When I use the word “bold”, what comes to mind? A closet full of sequins & glitter & fringe & big, bright prints? Maybe the font option that sits alongside italics and underline? How about that certain someone who’s loud, confrontational, and isn’t afraid to speak their mind? While all these examples are bold in their own right, today’s blog post is about something a little different…how to be bold in your health.
Being bold in your health isn’t always easy – it’s daring, courageous, brave, audacious, confident, feisty, and fearless. It has nothing to do with being rude or unruly and everything to do with knowing your options, standing up for your health, and making it a priority.
I’m diving deeper into this topic because it’s a conversation I’ve had a bit more regularly in my pelvic rehab clinic. Women are being dismissed, gaslit, and straight up bullied by their medical providers, and frankly…it needs to stop. Women are also giving off those last on the totem pole, keep on keepin’ on, don’t rock the boat vibes, and believe me when I say, this mentality never ends up being as heroic as it sounds.
Whether it’s you or someone else downplaying your physical, mental, and emotional health needs, I’m here to urge you…encourage you…challenge you to consider that as unacceptable and be bold in how you seek and manage your health instead. Easier said than done, I know, but it’s imperative. No one else is gonna do it for you. You have to get to set your standards.
So what does this look like? What are some examples? How can you turn this advice into life-changing action? Ooooooooh, friend, I’m glad you asked! There are so many ways you can be bold in your health (and see “too good to be true” results in the process) and I’m here to shed light on a few.
Ask questions…specifically “why?”
As a medical professional myself, the one thing I think every patient should ask more is “why”. “Why am I experiencing this?”, “why do you recommend this treatment option?”, “why now?”. Research shows that people who not only understand what’s going on in their body but are also confident in their treatment plan will see more noticeable change and improvement in their health. And asking “why” to the point of sounding like a toddler is the best way to get there.
News flash – the body doesn’t just suddenly develop [insert literally any physical or psychological issue here] out of the blue or just for fun. There is always…always an underlying cause and until you get to the root of the problem (by asking why), it will be very difficult to fully and truly treat it.
Whenever attending an appointment, jot your questions down ahead of time to prevent overwhelm, embarrassment, or forgetting altogether. Leave room to record the answers you receive so you can go back later and think through them more thoroughly. And as your questions are addressed, don’t hesitate to ask a follow-up “why” (or two) for good measure.
You and your health deserve answers to that little three-letter word, but you’ve also gotta be bold enough to ask it. It’s any and every healthcare provider’s job to have recommendations, alternatives, the research and reasoning to back them up, and a willingness to work with you to reach you goals. Be brave enough to ask the questions to get you there, and refuse to settle for less.
Make the dang appointment!
I’m #guilty of putting off much-needed medical appointments, so this one’s a reminder to myself as well as a little *nudge nudge wink wink* to you too. Taking off work isn’t easy. Paying medical bills isn’t as fun as a cute, new jacket. Appointments always seem to land when you have 8392017564 more important and pressing things you could be doing. But I believe setting (and keeping) appointments is one of the boldest, best things you can do for your health.
This requires you to take inventory of what your body and mind need and then prioritize the time, energy, and money to make it happen. It shows you and those around you that your health matters. It trains your brain to recognize and emphasize that internal check engine light. It sets a level of precedence and expectation that your body will appreciate and ultimately benefit from.
If you haven’t done so already, schedule your appointments NOW before that calendar fills up any further. Give your notice for time off work, schedule childcare, calculate the cost, and make it happen. No matter who you need to see to keep your health on track, scheduling these appointments first means the rest of life revolves around your health, and mmmmm that’s a gutsy but oh-so glorious move.
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Try alternative (and dare I say, more conservative) options
If you live in the US like me, then you’re also surrounded by western medicine and doctors who push pills, prescriptions, vaccines, and surgeries. Now please hear me say…there’s a time and place for all of the above. But if they’re not working, they don’t feel right, or you simply want to try something different, there are always alternative options, and it’s your right to (ahem boldly) pursue them.
I was personally told hormonal birth control was the only way to manage endometriosis and made to feel like an irresponsible idiot when I declined a refill on my prescription and asked for a referral to a functional nutritionist instead. I believe “call me when you want to get back on birth control” was the last thing the doctor said before leaving the room.
That conversation took guts. It required me to be bold. And it was also the best decision I ever made. My endo symptoms have only improved ever since and I was able to get pregnant despite every doctor’s dismal diagnosis in the process.
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Second opinions, a desire for holistic, conservative care, prevention-focused medicine, or “new age” approaches should not be considered bold…but they usually are. Believe it or not, deep down you know what your body needs, so don’t be afraid to try it, even if it seems woo-woo, inconvenient, or out of the box. It’s your prerogative and gosh dang it you deserve it.
Do your own research
When it comes to health and medicine, many rely on their medical providers for guidance and advice. And while that’s a fine place to start, it’s one person’s opinion based on their limited education and experience. For healing options and opportunities outside or in addition to your doctor’s specialty, it’s important to check and balance their recommendations with your own research and stay informed on your symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatments.
While you can’t trust everything you read on the Internet, having endless information at our fingertips really is a beautiful thing. Nowadays you can find reliable and helpful health guidance at the click of a button through credible sources, books recommendation, and forums, and it’s worth taking advantage of. Making the time and investing the energy to do your own research is bold in itself. Brining this research to your doctor or using it to make your own medical decisions…that’s the boldest of all.
Doctors know some things, but they don’t know everything (said the doctor with a mirror pointed right back at herself). While I believe you should only work with medical providers you trust and who align with your values, I also always support questioning, fact checking, and conducting your own personal research in the background so you can be confident in whatever decision you decide is best.
Trust your intuition
In a time of information and influencers, it’s easy for intuition to get undermined and silenced. A woman’s intuition, however, is ridiculously strong and almost always right when exercised and referred to regularly, and therefore a powerful asset when making health decisions. Maybe you’ve experienced that gut feeling, sixth sense, or can’t put your finger on it hunch…that’s your intuition and it’s worth listening to, especially when it comes to your health.
Science and medicine have their place, but you are the expert in your unique body and individual health situation. Add in the power of smart questioning, personal research, and knowledge of available health options, and you can be confident your intuition is steering you in the right direction.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve worked with a patient and found myself deliberating between two treatment options, unable to make up my mind on the next best step. So I’ll ask the patient…”which sounds better to you?” or “what does your gut say?”, and wouldyaknowit they’re almost always right. Trusting your intuition is a bold and beautiful ~must~ for anyone looking to make health changes with or without their provider on board. Take time to tune in and don’t underestimate that still, small voice.
There’s a saying I tell each and every one of my patients and I’d like to share it with you here…ready? You know your body better than anyone else ever will. (Maybe read that again a time or ten to really let it sink in.) The steps above may not feel easy or natural, but my goodness they’re necessary and worth the courage and confidence to get the care you deserve.
Where in your health could you should you be a bit bolder? What does that look like and what steps will you take to make it happen? Forget polite and agreeable…bring on feisty and audacious as you advocate for your health needs and voice your medical concerns from here on out.
If this post resonated with you today, you’re (unfortunately) not alone. While I’m not excited or encouraged by this trend in healthcare, sometimes it’s kinda comforting to know others are struggling right alongside you. But with a healthy dose of boldness, we can turn that struggle into standing up, stepping out, and staying strong. You have my support every step of the way!
PS- If you’re looking for someone to walk along side you in your pelvic health journey, I’m your girl! Click here to book a one-on-one virtual consult or browse my online courses for a go at your own pace (but still get amazing results) experience.
– Amanda
Disclaimer: The content provided here does not constitute medical advice, nor is it a substitute for personalized healthcare. I’m a doctor, but I’m not your doctor. If you have concerns about a medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment, you should consult with a licensed healthcare professional.
