How to Advocate for Yourself and All the Women in Your Life During Women’s Health Month

I am a women's health advocate, and I am disheartened by the number of women I know who face diverse challenges in managing their health today.  As women, we're susceptible to biases in the medical industry and egregious gaslighting, and we often feel that our doctors do not hear us. Thankfully, significant changes are occurring to counter this, as evidenced by President Joe Biden's announcement of the largest women's health and research investment in our nation's history. 

Still, as women, we must continue to advocate for our health and fight to improve our care. In the United States, approximately one out of 10 women have endometriosis. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. And research estimates more than 6,000 women go into menopause every day, with so many not receiving the symptom relief or answers they seek. 

I have struggled with my health in some of these areas. As an advocate, I've also supported women who have struggled in their health journeys over the last 10 years. These are the most impactful and critical lessons I've learned that I want every woman to know—so we can all advocate for ourselves and all the women in our lives, this Women's Health Month and always.

Lesson #1: Know your body. 

Even the best doctor doesn't know your body better than you. That's why it's essential to connect with your body.

Take a moment to reflect on how you feel. If you notice a symptom that is causing you pain or if something feels unusual to you, it could need to be addressed by a medical professional.

A woman I supported shared with me, "I wake up in pain all the time. I think my body is trying to tell me something." I recognize that feeling, and it can be anxiety-inducing when it happens. When I had my first three-day-long migraine, I knew something wasn't right with my body.

Dr. Lara Larkin put it best in a panel hosted by Maria in 2023. Dr Larkin said that if you have an issue that's impacting your quality of life, it merits getting a problem-focused follow-up appointment.

So, know your body, tune in, and listen.

Lesson #2: Trust your gut. 

It is common to second-guess ourselves and rely on other people's opinions, such as family or friends, to guide our decisions. However, it's also important to weigh the risk of following your instincts and taking advice you may regret later—even in a medical setting. 

Over the years, many women I have helped have expressed doubt to me and said, "I don't know if I am making the right choice" regarding pursuing medical treatment. I've felt that way too. I once opted for a second breast biopsy after the first was unsuccessful, based on my gut feeling, and I was able to get a definitive result.

Embrace your intuition, and you will find the answer. 

Lesson #3: Use your voice. 

While asking for help can be perceived as a weakness, it is actually a strength. Another woman I helped told me, "The world would be better off without me." I was immediately concerned for her well-being and reassured her that it was ok to speak up.

Using your voice to talk with your medical provider can help to give you the support you need and tools to cope with your feelings.

You don't have to struggle in silence. Talk with your doctor.

Lesson #4: Seek a supportive provider. 

Find doctors who are empathetic and listen to you. It is validating and life-changing when doctors make you a priority.

Finding empathetic practitioners helps alleviate the unnecessary stressors that can occur in medical situations. It also creates a safe place to communicate and identify the best solutions for you.

Lesson #5: Be open to change. 

If your provider does not believe you or if you have to justify your problem, it is worth meeting with another doctor. 

Your safety and well-being should always be at the forefront of your mind, and you have the right to talk with another provider about your issue. Try not to second guess yourself if you are unsure; it's ok to get a second opinion. 

As Maria Menounos says, "Be the CEO of your health." You get to decide who oversees your care, and whatever you choose, it's the right thing to do.

Lesson #6: Know your options. 

Educating yourself on the latest medical data from credible sources such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Journal of American Medicine (JAMA) is important. If you bring this information to your practitioner, you can ask questions to understand the latest research and your options. 

When you are informed, you can better understand when medical situations may require more aggressive treatment or additional solutions. This creates an awareness of health conditions that may impact you. In many cases, they are preventable, and you can feel more confident in your decisions that you did what you could to be proactive.

Lesson #7: Don't give up.

It has sadly become common for women to experience dismissal, biases, and racism from their doctors. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 women of color are mistreated in health situations. Also, Patient Safety Network states that people in the LGBTQ community are not being given equal access to care. This is disheartening.

A woman divulged to me that her doctors dismissed her after returning home from the hospital postpartum despite having concerning symptoms. I encouraged her to advocate for herself immediately and return to the hospital. She did, and they were able to resolve her issue with medication for a serious infection. 

I also suffered postpartum complications with my two children. After having my second child, I advocated for myself to get additional imaging, and it helped to save my life.

No matter your situation, you need to be your own best advocate now more than ever. Everyone has a right to be seen, heard, understood, and treated equally, especially when it comes to their health. 

Know that you are not alone. Speak up, speak out—and don't give up. 

Lisa McCarty is a writer and a women's health advocate whose writing has been featured in national publications, such as TODAY and Vox. She is a support group leader for RESOLVE, the National Infertility Association, and is training to be a grief educator with David Kessler. You can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.