Advocating for Yourself

I am sitting across my doctor explaining (again) the fatigue, the hot flashes, the nagging joint pain. She nods, scribbles a note, and suggests a pill. But what I was hoping for was someone who leaned in, asked why, and said “Let’s figure this out together.”

Midlife is hard. Between menopause’s mood swings, osteoporosis whispers, and the shadow of “what-ifs” like heart disease or breast cancer, it’s easy to feel adrift. But we’re not just a list of symptoms. We deserve a guide, not just a prescription pad.

Finding a healthcare provider who listens feels like hunting for a unicorn. I’ve been frustrated, dismissed, and wondering if I’d ever find someone who saw me, not just my chart.

But here’s what I’ve learned: Your health journey is a collaboration and I won't settle for less. Seek providers who ask about your sleep, stress, and life beyond the lab results. Naturopaths, integrative MDs, or even acupuncturists often dig deeper into root causes (like hormone imbalances or inflammation). Websites like Institute for Functional Medicine or American Association of Naturopathic Physicians can help you find local allies. I'll get more into my experience with acupuncture and the benefits of seeing a Naturopath in my next Blog.

Mammograms and bone density scans matter—but so do thyroid checks, vitamin D levels, and heart health markers. Be the CEO of your body: I have asked for full panels. (American Bone Health and BreastCancer.org offer free guides.)

Yoga is amazing and it isn’t just about touching your toes. It’s about building bone density, soothing anxiety, and reclaiming your breath. I have turned to YouTube (check out Yoga With Adriene for 50+ sessions) or you can try your local studios with instructors.

I have swapped the evening wine for a warm mug of turmeric-ginger or chamomile tea. This isn’t just hydration its a moment of self care. Mindfulness apps like Calm or Insight Timer offer 5-minute meditations for busy days.

We're the CEO of Our Body and Don’t Have to Do It Alone

• Build Your Team: A nutritionist, therapist, or menopause specialist (NAMS has a directory).

• Trust Your Gut: If a provider dismisses you, walk out. Your time is sacred.

• Connect: Join communities like The Menopause Collective or Midlife Women Rock on Facebook. You’ll find tribe members sharing naturopath recs and the best herbal teas.

  
  

Midlife isn’t a crisis—it’s a recalibration. I know, the road is bumpy, but imagine looking back and saying, “That’s when I learned my strength.” You’re not “aging”; you’re evolving. And every small step—a yoga pose, a screening, a moment of tea-sipping stillness—is a love letter to your future self.

Let’s rewrite the narrative, one mindful choice at a time.

P.S. Have a provider who changed the game for you? A favorite stress-busting tea? Share it below—your story might light the way for another woman. 💛

We’re in this together—learning, stumbling, and growing. Always authentic, always rooting for you.