Doctor Sandra Lee, widely recognized for her popular show Dr. Pimple Popper, was in the midst of filming her series when she suffered a stroke. The cherished doctor is now sharing her experience and encouraging others to be aware of warning signs that could lead to the same issue.
Dr. Lee recounted that while she was attending to patients at her dermatology clinic in Upland, California, in November 2025, she sensed that something was not right. However, when she felt what she thought was a hot flash, she dismissed it, convincing herself it was simply a symptom of menopause. This is precisely why it’s crucial for women to hear her story. During menopause, many women experience hot flashes, which is why Dr. Lee initially didn’t believe she was facing anything serious.
“I had what I thought was a hot flash,” Dr. Lee told People in an interview. “I got super sweaty and didn’t feel like myself.”
After filming wrapped up, she went to her parents’ house, and that’s when she began to notice additional symptoms. She felt extremely restless, and her condition started to deteriorate. “In one leg, I kept feeling shooting pains,” she mentioned. “I realized that I was struggling to walk down the stairs.”
By the next morning, it was clear she had suffered a stroke.
“I would extend my hand, and it would just gradually fall. I realized I was struggling to articulate and pronounce words. I thought, ‘Am I having a stroke?’” she shared.
Her father, who is also a dermatologist, encouraged her to go to the emergency room. An MRI revealed an ischemic stroke, which happens when blood flow to the brain is blocked, cutting off oxygen and nutrients to brain cells.
“It was just shocking. As a doctor, I couldn’t ignore that I had slurred speech and weakness on one side, but I thought, ‘This must be a dream, right?”‘ she recalled.
“What essentially occurred is that a part of my brain died,” she explained.
This terrifying incident compelled her to pause her filming and concentrate on her recovery, which included physical therapy to regain her strength and coordination.
Even though it occurred almost a year and a half ago, she mentions that she is still profoundly affected by the aftermath of the stroke, something that was evident during her conversation with People.
Today, Sandra Lee shares that she is quite aware of how she communicates.
“I realize now that my speech isn’t quite the same as it used to be,” she mentioned. “You feel really self-conscious about speaking because you become aware of it.”
Reflecting on her past, she acknowledges the risk factors that might have led to her stroke. “My blood pressure and cholesterol levels were not managed well, and I was under a lot of stress from my patients and the show,” she noted, adding that this experience has also changed her outlook.
“I prefer to see it as a hidden blessing. It serves as a reminder to prioritize my health.”
It’s crucial for everyone to recognize that being aware of the signs can potentially save our lives or the lives of others.
According to the American Heart Association, stroke continues to be one of the top causes of death and long-term disability in the U.S. What’s particularly alarming is that women represent about 60% of all deaths related to strokes.
The reasons for this are complex. Experts indicate that women may frequently experience symptoms that seem mild or are easily ignored, especially amidst their hectic daily lives. Consequently, vital warning signs can be overlooked, which can delay critical treatment when every moment counts.
The Standard Warning Signs
Regardless of whether you are male or female, the traditional warning signs typically align with the F.A.S.T. acronym:
Face drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulty
Time to call 911
Other significant indicators include sudden vision issues or an unexpected loss of balance and coordination.
Why It’s Different for Women
At this point, the diagnosis becomes more complicated. Although medical literature often emphasizes the “classic” stroke symptoms, doctors are increasingly recognizing that women frequently experience “atypical” symptoms. It’s important to note that these symptoms are not only different but can also be quite “mild,” making them easy to overlook and dismiss as mere daily stress, a common cold, or simple fatigue.
Adding to the uncertainty is the tendency for patients, including healthcare professionals like Dr. Lee, to hesitate before taking action regarding their condition. Dr. Pooja Khatri, a neurology professor at the University of Cincinnati, explains this issue well: “Women often present with atypical, vague symptoms. They may begin with fatigue, confusion, or general weakness, rather than weakness on one side of the body.”
These symptoms can be misleading because, unlike clear signs such as one-sided paralysis, they may not seem alarming initially. There often isn’t anything dramatic enough to immediately indicate that a serious issue is occurring. Consequently, someone experiencing sudden mental fog or severe fatigue might think it’s just tiredness and choose to “rest for a while” instead of seeking prompt medical attention.
In stroke treatment, time is of the essence—often referred to as “time is brain”—and even minor delays in receiving care can result in lasting damage.
5 Signs Every Woman Should Be Aware Of
Fatigue: This isn’t just the usual tiredness from not getting enough sleep; it’s a sudden and overwhelming fatigue.
Weakness: This can manifest as common symptoms like numbness in one arm, but it can also feel like complete physical exhaustion.
Confusion or Speech Difficulties: Experiencing sudden confusion or struggling to articulate simple thoughts and words.
Unusual Pain or Numbness: Especially if it’s one-sided. Any severe pain should always be taken seriously.
Dizziness or Balance Issues: Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, or having trouble with coordination while walking.
Having experienced a stroke herself, Sandra Lee has been very candid about her lengthy recovery journey and its emotional toll. Her story strikes a chord with many of us because we all know someone who has faced a stroke: our mothers, friends, or neighbors.
The issue is that these warning signs can often be overlooked until they escalate. Sandra Lee’s advice is clear: Trust your gut. If you sense that something is off but can’t pinpoint it, don’t hesitate to seek medical assistance. This isn’t an overreaction; it could potentially save your life.
