Why stroke awareness belongs in women’s health conversations

Stroke is often thought of as a men's health issue, but the reality is strikingly different. Stroke is the third leading cause of death for women, and women account for nearly 60% of all stroke-related deaths. Despite these numbers, awareness remains low, and symptoms often go unrecognized.

Why women face unique stroke risks

Women experience risk factors that men typically do not. These risk factors that may lead to a stroke in women include:

• Hormonal influences such as pregnancy, postpartum changes, menopause and hormone therapy
• Birth control use, which can increase clotting risk
• Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, which raise lifetime stroke risk
• Migraine with aura, more common in women, especially when combined with smoking or contraceptive use

Recognizing the symptoms

Stoke symptoms for everyone

Anyone who has the following BE FAST stroke symptoms should seek immediate medical attention:

• Balance: Sudden dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Eyes: Blurred, decreased or double vision in one or both eyes
• Face: One side of the face drooping when attempting to smile
• Arm: Weakness demonstrated by not being able to raise one arm
• Speech: Difficulty speaking or blurred speech
• Time: As soon as these signs appear, call 911

Stroke symptoms in women

Besides the BE FAST symptoms, women often experience these signs of a stroke:

• Sudden nausea or vomiting
• Hiccups
• Unexplained fatigue
• Confusion or altered mental state

The impact on women

Women tend to have more severe strokes, longer hospital stays and greater disability afterward. This means women have a higher lifetime risk of strokes than men. Social factors, such as living longer and having less support during recovery, can also make rehabilitation.

Prevention starts now

The good news? Many strokes can be prevented by recognizing and addressing risk factors. Here's what you can do to prevent a stroke:

• Control blood pressure and cholesterol
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle:
  • Balanced diet
  • Healthy weight
  • Regular exercise
  • No smoking
  • Limit alcohol
  • Control blood sugar
• Know your risk factors and discuss them with your doctor

Expert insight

"Women often underestimate their stroke risk. Understanding unique factors and recognizing symptoms early can save lives," says Thana Theofanis, MD, cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgeon at Main Line Health – Jefferson Neurosurgery.

"Stroke prevention is not just about treating risk factors — it's about awareness," emphases Dr. Theofanis.

Dr. Theofanis also explains, "Women need to know that hormonal changes, pregnancy complications and even migraines can significantly increase their risk. Early conversations with your doctor can make all the difference."

Take action today

Share this information with the women in your life and encourage regular checkups. Awareness is the first step toward prevention.

Next steps

Learn more about Main Line Health's stroke and neurointervention specialty, one of the few community health systems to offer it.

Call 484.527.2229 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Theofanis.

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