top of page
Search

Why Can't My Doctor Hear Me?

Updated: Feb 10

by Marie, Your Advocate



Have you ever felt the health system isn’t designed to meet your needs? Or worse, have you felt your doctor isn’t fully addressing your concerns? These aren’t uncommon feelings. I’ve heard them countless times from women navigating midlife changes.


When the System Falls Short

Throughout my career in a large organization, I met many amazing women. While most relationships stayed professional, some colleagues knew my husband was a doctor specializing in women’s health. Those who knew me well enough would even ask if I could help them get an appointment with him. What stood out was how quickly they would begin confiding in me about their frustrations, struggles, and unmet needs with their doctors.


Their frustrations, struggles, and unmet needs came pouring out. Those conversations opened my eyes to a bigger issue: a deeper gap in the care and support women deserve from their doctors and the healthcare system.


For many women, the healthcare system feels inadequate. Doctor visits are often rushed, leaving little time to discuss the complex and deeply personal symptoms of midlife changes. Hormonal imbalances, fatigue, and weight gain are frequently dismissed as "normal aging." Menopause and managing the effects of aging are rarely emphasized in medical training, leaving many doctors unprepared to provide effective solutions.

Women are often left to figure it out on their own, navigating a confusing maze of conflicting information.


Real Stories: Real Gaps

One of my friends started having trouble sleeping in her forties. She became edgy and exhausted, and the weight around her waistline was creeping up. Her doctor initially suggested antidepressants. But she didn’t stop there. After advocating for herself and seeking further answers, it turned out her thyroid wasn’t functioning properly, and she was entering perimenopause.


For me, the gaps became even clearer during my own journey. I was diagnosed with breast cancer while I was starting perimenopause. After my treatments, while I was incredibly grateful to be a survivor and to have battled cancer, I still struggled with sleepless nights, painful shoulders, fatigue, and irritability afterward. When I asked my oncologist for advice on managing these symptoms, I quickly realized he wasn’t equipped to address hormonal imbalances. He’s an excellent specialist in his field, but this wasn’t his expertise.


The Importance of Advocating for Yourself

These experiences taught me how often women are left without answers or proper guidance. My friend didn’t accept her doctor’s initial diagnosis, which made all the difference. She wasn’t depressed. She had a treatable thyroid issue and was navigating perimenopause.

The same was true for me. I refused to accept the way I was feeling, the fatigue, sleepless nights, and my body working against me. Sure, you might think I had an advantage because my husband is a gynecologist and endocrinologist, but I wanted to understand what was happening to me. I needed to know why one solution might work while another wouldn’t.


You Deserve the Answers And The Solutions

I don't have the knowledge and expertise of a doctor, but I believe we all need to practice our critical thinking. We shouldn’t just accept everything at face value. We must equip ourselves with credible, science-backed information to ask the right questions and make informed decisions.


Studies show that women who advocate for themselves and stay informed often achieve better health outcomes.

Be curious. Challenge the status quo. Start advocating for the care you deserve. Just become yourself again.


With love and support,

Marie


 


Who is Marie?

Marie, in her mid-50s, is a mother and the wife of Dr. Faruqi. She was a manager at a major financial institution before being diagnosed with breast cancer at 50. This life-changing experience motivated her and her husband to research extensively, ultimately transforming her health and life. Now feeling blessed and healthier than ever, Marie is on a mission to empower women, encourage important questions, and serve as the advocate they deserve.




 


Sources for Studies:






 

Timeless Youth Empowerment™, led by Dr. Faruqi and Marie Labelle, supports women over 40 and 50 to take control of their health, vitality, and aging journey. We provide education in hormonal balance, anti-aging strategies, and symptom relief for menopause and midlife changes. We address symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and sleep issues, helping women regain energy, confidence, and a youthful glow by guiding women through midlife transitions with natural and medical solutions backed by science.




Disclaimer: The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet
Add a rating
bottom of page