Why Women Must Advocate for Their Own Health: A Call to Action
For generations, women have fought for bodily autonomy, and in many ways, that fight continues today. Historically, women's health was often shrouded in mystery and controlled by patriarchal systems. Even in our modern era, women face dismissal, misdiagnosis, and gaslighting in healthcare settings. I've experienced this firsthand, navigating a healthcare system that often felt dismissive of my concerns and struggles.
This isn't just about "being pushy" or "difficult." Advocating for your health is essential for receiving proper care and ensuring your well-being. This article explores the historical context of women's health struggles, the modern-day challenges we face, and how we can take action to protect and prioritize our health.
A History of Medical Dismissal and Control
For centuries, women's bodies were considered mysterious, and even dangerous. Medical decisions were often made by men, with little regard for women's own experiences or perspectives.
Here are some sobering examples from the not-so-distant past:
Hysterectomies required spousal approval: Until the late 20th century, women often needed their husband's permission to undergo a hysterectomy, a procedure that profoundly impacts a woman's body and life.
Clinical trials excluded women: Most medical research was conducted exclusively on men, with the flawed assumption that findings would apply equally to women. This has had serious consequences, as women's bodies often respond differently to medications and treatments.
Men made decisions about women's reproductive health: It wasn't uncommon for gynecologists to discuss a woman's reproductive health with her husband instead of directly with her, perpetuating a system where women's voices were silenced.
While progress has been made, these historical biases continue to cast a shadow on women's healthcare today. Women's pain is often minimized, and symptoms of serious conditions are frequently dismissed as "stress" or "anxiety."
The Modern-Day Battle: Gaslighting and Dismissal in Women's Healthcare
Medical gaslighting, where a healthcare provider dismisses or invalidates a patient's concerns, is a pervasive issue in women's healthcare. I've experienced this firsthand, navigating a healthcare system that often felt dismissive of my concerns and struggles.
Women report feeling unheard or dismissed when seeking treatment for various conditions, including:
Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms: When I first started experiencing heavy bleeding and irregular periods, my doctor brushed it off as "just part of aging." It took multiple appointments and a lot of persistence to get the answers I needed. Many women are told their symptoms are "all in their head" or simply a natural part of getting older, rather than being offered real solutions or support.
Chronic Pain Conditions: Conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis (which I was eventually diagnosed with), and fibromyalgia often take years to diagnose because women's pain is frequently not taken seriously.
ADHD in Women: Many women are diagnosed with ADHD only in adulthood, after years of being mislabeled as disorganized, emotional, or "not trying hard enough." This was my experience as well, and it wasn't until my perimenopause symptoms intensified that I finally received the diagnosis and support I needed.
The consequences of this dismissal can be devastating. Many women stop seeking medical care altogether or accept subpar treatment, leading to prolonged suffering and diminished quality of life.
Why Advocacy is Essential for Women's Health
Given the systemic biases in medicine, women must become active participants in their healthcare. Here's how:
Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, don't ignore it. Advocate for further testing, seek second opinions, and don't be afraid to challenge your doctor's assumptions. This is what ultimately led me to the right diagnosis and treatment plan.
Document your symptoms: Keep a detailed health journal to track your symptoms, including their frequency, severity, and any potential triggers. This provides valuable information for your doctor and can help you advocate for yourself more effectively.
Demand informed consent: Before agreeing to any medical procedure or treatment, make sure you fully understand all your options, potential side effects, and risks. Ask questions and don't hesitate to seek clarification until you feel comfortable making an informed decision.
Seek support and resources: Connect with other women online or in person who are navigating similar health challenges. Patient advocacy groups and specialized doctors can provide valuable information, support, and guidance.
Breaking the Cycle: A Call for Systemic Change
While self-advocacy is crucial, systemic change is equally important. The medical field must:
Increase research on women's health: We need more research focused specifically on women's health issues to better understand conditions that uniquely or disproportionately affect women.
Train doctors to recognize and eliminate gender bias: Medical schools and healthcare institutions must prioritize training doctors to recognize and address their own biases when diagnosing and treating patients.
Normalize discussions about women's health: Open and honest conversations about perimenopause, ADHD, reproductive health, and other women's health issues need to become normalized to ensure women are informed and empowered to make decisions about their bodies.
Own Your Health, Own Your Power
Women's health advocacy isn't just about individual empowerment—it's about changing a system that has historically silenced and marginalized women's voices. By standing up for ourselves and demanding better healthcare, we pave the way for future generations of women to receive the care and respect they deserve.
Are you struggling to be heard by your doctor? Don't settle for dismissal. Seek second opinions, arm yourself with knowledge, and remember—you are your own best advocate.
Schedule a free consultation with me today. Let's work together to ensure you get the answers and support you need on your health journey.
