Why Your Doctor Might Dismiss Your Symptoms and How to Advocate for Yourself
You’ve been told your labs are “normal.”
But you’re still exhausted, irritable, and waking up drenched in sweat.
Sound familiar?
For too many women, the struggle to feel heard in healthcare is real, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Symptoms are often brushed off as “just aging,” “stress,” or “something you’ll have to live with.” But here’s the truth: you know your body best.
At Balance & Restore Wellness, we believe you deserve more than reassurance, you deserve answers. Here’s how to confidently advocate for yourself and make sure your symptoms aren’t ignored when it comes to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Track Your Symptoms and Bring Receipts
Doctors rely on data. So give them some.
Start tracking your symptoms for at least 4–6 weeks before your appointment. This helps paint a clear picture of your daily reality beyond a single lab result.
Include:
Frequency and severity of hot flashes or night sweats
Sleep quality
Mood swings or anxiety
Libido changes or vaginal dryness
Energy levels and brain fog
Weight fluctuations or bloating
Cycle changes (if still menstruating)
Pro Tip: Bring your tracker or use a free app. It’s hard to argue with consistent data, especially when you’re advocating for HRT evaluation.
Know Your Numbers and Ask for the Right Labs
Not all labs are created equal. Many providers order only the basics, but comprehensive testing can reveal much more about your hormonal health.
Ask your provider about checking:
Estradiol (E2)
Progesterone
Testosterone (free and total)
DHEA-S
FSH & LH
Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3)
Cortisol (if fatigue or stress issues are suspected)
Ask questions like:
“Can you explain how these levels relate to my symptoms?”
“Are my results optimal for my age and stage, not just within range?”
Understanding your labs empowers you to be part of the decision-making, not just a bystander.
Prepare Questions Beforehand
Appointments can feel rushed, and it’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask. Bring a written list of questions so you can leave with clarity, not confusion.
Here are a few to start with:
“What options are available for hormone therapy, and what are the pros and cons?”
“Do you use bioidentical hormones?”
“Can we discuss transdermal vs oral options and how they might affect me differently?”
“What is your approach to balancing estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone together?”
If your provider seems hesitant, politely ask why and what evidence or guidelines they’re referencing. They may be totally okay with BHRT, but do not feel they have the right training for BHRT, or it may not fall into the type of patients they see in their practice. If this is the case, ask who they recommend.
Bring Supportive Research
Sometimes, even well-intentioned doctors are working from outdated information about hormone therapy.
Bring or reference reliable sources such as:
The North American Menopause Society (NAMS)
The Endocrine Society
Peer-reviewed studies supporting bioidentical HRT
This doesn’t mean arguing; it reframes the discussion as collaborative and informed.
Don’t Settle for “It’s Just Menopause”
You’re not being “dramatic.” You’re being your own advocate.
If your concerns are dismissed or minimized, it’s absolutely okay to seek a second opinion, ideally from a provider experienced in hormone optimization or functional medicine. I have even had patients tell me their provider referred them since they do not specialize in hormones, and that’s ok. They are still supporting you so you can get the best care. Not all providers are trained in hormone optimization and replacement.
Remember: there’s a big difference between normal and optimal.
You don’t have to accept feeling tired, foggy, and disconnected from yourself.
Follow Up and Re-Evaluate
If you begin HRT, schedule a follow-up within 8–12 weeks to assess how you’re responding. Continue tracking your symptoms and energy levels.
This allows your provider to fine-tune your treatment and adjust dosing as needed. Hormone balance is not a “set it and forget it” approach, it’s an ongoing partnership.
You Deserve to Feel Like Yourself Again
You don’t have to accept that midlife means decline.
With the right support, balance, and individualized care, you can feel like you again, vibrant, focused, and confident in your body.
At Balance & Restore Wellness, we specialize in personalized hormone therapy for women in all stages of midlife. We listen. We test comprehensively. And we create treatment plans designed for you.
Book your free consultation today to start your journey toward feeling balanced and whole again.
