Feeling Brushed Off by Your Doctor? 5 Ways to Advocate for Your Health
Have you ever left a GP appointment feeling like you didn't really get to say what was going on? Or been told your tiredness, mood changes or poor sleep are "just stress" or "just your age"?
You're not alone. Many of the women I work with have felt brushed off at some point, especially when their symptoms are vague, come and go, or don't show up clearly on a blood test.
The good news is that a little preparation can completely change how an appointment goes. Here's how to advocate for yourself and get the support you deserve.
1. Track your symptoms before you go
Symptoms that feel huge at home can be hard to describe in a 15-minute appointment. For two to four weeks before, write down what you notice: sleep, energy, mood, cravings, digestion, headaches, and where you are in your cycle.
Patterns are powerful. "I wake at 3am most nights in the week before my period" is much more useful than "I'm not sleeping well".
2. Write down your top three concerns
Appointments go fast. Decide on the three things that matter most to you and lead with them. If there's more, ask whether you can book a longer appointment or come back for a follow-up.
3. Ask clear questions
It's completely okay to ask questions. A few that can help:
What could be causing these symptoms?
Could this be related to perimenopause, thyroid, iron or blood sugar?
What tests would be useful, and what will they tell us?
What are my options, and what happens if I wait?
When should I come back if things don't improve?
4. Know what a test can and can't show
Hormones like estrogen and progesterone change throughout your cycle, and in perimenopause they can swing up and down from day to day. That means a single blood test doesn't always tell the full story. A "normal" result doesn't mean your symptoms aren't real.
Ask your doctor to explain your results, and keep a copy for your own records.
5. Bring support and speak up
If you tend to freeze up or forget things, bring a friend or partner, or take notes on your phone. And if you feel you haven't been heard, it's okay to say so, ask for a referral, or get a second opinion. You know your body better than anyone.
Where a health coach fits in
Your doctor is your first port of call for diagnosis, tests and medical treatment. As a health coach, I work alongside that care. I help you understand what's happening in your body, track your symptoms, prepare for appointments, and build the everyday nutrition and lifestyle habits that support your hormones.
The bottom line
Advocating for yourself isn't being difficult. It's taking your health seriously. Track your symptoms, prepare your questions and keep asking until you get answers that make sense to you.
Want help making sense of your symptoms?
If you feel like something has changed and you don't know where to start, book your free initial assessment and we'll look at the full picture together.
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you have severe, sudden or worrying symptoms, please see your doctor promptly.
