Turning 40? Doctor reveals five signs you should see a professional,
A top doctor has shared five symptoms to look out for when over the age of 40, including fatigue levels and memory issues.
Dr Reem Hasan, an NHS GP and the Chief Medical Officer at Vista Health, said Brits reaching middle-age should be cautious around certain symptoms which could indicate more serious health issues.
Dr Hasan explained that ‘delaying care often comes down to uncertainty, not complacency’, and detailed the warning signs to look out for.
1. Ongoing tiredness or exhaustion:
Feeling permanently drained is not normal ageing.
If fatigue lasts more than a few weeks, it could be linked to conditions such as iron deficiency, thyroid disease, sleep apnoea, depression, long-term inflammation, or occasionally more serious illness.
Persistent fatigue beyond a few weeks always deserves proper assessment.
2. Unexplained weight loss:
Losing weight without trying should never be ignored.
Possible causes include overactive thyroid, diabetes, digestive disorders, infection or cancer.
If you lose more than 5% of your body weight over 6-12 months without explanation, book a GP appointment.
3. Persistent or new pain
Ongoing pain, particularly in the chest, abdomen, back or bones is not something to ‘push through’.
While many causes are benign, persistent pain can signal heart disease, gallbladder problems, arthritis, fractures or, in some cases, cancer. If pain lasts longer than three weeks without a clear cause, get it checked.
4. Changes in bowel or bladder habits:
New constipation, diarrhoea, (i.e. a new persistent change in your bowel habit), blood in your stool, increased urinary frequency or difficulty passing urine should always be assessed.
These can be caused by benign conditions e.g. haemorrhoids or infections, but they can also indicate bowel disease, prostate problems or cancer.
5. Memory problems:
Occasional forgetfulness can be normal, but worsening memory, confusion or changes in thinking that interfere with daily life are not.
Causes range from stress and poor sleep to vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disease, infections or neurological conditions.
Early assessment helps guide investigation, management and reassurance.
Dr Hasan spoke as part of Vista Health’s Signs of Clarity campaign, which aims to help midlife Brits recognise early warning signs, understand which symptoms to act on and take control of their health.
Research from Vista Health showed that 54 per cent of middle-aged adults admitted they initially ignored warning signs, often for an average of 14 months and that 77 per cent experience recurring symptoms.
Common symptoms include trouble sleeping (29 per cent), joint pain (27 per cent), persistent fatigue (26 per cent), unexplained aches and pains (19 per cent) and digestive changes (17 per cent).
Dr Hasan explained: ‘Delaying care often comes down to uncertainty, not complacency.’
‘People worry about wasting GP time, but that hesitation can have serious consequences.
‘In some cases, it can cost lives, and in others it means living longer with pain or symptoms that affect quality of life – such as musculoskeletal problems like back pain that can limit someone’s ability to work or manage everyday activities.’
She added: ‘While not every symptom means something serious, many health conditions become more common in midlife, including cancer.
‘Bowel cancer affects both men and women and is the third most common cancer in the UK.
‘Breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women, while prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in men.
‘There is currently no national screening programme for prostate cancer, but it’s vital men monitor symptoms, seek medical advice and get tested where appropriate.
‘If a symptom is persistent, worsening or just doesn’t feel right, go and see your GP.
‘Private self-referral is also an option for faster reassurance. Trust your instincts, you know your body best, so listen to the signs it giving you. Regular self-checks are one of the most powerful ways to catch problems early.’
