When symptoms are dismissed: delayed diagnosis of ovarian torsion leads to early menopause

Across the UK, more women are speaking out about feeling that their health concerns are not fully heard or taken seriously. For some, this can mean delays in diagnosis or treatment. For others, it can lead to outcomes that may have been avoidable.

Our medical negligence team supported a woman who attended hospital with severe abdominal pain and a clear history of ovarian torsion. She explained that her symptoms felt the same as her previous medical emergency. Despite this, her concerns were not acted on.

A delay in diagnosis meant that her condition worsened, resulting in the avoidable removal of her ovary and early onset menopause, changing her health and day-to-day life.

What happened

In November 2023, our client attended Accident and Emergency at Liverpool Women’s Hospital with severe left-sided abdominal pain, nausea, and dizziness.

Importantly, she gave a clear medical history. She had experienced a right-sided ovarian torsion in January 2022 and told clinicians that her current symptoms felt the same.

A transvaginal ultrasound scan showed an enlarged ovary with a cyst and free fluid. She was told this was likely a ruptured cyst and admitted for pain management, with a plan to review her the following day.

The claimant questioned this assessment. She explained that she had previously been told the same thing when she was in fact experiencing torsion.

Despite this, no urgent surgical intervention was arranged.

Over the next two days, she remained in hospital in significant pain and vomiting, waiting for further investigation.

When a diagnostic laparoscopy was eventually carried out, it confirmed that her left ovary had twisted twice. By this point, the ovary had become non-viable and had to be removed.

The impact: life after the injury

The consequences of the delay went far beyond the initial hospital admission.

Our client underwent a left oophorectomy that could have been avoided with earlier intervention. As a result, she entered menopause around four years earlier than expected.

This brought with it a range of symptoms that affected her daily life, including:

• Heart palpitations
• Migraines
• Memory lapses and cognitive difficulties
• Vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes and night sweats)
• Anxiety

She also experienced a significant psychological impact, coming to terms with both the loss of her ovary and the knowledge that this outcome may have been preventable.

Day-to-day life changed. Managing symptoms became part of her routine, affecting her energy levels, concentration, and overall wellbeing. The emotional impact of not being listened to, despite clearly explaining her concerns, was a lasting part of her experience.

Like many women in similar situations, she was left asking a difficult question: would things have been different if I had been heard sooner?

What the Trust admitted

Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust accepted that:

• There was a delay in diagnosing and treating ovarian torsion
• Earlier surgery would have identified the torsion
• The ovary would have been viable and salvageable
• Our client would have avoided ovary removal and early menopause

A formal apology was issued, acknowledging that our client did not receive the standard of care she was entitled to expect.

Importantly, the Trust also confirmed that changes have been made. From January 2026, emergency surgical capacity has been increased to reduce delays for patients requiring urgent treatment.

Outcome

The claim was settled for £25,000 , providing financial recognition of the avoidable harm caused.

While compensation cannot reverse what happened, it can help individuals access support, manage ongoing symptoms, and rebuild their quality of life.

Why this case matters

This case is not just about a delay in treatment, it reflects a broader pattern seen across women’s healthcare.

Too often, women report that:

• Their symptoms are not fully taken seriously
• Their concerns are explained away or downplayed
• Their own understanding of their bodies is overlooked

In this case, our client had direct experience of ovarian torsion and clearly communicated her concerns. Earlier action could have changed the outcome entirely.

Emma Hudson , solicitor in our medical negligence team comments: “Sadly, this case where a woman’s instincts about her own body have been ignored is not an isolated incident. We act for multiple clients who have experienced medical misogyny, whether that be in respect of gynaecology complaints, antenatal and maternity care or in other areas of medicine. The recovery of compensation has assisted our client with the increasing costs of medication and aides to relieve her debilitating menopause symptoms but it is the Trust’s admission of liability and letter of apology that will help her in trying to really move on from this avoidable negligence.”

How we helped

We worked closely with our client to ensure her experience was properly recognised.

Beyond securing compensation, this case led to:

• A formal admission of failings
• A written apology from the Trust
• Changes to emergency surgery capacity, aimed at preventing similar delays for future patients

For our client, this was about more than a legal outcome. It was about being heard, acknowledged, and knowing that her experience may help improve care for others.

Speak to our team

If you’ve experienced a delay in diagnosis or feel your concerns were not listened to in a healthcare setting, you’re not alone.

Our specialist medical negligence solicitors are here to listen, understand your experience, and help you explore your options.