From Dismissed to Empowered: A Journey to Real Solutions for Women's Health

If you're a woman and any of this resonates, say "I."

You go to your healthcare provider with symptoms like heavy periods, painful cramps, irregular cycles, hormonal migraines, or acne. They tell you one of two things: "Here’s the birth control pill," or "There’s nothing we can do."

Or perhaps you visit your provider for a non-cycle-related symptom such as chronic fatigue, pain, or digestive issues. Your doctor either says, "We’ll watch it," "It’s normal," or runs tests, only for you to hear the dreaded, "Your labs are normal," or "It’s probably just anxiety."

You're sick of hearing that everything is fine when you feel anything but fine. You feel worse than ever and find yourself at a crossroads between giving up and ramping up your determination to get answers.

At the age of 10, I had my first panic attack. It’s NOT normal for a 10-year-old to experience something like that. Instead of further investigation, can you guess what happened? I was put on an antidepressant.

At 14, I went to the doctor about my heavy periods and debilitating cramps that lasted seven days, causing me to miss school and extracurricular activities. As a woman, you can probably guess what happened next: I was told, "That’s just part of being a woman! Take this birth control pill; it will fix your problems."

Is your blood boiling yet? Or are you just thinking, "Yep, sounds about right. Not surprised." Honestly, either reaction is valid. Personally, I feel a bit of both.

From that point on, it seemed like the norm for me, no matter what I went in for. By this time, my health was a mess. My gut health was terrible, my migraines were brutal, my anxiety was overwhelming, and I had daily panic attacks that interfered with my life, along with brain fog and so much more.

Then, one day in my early 20s, I got fed up with this band-aid approach and dismissal, so I began seeking answers elsewhere.

I found a Naturopathic Doctor who finally made me feel heard and validated. Together, we discovered there WAS a reason for my struggles and that something COULD be done about it. However, I was told, "You shouldn’t be on hormonal birth control for more than 10 years, but if you started it for period-related issues, there’s not much you can do—just stay on it."

"What the heck?! No way," I thought to myself.

This is when I dove headfirst into my own education and research. I took matters into my own hands, earning a Natural Nutrition Diploma, obtaining my personal training certifications, and recently enrolling in a Women's Hormone Health Program. These experiences have been life-changing. I began to implement what I learned, support my body naturally, and guess what? I am now 90% symptom-free, and when symptoms do arise, I have the knowledge to support my body. I've also managed to come off my antidepressants and the birth control pill.

Change IS possible. It requires effort, advocacy, and time, but it’s absolutely worth it.

The initial work may seem daunting, but it will make things so much easier in the long run.

Remember, these symptoms you experience are NOT normal, nor are they "just part of being a woman". It’s time to ditch that narrative once and for all.

Symptoms are our body’s way of signalling that something isn’t right.

By showing up for yourself and prioritizing your well-being, you can become the woman you’re meant to be. You CAN be the best version of yourself—not just for you, but for your family, partner, friends, job, and kids—everything that matters to you.

A woman who is in touch with her body is a woman who can truly show up.

Stop allowing limiting beliefs and negative narratives to rob you of your true power and potential. You CAN overcome these challenges. You can feel good; you deserve it.

You deserve proper investigation into your symptoms and far more than a band-aid solution. Advocate for yourself. Find someone who listens.

It’s time to reclaim your inner spark and become the person we both know you’re meant to be.

XO,

Kelsey

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