Advocate For Yourself
This week is Women's Health Week, and it has had me thinking about something I do not believe gets said enough, to anyone.
Historically, women's symptoms and health concerns have often been minimised or dismissed.
Pain has been written off as "just hormones." Fatigue, bloating and other symptoms have been put down to stress or anxiety, without further investigation. Being told there's nothing wrong with you because blood test results have come back "normal".
Research has taken decades to catch up on conditions that overwhelmingly affect women, and even now, women often wait longer for a diagnosis than men do for the same symptoms.
This week is a chance to change that history, and to say something that applies to everyone listening, regardless of your gender.
Advocate for yourself.
If something does not feel right in your body, speak up. If you feel dismissed or unheard in a consultation, seek a second opinion. You are allowed to ask more questions. You are allowed to come back.
You know your body better than anyone else in that room. That knowledge matters, even when it is hard to put into words, even when you are not sure if it is "worth mentioning."
Your health is important. You are important. And you deserve to be listened to, properly, by someone who takes the time to actually hear you.
If that has not been your experience lately, this week is as good a reason as any to go back and try again.
Would you like some support?
If you would like a personalised plan to help support you with your health, consider booking in a consultation with me at Uprise Health, in person in Richmond or via Telehealth (Australia wide).
Additional testing (blood tests, gut microbiome testing, etc) may be recommended to dig a bit deeper to find the root cause of any symptoms you might be experiencing.
Together, we will create a personalised plan to support your health goals. This incorporates dietary and lifestyle recommendations, and practitioner-only supplements where indicated.
Reach out today to book your appointment.
Katie practices at: Uprise Health, 136 Lennox Street, Richmond, 3121, Victoria.
Appointments: Face-to-face and online (Australia wide)
Contact: admin@katiehopcraft.com.au
Areas of Special Interest: Gut health, hormonal health (perimenopause, PMOS, PMS, endometriosis), and fertility (preconception care, pregnancy and post-partum support).
If you have any questions or need personalised guidance, feel free to reach out.
The information provided in this blog is for your personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. It should not be considered as medical or professional advice. We recommend you consult with a GP or other healthcare professional before taking or omitting to take any action based on this blog. While the author uses best endeavours to provide accurate and true content, the author makes no guarantees or promises and assumes no liability regarding the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information presented. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this blog are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this blog is done at your own risk.