How to Advocate for Yourself in Medical Settings (and Why It’s Non-Negotiable)
Today I want to talk about something too many women experience—but rarely talk about openly because they blame themselves or doubt their own experience: Women are dismissed in medical settings every single day.
We’re told:
“It’s just anxiety.”
“It’s normal at your age.”
“You’re probably overreacting.”
Studies show women’s pain is under-treated. (I was strongly encouraged to push through my pain not 10 hours after a c-section because “you’re going to have some pain.” I couldn’t even get in a wheelchair to visit my 10-hour old son in the NICU but sure, you can tell me how much pain I’m in. This was a female PA too.
Women, especially women of color, wait longer for diagnoses and care and are more likely to be left untreated after childbirth
We’re often expected to accept vague answers—and we’re labeled “difficult” if we push for clarity.
Here’s the truth you already know but have been convinced of otherwise: You are the expert on your own body. And medical advocacy isn’t optional—it’s a lifeline.
Why This Matters:
If you’ve ever walked out of a doctor’s office feeling unheard, rushed, or dismissed—you’re not imagining it.
If you’ve hesitated to ask more questions because you didn’t want to be “that patient”—you’re not alone.
And if you’ve delayed care because you didn’t feel taken seriously—that’s a system failing you, not the other way around.
We can’t always control the medical system, but we can strengthen our own voice inside it.
How to Prepare for Your Next Medical Appointment (With Clarity and Confidence)
Write down your questions ahead of time. Don’t rely on memory—it’s easy to freeze or forget under pressure.
List your symptoms clearly + specifically. Dates, frequency, severity—facts matter.
Ask clarifying questions. “What does that mean?” / “What are the next steps?” / “What are the risks and alternatives?”
Bring a support person if you need. A second set of ears helps keep things clear (and keeps providers accountable).
Request a copy of your records. This is your information. You have every right to it.
Don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. Good doctors respect this. It’s standard, not confrontational.
Trust your gut. If something still feels off—even if you can’t explain it—keep pushing for answers. You know your body best.
Remember: You are not “too much.” You are not “overreacting.” You are a woman advocating for her health—and that is leadership in its highest form.
Inside Women Who Rise, we empower women to find their voice everywhere—from the boardroom to the doctor’s office.
Join the community here.
Need 1:1 coaching to build your advocacy skills and confidence? Book a call here.
You deserve to be heard. You deserve to be well. And you deserve to rise—fully supported, in every space you enter.