661: When ‘Normal’ Isn’t Normal: How to Be Heard (and Taken Seriously) at the Doctor’s Office

Have you recently left your doctor’s office feeling more confused than when you walked in?  Or finally worked up the courage to share the brain fog, crushing fatigue, or unexplainable mood swings—only to get brushed off with: “It’s just part of getting older”?  I see you—because I was you—and I know how frustrating and lonely it can feel to navigate midlife changes when so few doctors truly understand what’s happening in your body.  In this empowering episode, we dive into how to be heard at the doctor’s office during perimenopause and menopause, what to track before your appointment, the right questions to ask, and the signs it might be time to find a new provider.  You deserve answers. You deserve care that sees the whole you. And you deserve to walk out of your appointments with clarity and a plan to feel your best.  Tune in to this episode to reclaim your voice and your power in this beautiful season of life! IN THIS EPISODE Navigating the knowledge gap in women’s health care  Tips for confidently advocating for yourself to your doctor  Addressing common symptoms in midlife and menopause Questions to ask your doctor and labs you should test for  Finding a functional medicine doctor who will hear you out  My FREE perimenopause survival guide and more about my upcoming book: The Perimenopause Revolution  QUOTES“Even today, the average woman waits 7 to 10 years for a proper diagnosis of conditions like Hashimoto's and other autoimmune issues.” “If you feel dismissed, it's okay to find another provider. I know this can feel daunting, but your health and your quality of life is on the line. You deserve a provider who listens.” “There are so many doctors and providers out there like me who care deeply, who understand what it's like to be going through this transition, what it's like to be a woman navigating the world, particularly the healthcare system, and what it's like to struggle with symptoms, and you just desperately want answers to feel better again.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Grab the FREE Thriving in Perimenopause Guide HERE!  Preorder my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE and get instant access to over $500 worth of bonuses! Try Qualia Senolytic and use code DRMARIZA to get 15% off RELATED EPISODES  #319: Red Flags: 10 Ways We Gaslight Women in Medicine Today #650: Unlock Your Health: The Ultimate Biomarker & Lab Blueprint to Thrive in Midlife and Beyond #541: Why Functional Labs Are a Game Changer for Your Health with Dr. Kela Smith 579: Hormone Replacement Options and Hormone Testing for Women in Midlife + Self Advocacy for Optimal Health with Esther Blum