PM Kester, author of the Take a Break to Write! Substack account, wrote about her perimenopause experience and frustrations with the healthcare system. PM’s perimenopausal symptoms began in her mid-30s. When they escalated in her early 40s, her quality of life plummeted. Shorter period cycles, intense sweating, numbness in her limbs, intense bloating – it seemed like she’d caught every possible known symptom for perimenopause.
Read PM’s full story here.
After being dismissed by her primary care provider, PM began a self-advocacy campaign across her network. Sharing her story paid off when she connected with a menopause specialist who prescribed the right level of estrogen and recommended lifestyle changes that have since reduced her discomfort.
While it is a relief that PM found the care she needed, her experience highlights the startling healthcare gaps for women undergoing midlife hormonal shifts.
Her story also demonstrates the power of self-advocacy. Seventy-five percent of medical providers are not trained in menopause care, and women may have to knock on multiple doors before you find someone who is. But it will be worth it.
Standing up for your rights in a healthcare setting can be intimidating, but there are two things you can do to increase your confidence:
- Track your health symptoms. Equipping yourself with data is one of the most powerful ways to illustrate your experience and provide your physician with tangible insights about your health.
- Follow our tips for navigating healthcare settings. Check out our article with guidance on how to get what you need out of your medical visits.
You know your body better than anyone else, and when you know something is off, you deserve proper attention and care. The healthcare system may not be adequately prepared to address women’s perimenopausal needs, but there are specialists and providers out there who can help. Trust your gut, and continue for help until you get the care you deserve.
