Becoming Your Own health advocate
Last week, I asked you to let me know what topics you’d like me to cover and I was blown away by your requests. The good news…there is a lot of confusion and we are here to help clear it up. The bad news…there is A LOT of confusion, partially due to the lack of funding, training and resources when it comes to women’s health.
It’s not unlikely that your doctor is just as confused as you are, so it’s critical that you get up to speed on what’s happening to your body and find a doctor who knows her stuff.
How many of you have struggled to find a practitioner who is knowledgable when it comes to hormones and the stages of menopause? What about denied hormone therapy by your provider? How about totally dismissed when you presented your symptoms? Or sent to a number of different specialists? It’s statistically likely that the majority of you have experienced one or all, including me.
It’s crucial that you become your very own health advocate.
Here’s a good place to start:
Find a Qualified Menopause Practitioner
Check out The Menopause Society’s database at www.menopause.org. Make sure to look for one that is certified under the “find a practitioner” section. If you have a practitioner that you recommend, please share with us.
Ask your trusted friends. Word of mouth is often the best resource.
Virtual menopause care is absolutely an option if you are unable to find a qualified in person care provider. Alloy Health and Evernow are both good resources.
Know Your Body
Understand the symptoms of menopause. Menopausal symptoms far outreach the common hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog. You can visit www.themorningpause.com for a more extensive list.
Note any physical/mental changes that you’ve experienced. Or any changes in your body that you’ve experienced.
Have an understanding of the benefits and risks of HT (hormone therapy). I will be writing about this in an upcoming newsletter and I happen to know a health coach who can help you if you need a deeper dive!
Be Prepared
Request a “problem visit” when scheduling so that your practitioner can plan for a longer appointment.
Write down your questions or concerns so that you maximize your time efficiently.
Know your family medical history; heart disease, cancer, onset of menopause, etc…
Ask your practitioner questions about their approach to treating symptoms of menopause. Remember, this is your body and you deserve the best care for you. You will find out a lot by asking a few simple questions to make sure that you are well aligned. Don’t understand something, ask for clarification.
