4 Ways Women Can Take Control of their Health | The Oscar Blog | Oscar | hioscar Blog | Oscar
4 Ways Women Can Take Control of their Health
We’re diving into some of the ways that women can gain more agency over their bodies, healthcare, and experience.
General Health
5 min read
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Women’s health is a complex and nuanced topic. Everyone’s biology and makeup is unique, making it next to impossible to create a “one-size-fits-all” guide to health and wellness. Instead, we’re diving into some of the ways that women can gain more insight and agency over their bodies, healthcare, and experience.
Gender should play no role in how a patient is treated, yet studies show (opens in new tab) that medical professionals are more likely to think of women as “too sensitive” or hysterical when describing their symptoms. Gender biases often lead to incorrect and delayed diagnoses (opens in new tab), which can hinder people from getting the care they truly need. For example, endometriosis, a reproductive disorder found in people who menstruate, takes 4-11 years after the first symptom to diagnose (opens in new tab). On top of these discrepancies, reproductive justice and a woman’s right to make medical decisions about her body, are still up for debate. All of these barriers can impact a woman’s access to necessary healthcare.
While there’s much that needs to be done from an industry perspective, there are things that women can do to make the most out of their healthcare. Here are four ways that women can take better control of their health.
1. Get to know yourself
Understanding your body is key to knowing what you need to feel your best. It also helps you notice when something is off, which allows you to catch new medical conditions early. There are many things that you can learn about to get to know your health a little bit better. The first is your menstrual cycle. For people who menstruate, your cycle is more than just your period – each month, your hormones orchestrate a multi-phase process, with ovulation being the main event. Because of the different hormone balances that come with each phase, you may notice that you feel differently at specific points throughout the month. For example, if you find that you always have trouble sleeping before you get your period, it may be because of hormonal changes. Knowing these nuances will let you make adjustments to your lifestyle, and give you a better understanding of why you feel the way you do. It’s also helpful to learn about your . Just because someone in your family has or had a disease or health issue doesn’t mean you will develop it, but it’s helpful to share this information with your doctor. When your healthcare provider knows what to look out for, they can run the right screening tests and give the best lifestyle advice. For example, if your mother had breast cancer, your doctor may want to perform mammograms at a younger age. Additional things to pay attention to are potential food sensitivities, pain, energy levels, and sleep quality.
Also, don’t ignore symptoms. While not every uncomfortable feeling means something is wrong, it’s important to note when you don’t feel quite like yourself for an extended period of time. If you notice that you’re more tired than usual, experiencing different aches or pains, having stomach problems, or other symptoms, make a note of it. Pay attention to when the issues happen, what could be triggering them, and how they interfere with your day. Then, bring that information to your doctor. When you become the expert of your body, you’re empowered to make the most informed decisions about your health.
2. Advocate for your care
When it comes to healthcare, you should be your biggest advocate. Before a doctor’s appointment, think about your intentions and what you’d like to get out of the visit. This will best ensure that your biggest concerns are met. Come prepared with questions, be assertive and clear about what’s bothering you, and make sure not to downplay your symptoms. Tell the provider how these symptoms are affecting your life. Also, if you don’t think your provider is running enough tests, or if you’re not satisfied with the treatment they’re suggesting, it’s okay to say so. It may be helpful to research the kinds of things you want to test prior to the appointment. For example, if you notice that your symptoms always start after you eat, you might want to test for food sensitivities. After the appointment, if you feel like your concerns weren’t addressed, it might be time to get a second opinion.
3. Start a wellness routine that works for you
Do you like to start your day by exercising, or does your energy not pick up until the afternoon? Would you rather eat a big salad for lunch, or have smaller servings of vegetables with each meal? Everyone is unique, and the way they incorporate health and wellness into their lives will be different. The best way to start a wellness routine is to learn what makes you feel energized and excited. Maybe you like to relax by meditating after work, or maybe you prefer going on a run to destress. Whatever it is, pick a routine that’ll help you feel like your healthiest self.
If you find that your fitness regimen, diet, or lifestyle isn’t making you feel good, it might be time to switch it up. Having your own ways to boost your health can help you feel more in control of how you feel.
4. Pay attention to your mental health
In our fast paced world, it can be easy to disregard how we’re feeling mentally. However, ignoring signs that you’re not in a good mental place is not only bad for your emotional wellbeing, it can also be harmful to your physical health. Mental health problems can appear in different ways (opens in new tab). For instance, you may feel depressed, anxious, or low energy. Or, you might notice extreme or sudden emotional outbursts, a loss in motivation or interest, sleep problems, or appetite and weight changes.
For many years, the topic of mental health was deeply stigmatized. Thankfully, that’s shifted in recent times and there’s more treatment and support options available. Therapy, group counseling, rehabilitation, and medications can all be helpful resources (opens in new tab), depending on the kind of care you need. There are also ways to adjust your lifestyle (opens in new tab) to promote mental health. These include regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, connecting with loved ones, practicing gratitude, and more. Think about health holistically – isn’t just about what’s going on physically. It’s also about how you think, act, and feel every day.
When it comes to health, there are a lot of things we can’t control. That’s why it’s important to focus on the things we can have power over. Women’s bodies go through changes all the time, and sometimes they’re unexpected. Educating yourself about your body, and women’s health in general, will help you to claim more authority over your healthcare.
