When I was 41, I said the word “menopause” to my doctor (whom I adored!) and I was left feeling dismissed and disappointed.
(I tell the full story in my Tedx Talk & in MOKITA.)
I have learned a LOT since then: about my health, my hormone health…but most of all…I've learned that HOW we talk about our health concerns is key to accessing the health care we need (and deserve!)
Today I want to share
ONE KEY WAY members are shifting the conversation at their health appointments.
(I call these “script tips” and this is one my favourite ways to work with members, like you, after the Menopause-Masterclass.com )
➡️ When you are talking with with doctor, you have one job and that is to describe the IMPACT to your QUALITY of LIFE.
Your job, believe it or not, is not to hypothesize the root cause of your health concern (although there are certainly some cases where that might be helpful!) or know what tests to order. That is your health care professional's job. YOUR JOB is to describe the IMPACT to your QUALITY of LIFE.
Script Tips for Communicating IMPACT:
â“Ť Instead of saying:
“Oh you know, my periods seem like they are changing.”
âś… Say something like this:
“My periods were regular up until February, but for the past six months, they have been so heavy that I am missing 1-2 days of work each month…or I have to put a town down on my car seat when I drive my kids to school.”
â“Ť Instead of saying:
“Ya, I guess you could say that my sleep isn't what it used to be.”
âś… Talk about the impact to your life:
“I've read how sleep is foundational to my mood and hormone health and I'm here today because I wake every night at 3 a.m. and have difficulty falling back to sleep. Is this insomnia? Because it's been happening 4-5 times a week for the last six months and it's impacting my ability to take care of my aging parents…exercise…even my relationships and the way I talk to my co-workers/family.”
Notice the difference?
When a health care professional can truly hear the IMPACT to your quality of life, it sends a clear message that you are putting your health at the top of the priority list, and you are prepared to take action. You have made this health appointment to invite them to work on a solution with you!
Please try it & report back!
Remember: 1) It takes a bit of work and 2) YOU are WORTH it! xo
Thank you for being curious about your health.
[You deserve to] FEEL AMAZING.
