brand Stannah, she noted that many women over 50 live with symptoms for months or years before seeking help due to embarrassment, prioritising others, or assuming symptoms are part of ageing.
Why Ask These Questions?
Dr Krishan said: 'I often see women in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond who have been living with symptoms for months – sometimes years – before raising them with a GP. The reasons are familiar: embarrassment, putting others first, or assuming it's just part of getting older. But the right question at the right time can change a lot. Early intervention protects energy, independence and mental health – the things that allow us to stay active, comfortable and at ease. These are the conversations I wish more women would start.'
Question 1: Why Am I Feeling Stiffness More Acutely After Exercise and Long Periods of Stillness?
Dr Krishan explained that joint inflammation or stiffness is often noticed with age, particularly in women, and can be linked to osteoarthritis or menopause-related changes. However, persistent, worsening stiffness with swelling, warmth, or prolonged morning stiffness may indicate inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, which is more common in women. Autoimmune conditions can affect joints, nerves, muscles, and organs, leading to mobility problems such as difficulty climbing stairs, gripping objects, and maintaining balance. Early intervention preserves mobility and quality of life.
Question 2: I'm Exhausted All the Time and Nothing Seems to Help – What Could It Be?
Fatigue is often dismissed due to family and work responsibilities, but post-menopausal hormone changes, including decreased oestrogen, can significantly lower energy levels. Poor sleep from night sweats, coughing, or anxiety is an underreported driver of fatigue in women over 50, reducing energy and affecting balance. Unexplained fatigue could also signal anaemia, thyroid conditions, or heart issues. Dr Krishan advised mentioning prolonged tiredness that interrupts daily life and accompanies other symptoms.
Question 3: I've Been Experiencing Brain Fog – Should I Be Concerned?
Occasional forgetfulness is normal, but brain fog affecting daily functioning like decision-making and recalling conversations warrants a GP discussion. Causes include low sleep quality and oestrogen loss from menopause. Alzheimer's disease is twice as likely in women and can start with forgetfulness. Early discussion is better.
Question 4: I'm Bleeding Even After the Menopause – Why Is This?
Dr Krishan stressed that menopause is not the finish line for gynaecological health. Post-menopausal bleeding can be an early sign of a medical condition. Endometrial cancer is diagnosed in around 8,000 women a year in the UK, so any bleeding more than 12 months after periods stop should be raised urgently with a GP.
Question 5: Why Am I Experiencing Pain During Sex?
Pain during sex, or dyspareunia, is underreported. It can be caused by genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) due to oestrogen loss, which includes painful sex and frequent urge to urinate. Treatment includes creams and prescription medication. Dr Krishan encouraged women to raise the issue without embarrassment, as GPs can pinpoint the cause and provide solutions.
Question 6: My Mum Had a Cancer with Strong Hereditary Links – What Are the Next Steps for Me?
Sharing family medical history helps GPs assess risk. If close relatives had cancers with hereditary links, the doctor may refer to a specialist or genetics team. For lower risk factors, reassurance and monitoring are key. Dr Krishan said: 'Having a family history doesn't mean you will also go on to have the same diagnosis. However, sharing this information allows your GP to make informed decisions about any ongoing monitoring or examinations you might need.'
Dr Krishan concluded: 'Across all these questions, the common thread is this: your symptoms deserve to be taken seriously. The sooner they're identified and addressed, the better placed you are to stay well, active and enjoying life on your own terms.'
