What a visit to the ER taught me about pain in women

In the last week of 2025, host Golda Arthur went to the emergency room with a sudden, intense headache. The scan showed nothing. But sitting in an uncomfortable chair with an IV in her arm, she realized something. In this audio essay, Golda talks about her experience in the ER, and why pain - how we express it, what we know about it, how we treat it - will be a central theme of Overlooked in 2026. If you have a pain story, or a suggestion for a specific pain topic, email us at [email protected].  Subscribe to the newsletter for the backstory on this episode, and a deeper dive on the content: https://overlookedpodcast.kit.com/f8ebd706ad What to listen to next: Endometriosis and Pain, with Gabrielle Jackson https://overlooked.simplecast.com/episodes/endometriosis-and-pain-with-gabrielle-jackson [The episode features 'Morning Glare' and 'Pacific Time', music from Blue Dot Sessions] ABOUT THE SHOW: Overlooked tells powerful stories about women's health conditions that don't get enough attention. The show is hosted by Golda Arthur, an audio journalist and producer. Learn more about the show here: https://bit.ly/TheOverlookedNewsletter Follow the show, and episodes will come to you automatically. DISCLAIMER What you hear and read on ‘Overlooked’ is for general information purposes only and represents the opinions of the host and guests. The content on the podcast and website should not be taken as medical advice. Every person’s body is unique, so please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions that may arise.