Gender Bias In POTS Diagnosis Reveals Hidden Impact
New research by the University of Adelaide has found it takes nearly twice as long for women to receive a Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) diagnosis when compared to men.
A cross-sectional study of 500 people enrolled in the Australian POTS registry between May 1 2021, and April 30 2024, found women waited an average of seven years for a diagnosis, opposed to 3.8 years for men.
The results of the study were published in European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing.
POTS affects the autonomic nervous system of almost one million Australians, disrupting bodily functions including heart rate and blood pressure, and severely impacts daily life through dizziness, fainting, extreme fatigue, and brain fog.
Lead author and member of the University’s Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative (ADARC), Dr Marie-Claire Seeley said the apparent systemic gender bias was concerning, especially given an increase in cases triggered by COVID-19 infections.
“Our research shows that women with POTS consistently report debilitating symptoms and frequently seek help from multiple doctors and emergency departments — yet their concerns are routinely dismissed, leading to delayed diagnosis and inadequate care,” said Dr Seeley, who is also the CEO of the Australian POTS Foundation.
“This disparity suggests that diagnostic delays are more likely attributable to clinician attitudes and responses influenced by biological sex rather than differences in symptom reporting or health-seeking behaviours.”
The study also found 70 per cent of women with POTS had their symptoms initially dismissed as anxiety or a psychosomatic condition.
Women are also 2.6 times more likely than men to be placed on a mental health treatment plan than a chronic health care plan for the condition.
“Historically, medical research has predominantly focused on male subjects, with findings often being generalised to women,” Dr Seeley said.
“Women’s health goes far beyond reproductive issues.
“Women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune and chronic conditions, yet their symptoms are too often dismissed as psychosomatic. It’s time we shift the narrative and take their health seriously.
“We are calling for serious government investment in research, treatments and education into POTS.”
The socioeconomic toll from POTS is immense, said senior author Dr Celine Gallagher.
“Almost 60 per cent of Australians with POTS have permanently quit their jobs or education, while students with POTS will miss the equivalent of nearly half the academic year due to symptoms,” Dr Gallagher said.
“POTS highlights the urgent need for comprehensive policy frameworks, funding pathways, and multidisciplinary care models that put patients first, addressing systemic gender bias head-on.
“By addressing these gaps in understanding, we hope to inform clinical management, reduce diagnostic delays and improve healthcare experiences and outcomes for individuals with POTS.”
https://www.adelaide.edu.au/newsroom/news/list/2025/04/14/gender-bias-in-pots-diagnosis-reveals-hidden-impact