How to Advocate for Yourself to your Doctor: PCOS Awareness Month

Going to the doctor can be overwhelming, especially if you have concerns about your health. When it comes to communicating effectively and expressing concerns about your health, it can be hard to advocate for yourself to your doctor.

September is PCOS Awareness Month, and as one of the most under-researched and under-diagnosed syndromes (it is estimated that 70% of cases are not diagnosed), we are here to empower you to stand up for yourself when you feel like something is wrong in your body, even if you are feeling dismissed. Your health & your symptoms deserve to be taken seriously.

Before you head to the doctor's office, take these tips into consideration to get the most our of your appointment:

1. Prepare for your appointment ahead of time

Know the main reason for your visit, and think about the questions you want to ask. If you're going to your doctor for a specific reason, think about how and when your symptoms started, their severity, and what makes them better or worse. If you've taken any medication or done anything to relieve symptoms, make sure you are prepared to relay all the details. Bring an updated list of any medication you take, including supplements or over the counter medications.

2. Write a list of your concerns and questions

Even if you feel prepared, it can be easy to forget to ask certain questions or remember certain notes that you wanted to address during your appointment. Being in a doctor's office can be intimidating, and if your doctor is rushing or dismissive of your symptoms, it can be easy to get quiet and not raise all of your concerns. Writing down a list (in order of urgency) is a great way to ensure all topics are covered. It doesn't have to be detailed, but making note of everything you want to discuss is a great way to communicate to your doctor, so you can dig into what is most important.

3. Ask questions

If you don't understand something your doctor says, or if you want more information, don't hesitate to ask questions. As they're listening to your symptoms & concerns and performing any exams, your doctor is using their expertise to craft a potential diagnosis. You deserve to know all the details about your own body. Some doctors aren't great at openly communicating every detail. If you want to know more, you are allowed to - and should - ask questions. That way, you have insight into what's going on in your body and your doctor's process. Knowing more information allows you to advocate for yourself. Asking "what else could this be?" is a great way to avoid a common error: fixing on a diagnosis and failing to consider other alternatives.

4. Get a second opinion

If you feel uneasy or doubt your doctor, their diagnosis, or suggested treatment plan, you can seek a second opinion from a different doctor! Being transparent about your concerns and wanting the best treatment is advocating for yourself, and if it takes more than one doctor to get the care you need, that is okay! Sometimes, one doctor isn't the perfect fit for you, especially when it comes to communication. You should have a doctor that you feel comfortable with and who makes you feel heard. You should be able to have a back and forth discussion with your physician and feel like your concerns are being taken seriously. Finding a doctor that meets your needs is a great step towards getting quality medical care.

5. Know the follow-up plan

Before leaving your appointment, make sure you know the plan for the future. Should you expect a follow up from your doctor? How soon should you follow up if symptoms don't resolve? If you are referred to a specialist, make sure you know how to create an appointment and how soon you should see them. Make sure you are clear on the expected timeline, as well as making a plan for any medications you should be taking. If it helps to write things down as you talk through them so you don't forget, don't hesitate to use your notes app or a pen & paper!