Let's start with the basics. What is self-advocacy?
Self-advocacy—particularly when it comes to women's health—is the opportunity for a woman to be in partnership with her provider. It means speaking up when something feels as if it's not normal for your body. Sometimes that may mean providing personal information to your provider, letting them know, “Hey, this is what I'm experiencing. This is different or new for me.”
What exactly does it mean to be in partnership with your provider?
Even though I have MD behind my name, I don't know everything. It's important for women to understand that no one knows their body more than they do—better than they do. As such, self-advocacy means you're using your voice and speaking up when you notice that something's different or doesn't feel right, health-wise.
“Use your voice”… that's so empowering. But what if someone feels that their voice isn't being heard?
If your provider is not really listening to your concerns, I always recommend seeking out a second opinion. Speak with other family members or friends to see if they are working with a physician who is more receptive and open and consider reaching out to that provider. I'll admit it may take some work, but I truly believe finding a provider you trust is one of the top things a women can do for her health.
Are there other ways a woman can ensure her health concerns are being addressed?
Writing down your symptoms, tracking them in a journal to document what you are experiencing is a great way to help explain to your provider what is going on in your body. Instead of trying to recall the details, if you have a journal or tracker with you at your appointment, it can help you and your provider decide next steps for your care.
"Tracking [your symptoms] in a journal is a great way to help explain what is going on in your body.”
What types of things should women be tracking?
Tracking your period is particularly important for women who may be considering what their family-planning goals are, or if they have fertility concerns. Even if you're not concerned about family planning, there may be hormonal issues related to your cycle that can cause Endometriosis or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Being in tune with your body and preparing for appointments is all part of self-advocacy.
Is keeping track of your breast health also important?
Yes, absolutely. Unfortunately women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages, which means women need to be engaged and in tune with their health early on. Take note of how your breasts normally look and feel now, that way you'll notice small changes right away if they happen. If you understand what is normal for your breasts, then there's a greater likelihood that if a change develops, you will be aware of that change sooner rather than later.
“Nobody knows your body better than you.”
What does self-advocacy look like for older women experiencing perimenopausal symptoms?
Perimenopause doesn't look the same for everyone. Thus, making the experience and the treatment personalized and individualized is extremely important. By advocating for your own health and discussing the changes you may be experiencing with your doctor, you can get the care you need to manage your symptoms, including whether or not you want to take hormones.
Be mindful of vasomotor symptoms, cognitive changes, brain fog, libido, body aches or arthritis pain. Ask about what lifestyle changes you can make or what treatments options you have that can impact your quality of life while going through this transition. Again, being in partnership with your provider is important as you navigate your perimenopausal journey.
“Finding a provider you trust is one of the top things you can do for your health.”
Are there other ways a woman can actively participate in her health care decisions?
You can research your symptoms on trusted sites like WebMD. But this can be tricky—don't just rely on what you find on the internet. Bring your research to your doctor's appointment and discuss what you found and say, “This is what I noticed when I was doing my own research. What do you think about it?”
Are there any other steps women can take to prioritize their health?
As women, we are so busy that sometimes we neglect ourselves and our health. We may not have the time to actually go sit in a doctor's office. I think virtual care appointments can provide another way for women to prioritize their health care. If they can just hop on a call and take 20 minutes to tell the provider, “I'm experiencing these symptoms,” that initial touch can help your provider know what's going on so you can figure out next steps together.
Is there anything else you'd like to add as it relates to self-advocacy?
Sometimes you have to step out your comfort zone in order to have honest conversations with your health provider. Sometimes it requires courage to bring up your concerns, especially if it's something you're uncomfortable talking about, such as your sexual health. It also requires having a provider with an open mind, one who's receptive to your health concerns and one who is open to working out a plan with you—in partnership—to help you navigate those concerns.
Mostly, I'd like to stress how important it is for women to go to their preventive care appointments. Make sure you're discussing breast exams and other preventive screenings with your provider, as well as your family history. Advocating isn't just important when you have a major health crisis or when something's wrong. It's important to be proactive before something's wrong.
