Women often feel compelled to assume responsibility for the needs and wishes of others. This is of consequence to their own health. The concept »compulsive sensitivity« is used in this article to describe a work injury that can result when this demand is excessive and the trained sensitivity to the needs of others has come to dictate woman's way of being and acting. This kind of ill health is seen as a result of the gender division of labor that persists in our society. The article is based on qualitative research on women's work, health and ill health.