How to Self-Advocate at a Doctor Appointment (and a list of resources)
Self-advocating for your health is hard. When a doctor has only fifteen minutes to see you, it is not always a lack of empathy on their part, but rather a structural constraint that forces them to sprint through a checklist. It is far from ideal, but unfortunately, the reality of a broken system. To make sure your concerns are heard and taken seriously, you have to approach your appointment with a strategy. Here are some practical tips to help navigate your next visit to the doctor’s office. (And a list of healthcare resources at the end!)
Why Endometriosis is More Than Just Pain
Endometriosis is not just a “bad period”. It is a complex inflammatory condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other areas of the pelvic cavity. Even though this tissue is in the wrong place, it still responds to your monthly hormonal cycle, causing significant inflammation, internal scarring, and adhesions that can make your organs stick together. This is why the pain can feel so multifaceted, presenting as a constellation of symptoms that can shift throughout your cycle, and often overlaps with other conditions.
The Pap Smear: The Life Saving Screening Test for Cervical Cancer
Few routine medical appointments cause as much collective anxiety as the annual woman’s wellness exam, specifically when it is time for a Pap smear. But demystifying exactly what happens on that exam table, and why the screening test is so important, can help transform an anxiety-inducing chore into a powerful, straightforward act of self-care.
Everything You Want To Know About Breast Cancer
Writing about breast cancer feels personal for so many of us because it is a diagnosis that has touched almost every family in some way. We’ve seen the ribbons, and heard the stories, but when it happens to you or a loved one, it hits differently. Understanding what is actually happening in the body and what can be done about it can take some of the power back from the fear of the unknown.
What are Fibroids?
When a woman comes to my office with abnormal or heavy bleeding or describes a persistent sense of pelvic “heaviness” or a noticeable increase in abdominal size that doesn’t fluctuate with her cycle, the most likely culprit is usually uterine leiomyomas, commonly known as fibroids.
Why the Change PCOS to PMOS Is So Important!
It is so much more than just one letter. The transition from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovary Syndrome (PMOS) is a landmark shift in how women’s health is perceived. For decades, the name “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome” misled patients and even some clinicians into focusing just on the ovaries. We now know that it is a complex interplay between the endocrine system and your metabolism. This change validates what many women have felt for years: that this is a whole-body experience, not just a reproductive one.
Explaining the Different Types of Hysterectomies
The decision to undergo a hysterectomy is often a major turning point in a woman’s health journey, and it is one that usually comes after a long road of managing symptoms that have affected her daily life. In my practice, I find that much of the confusion surrounding this surgery stems from the terminology itself. So let’s discuss exactly what anatomical part each term refers to, and what is removed in each procedure, so you can understand exactly what is being proposed for your body and why.
What is Menopause?
Everyone knows that menopause is something that all women will go through later in life, but what is it exactly and why does it happen? Let’s talk about some of the signs and symptoms, as well as treatment options that can help you navigate this unique experience that is different and deeply personal to every woman.
The Best Workouts for Women at Every Age
Exercise is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health, but the best workout for you at 20 looks very different from the best workout at 45 or 65. Your body’s needs, hormones, recovery capacity, and priorities shift significantly across the decades, and a fitness routine that honors those changes is one you’ll actually sustain. It’s about training smarter, moving in ways that serve your body right now, and staying active for life. Here’s a stage-by-stage guide to the workouts that will serve you best.
7 Natural Ways to Manage Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Hot flashes and night sweats are among the most common and disruptive symptoms of menopause, affecting up to 75 percent of women. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) remains the most effective medical treatment for these symptoms, not every woman is a candidate, and many prefer to explore natural approaches first. Here are seven evidence-informed lifestyle strategies can meaningfully reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats naturally.