Here’s something we don’t hear enough: You know your body better than anyone else. That intuitive sense that something feels “off”? It matters. It’s valid. And it could be the key to catching something early, advocating for the right care, and finally being heard in a system that often moves too fast to listen.
The truth is, women’s health is still burdened by bias. Too often, women are interrupted, dismissed, or told “it’s nothing” when, deep down, they know it’s something. But this doesn’t mean you have to be confrontational or combative. It means showing up to the exam room as the expert on you—because you are.
So how do you step into your power during doctor visits without being overwhelmed or overlooked?
Start here:
1. Document what your body is telling you.
Keep a note in your phone or a small notepad in your bag. Jot down what you’re feeling, when it started, and how it’s changed over time. Timelines are crucial in clinical care. Symptoms tell a story—and the clearer you can tell it, the more precise the care can be.
2. Don’t hold back.
Even if your doctor can’t address every concern in one visit, lay them all out at the beginning. That lingering back pain might not seem urgent, but if it’s paired with fatigue or chest discomfort, it could shift the priority. Let your provider help triage effectively by knowing the full picture.
3. Know your medications.
Even if you can’t recite the names and doses from memory (most people can’t), bring a list. Or better yet, snap photos of the labels—or just toss the pill bottles in a bag and bring them along. Yes, your doctor loves that. It saves time and improves safety and accuracy in your care.
The ultimate goal? A partnership. A care plan rooted in mutual respect, clarity, and collaboration. But it starts with you trusting what you feel and knowing you have every right to take up space in that conversation.
And if your current provider doesn’t listen, doesn’t validate, or doesn’t partner with you—it’s okay to move on. Your health is not the place to shrink or settle.
Actionable steps to own your next visit:
- Track symptoms (when they started, how often, what makes them better/worse).
- Write down all your health concerns—even if they feel unrelated.
- Bring or photograph your current medications and dosages.
- Trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, speak up.
Watch Dr. Jennifer Caudle break down “The Whole Woman Framework” and how to be your own best advocate on my YouTube from the WHC The BEST of LIFE Summit.
