When it comes to women's health, I've come to realise just how often we overlook, brush off, or underestimate what our bodies are trying to tell us. From that nagging pain that we push aside or the irregular period we chalk up to stress, we often put our health on the back burner. 

And it's not entirely our fault. For so long, many of the issues that affect women have been minimised, undetected, misdiagnosed, or, worse, ignored by the medical community.

Take conditions like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or even menopause—these are realities for many women, yet they're often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Far too many women are left dealing with painful or confusing symptoms, only to be told that it's "just part of being a woman." And the truth is, many women don't speak up because we've been conditioned to believe that our discomfort is something we have to live with.

But we don't have to, and we shouldn't.

One of the biggest challenges in women's health is that so many conditions go undetected for far too long. Take ovarian cancer as an example—it's often called the "silent killer" because its symptoms can be so subtle that we may not recognise them until it's too late. That's why regular check-ups, scans, and visits to a gynaecologist are so critical. Early detection can save lives, but it starts with us being proactive and prioritising our health.

Talking openly with our partners about health concerns or symptoms is equally important for our well-being and peace of mind. Our partners can provide emotional support, help us recognise changes we might overlook, and encourage us to seek medical advice when needed. Open communication encourages understanding and allows us to face health challenges together, reducing the stress of facing them alone. It also ensures our partners know about potential risks or necessary lifestyle changes that may impact our lives.

Yet, it's not just about us—there's also a responsibility on the medical community. More education and awareness about health issues that specifically affect women need to be provided. Doctors need to listen more closely to their female patients, and more resources should be dedicated to research and understanding these issues. Women's health is still underrepresented in many medical discussions, and this needs to change.

That said, we can't wait for the system to catch up. If something feels off, don't wait. Make an appointment, ask questions, and demand answers. You know your body better than anyone else, and it's always better to err on the side of caution than to regret not speaking up sooner. Don't brush it off, whether it's an unusual lump, persistent fatigue, or changes in your menstrual cycle. Our bodies give us warning signs, and we owe it to ourselves to listen.

Regular gynaecological exams, pap smears, mammograms, and other routine screenings are vital tools that help catch problems early. And while it's easy to put these things off, especially when life gets busy, remember: your health is the foundation of everything else.

I know it's easy to feel overwhelmed or even a little scared when it comes to medical appointments. The idea that something could be wrong is terrifying. But we can't let that fear stop us from taking care of ourselves. We deserve better, and it starts with making our health a priority.

So here's the bottom line: Pay attention to your body. Don't ignore warning signs. Schedule that overdue doctor's appointment. And most importantly, don't settle for being told that your symptoms aren't valid. Every woman's health matters, and we need to make sure that message is loud and clear.

Take care of yourself today and every day. Your health is worth it.