Women’s Health Awareness

Welcome readers,Tonight I am writing about a topic that is near and dear to me. Women’s health is not usually discussed openly, but in my family, it was a problem we talked about honestly. Let’s dig in…

Moms, as a whole, are busy creatures who often don’t take the time to look after themselves as they should. I’m sure that if you’ve ever complained about your period, you were told, “Many women have them and get through it, and so will you.”

But periods can be so much worse for some women. This is likely one of the least diagnosed issues, as women are often embarrassed or don’t want to bother anyone. I am here to tell you: stop accepting this and bother everyone you can until you get the answers you need.

Let’s first go over what a normal period looks like:

• Bleeding occurs every 21–35 days.

• The length of bleeding can range from 2 to 7 days.

• You should lose about 2–3 tablespoons of blood during your entire period.

• Other common symptoms include mild bloating, cramps, headaches, breast tenderness, back discomfort, and fatigue. These symptoms should be mild and not debilitating.

  
  

If you are experiencing debilitating periods or extreme mood changes, see your doctor. This is not normal.

I’d like to share an experience I had with a gynaecologist. I spoke to my medical doctor, and we both agreed that I was entering perimenopause early. I was having heavy periods for weeks at a time and had to start iron supplements as my iron was depleting. I was finished having children, and with a family history of ovarian cancer, I was leaning towards a hysterectomy.

When I went to the gynaecologist, he told me I should seek out a therapist. He did not listen and thought it was all in my head. I was shocked by his response and left the office knowing this man, with his God-like complex, didn’t believe a word I had told him.

I returned to my family doctor and requested a female gynaecologist for a second opinion. I waited several months to see her. When I finally did, I felt like I was home. She listened intently and responded to my symptoms. I didn’t even have to nudge her for surgery—she offered it. I was in perimenopause in my late 30s and did not want to have debilitating periods for the next 20 or more years. She heard me and assured me she would look after me, and she did. I actually had a few tears and explained to her how the last doctor told me to seek therapy. She apologized for his reaction and showed me genuine empathy.

This isn’t to say that there aren’t many fantastic male gynaecologists, but mine did not belong in the profession of looking after women. I started speaking to friends, and they reported having similar outcomes. Many decided to endure and just try to get through it. I told them my story and encouraged them not to give up—help is out there.

It is a widespread issue that women are being gaslit by doctors. According to studies, women wait 11 minutes longer than men in the emergency department. Why is this?

Women continue to be undervalued, and women’s health issues are not prioritized. We have made some steps in the right direction, but there is still a clear gender gap in healthcare.

With this in mind, women have to be more vigilant than ever with their health. If something doesn’t feel right, see your doctor. If you felt unheard the first time, go back and get a second or even third opinion if needed. Keep going until you get the answers you deserve. You are the only one who will advocate for yourself.

Women's Health Awareness

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