GB21. Midlife Women: How to Advocate for Your Health

In this episode of 'Midlife and Glowing', hosts Alicia and Nicole discuss the importance of self-advocacy for women in midlife, especially in the context of breast health and screening options. They emphasize the significance of prioritizing one's own health needs amidst the demands of family, career, and other responsibilities. The episode highlights practical strategies for advocating for oneself in medical settings, at home, and in social circles.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:15 The Importance of Self-Advocacy
01:41 Practical Ways to Advocate for Yourself
02:18 Three Simple Steps to Start Advocating
03:08 Reflection and Conclusion

📌 Resources:
👉 Full Episode on Breast Health → https://youtu.be/CIhf7wszuBA
💧 The Auria Home Breast Health Assessment → https://auria.care/
🔊 QT Imaging Locations → https://www.qtimaging.com/locations/
📚 The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer by Dr. Jenn Simmons → https://amzn.to/4myIPTm
💗 Dr. Jenn Simmons Breast Health Programs → https://www.realhealthmd.com/work-with-us/
♻️ Our Episode on Microplastics (to avoid the endocrine disrupting chemicals that increase risk for breast cancer) → https://youtu.be/rYmHqciUvRE

Transcript

Alicia: 0:00

Hey there. Welcome back to Midlife and Glowing. I'm Alicia,

Nicole: 0:03

And I am Nicole. In our main episode this week, we talked all about breast health and screening options for breast cancer awareness month. We covered mammograms, alternative imaging, and how the landscape is changing.

Alicia: 0:15

but today we wanna zoom out a little because at the core of all of this is one really important question. Where can I advocate for myself more?

Nicole: 0:23

As women in midlife, we've often spent years prioritizing everyone else, kids, careers, partners, parents. It can feel easier to just stay in autopilot and keep your focus on everyone else. Right

Alicia: 0:37

and also not paying attention to what's going on in your body because you don't have time or any of the other many excuses that we use to not tune into ourselves.

Nicole: 0:47

Yes, it's hard to make the switch from putting yourself on the back burner to then all of a sudden tuning into what your needs are and focusing on putting your health first. But at some point we have to acknowledge our needs because our health really depends on it. And unfortunately, all too often in perimenopause, we often get gaslit. And because we're so used to keeping quiet and nodding along, we just accept whatever we're told.

Alicia: 1:14

Right. But when it comes to your health, staying quiet can mean your concerns get brushed aside or your symptoms don't get the attention they deserve. And research shows this happens a lot to women, especially in midlife.

Nicole: 1:26

Advocacy isn't just about asking for a different breast screening tool. It's about honoring that inner voice that says something's not right, and then speaking up until you're heard.

Alicia: 1:35

Right I mean your intuition is a really powerful thing. Follow it.

Nicole: 1:41

Yes.

Alicia: 1:41

Okay, so let's start with where you can start advocating for yourself a little bit more.

Nicole: 1:47

At your doctor's office. Asking for clarification, requesting a referral, or saying I don't feel right, and I want more answers.

Alicia: 1:55

At home with your family asking for shared responsibilities so you have time for rest, movement or appointments.

Nicole: 2:03

And even socially. Choosing friendships and opportunities that feel supportive and saying no to the things that drain you. It's about remembering your voice has weight and advocating doesn't have to be combative. It can be calm, clear, and consistent.

Alicia: 2:18

Okay so here are three simple ways you can start, prepare before appointments. Write down your top two to three questions or symptoms so you don't minimize them once you're in the room or forget about them. I know that's happened to me.

Nicole: 2:30

Right.

Alicia: 2:31

I to room and it's like, wait,

Nicole: 2:33

Uh.

Alicia: 2:34

So definitely jot down those questions.

Nicole: 2:37

Yes, and use clear language. Instead of saying, I think I might be overreacting, or, I'm not sure if this is what I'm feeling, say these symptoms are affecting my daily life and I wanna discuss options. Practice

Alicia: 2:49

small Practice small nos. Advocacy can start with boundaries. Saying no to the thing you really don't have energy for. It builds the muscle of speaking up.

Nicole: 2:59

And if you've been dismissed in the past, don't give up give up. Sometimes it's about finding the right provider or community who takes your concerns seriously. So here's

Alicia: 3:08

your glow reflection for today. Where in my life do I need to speak up more for myself?

Nicole: 3:14

Maybe it's with your doctor. Maybe it's at work. Maybe it's with your partner or even with yourself, acknowledging that your needs matter.

Alicia: 3:23

Because self-advocacy isn't selfish. It's essential. The more you speak up, the more space you create for other women to do the same.

Nicole: 3:31

Thanks for spending a few minutes with us today. If this glow bite resonated, share it with a friend who might need that reminder to advocate for herself too.

Alicia: 3:39

And don't forget to check the show notes for resources from our Breast Cancer Awareness Month episode.

Nicole: 3:45

Well see you next time on Midlife and Glowing.