Why women must advocate for their hormonal health

Hormonal health is the foundation of a woman’s overall well-being, influencing everything from energy levels and mood to fertility, menopause and long-term health risks. Yet, many women struggle for years with their hormonal health, without clear answers, and often dismissed or misdiagnosed by healthcare professionals. It’s time for women to take control of their hormonal health by becoming informed, empowered, and confident self-advocates.

Hormonal health is often misunderstood, both by women themselves and by the medical community.

Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, thyroid disorders, and perimenopause are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed.

Many women are told that symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, irregular cycles, or heavy or painful periods are “normal” or “just part of being a woman.” Medical gaslighting is just another barrier women have to overcome. Additionally, difficulties in accessing medical care can make this process even more challenging. We have all experienced just how hard it is to get a GP appointment these days, right?

Years of gender disparities in medical research, diagnosis, and treatment often lead to poorer health outcomes for women.

This gap is particularly evident in women's hormonal and reproductive health. Frustratingly, despite the prevalence of conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, and menopause-related disorders, women’s health research receives significantly less funding than other areas of healthcare. The gender health gap is real, but awareness and advocacy are the first steps toward change. Women deserve equitable healthcare, better diagnosis rates, and more research into their unique health concerns.

When women lack education about their hormones, they may not recognise the signs when something isn’t right or know when to seek help. 

Worst still, is finding it difficult to advocate effectively for yourself and this can be hard when you are sitting in front of a doctor who you assume is, or should be, knowledgeable in all of this. This lack of awareness and difficulty advocating for yourself can lead to delayed diagnoses, prolonged suffering, and missed opportunities for early intervention. Understanding hormonal health is not just about your hormones—it’s about long-term well-being, preventing chronic conditions, and ensuring a high quality of life.

1. Educate yourself
Knowledge is power. Understanding how hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, and insulin work together can help women recognise when things are off kilter. Here at One Day Tests we know that navigating the world of healthcare can be overwhelming, especially if you are going through a fertility journey, trying to find out more about women’s health conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis or PMDD, or if you are in the menopause transition.

At One Day Tests , we provide a variety of blood testing and one-to-one consultation packages that offer essential insights into your health status. Additionally, our services include guidance and recommended next steps to support you on your hormonal health journey.

2. Track your symptoms and cycles
Keeping a record of your menstrual cycle, symptoms, energy levels, and mood changes can help identify patterns and potential red flags. Tracking apps or journals can provide concrete data to discuss with your doctor or specialist nurse.

3. Ask the right questions
When seeking medical advice, prepare a list of questions about symptoms, potential tests, and treatment options. If a doctor dismisses concerns, don’t be afraid to push for further evaluation or seek a second opinion.

4. Understand testing and treatment Options
Many hormonal health issues can be diagnosed with blood tests. Take the time to find out what tests may be necessary to help in diagnosing conditions like PCOS and thyroid disorders and request them when needed.

5. Advocate for holistic health approaches
Hormonal health isn’t just about medication. Nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep play crucial roles in hormonal regulation. You can choose to explore lifestyle modifications and holistic approaches alongside traditional medical treatments to support your hormonal health.

6. Build a support network

Having a supportive community—whether through online groups, local health advocates, or trusted friends—can make a difference in feeling empowered. Other women’s experiences and knowledge can provide validation and encouragement on the journey to better health.

By becoming informed and proactive, you can help change the conversation, improve your well-being, and advocate for women’s healthcare that takes their hormonal health seriously. 

Every woman deserves to understand her body and receive the care she needs. So, take the first step, get empowered by understanding more about your hormonal health through blood testing and knowledge to help you advocate for yourself effectively.