The unpredictable disease attacking women 5 times more than men — doctors only study it for ‘one minute’
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a complex condition that affects women disproportionately, with diagnoses rising post-COVID. Patients often face a long and frustrating journey to diagnosis, as symptoms can be unpredictable and are frequently dismissed by healthcare professionals. Despite being formally classified in 2016, MCAS remains poorly understood, with limited education provided to doctors during their training.
- ▪MCAS occurs when mast cells overstimulate and release inflammatory chemicals, leading to unpredictable symptoms.
- ▪Women are diagnosed with MCAS 4-5 times more often than men, likely due to hormonal fluctuations.
- ▪Many patients report their symptoms being dismissed as anxiety, leading to a prolonged search for answers.
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Health exclusive The unpredictable disease attacking women 5 times more than men — doctors only study it for ‘one minute’ By Kyra Breslin Published May 27, 2026, 7:58 a.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google At 15, Emma Widmar was a healthy athlete in Wisconsin before her body began to unravel. She developed facial swelling, unexplained prolonged menstrual bleeding, fainting spells and food reactions so extreme that she required a feeding tube. She lost 60 pounds. Over a decade, she saw more than 50 specialists, each treating a symptom, but none identifying the cause. Some blamed allergies; others accused her parents of Münchausen by proxy.
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