If you’ve ever walked out of a doctor’s office feeling dismissed, confused, or questioning your own pain — you are not alone. Advocacy can feel intimidating, especially when you’re already exhausted by your symptoms.

In this episode, we’re talking about what self-advocacy really means for women with endometriosis — how to speak up, ask the right questions, and build a care team that actually listens. You’ll learn practical strategies to make every appointment more productive and empowering, even when the system feels stacked against you.

• Why self-advocacy isn’t “being difficult” — it’s an essential skill for chronic illness
• How to prepare before every appointment so you feel organized, not overwhelmed
• How to communicate your goals clearly — even when you’re emotional or in pain
• Tips for documenting symptoms and tracking patterns so you can show your doctor real data

Here are a few quick wins you can start using right away:

1. Bring notes — write down your top 3 concerns before the appointment.
2. Lead with data, not desperation — describe symptoms with specifics: frequency, duration, and triggers.
3. Ask clarifying questions:

• “Can you explain what that means for me long term?”
• “What’s the next step if this treatment doesn’t work?”
• “Are there specialists you can refer me to?”

Don’t accept ‘it’s normal’ as an answer — trust your body and keep pushing for clarity.

You are not too emotional. You are not overreacting.

You are someone living with a complex disease that deserves proper care.

Self-advocacy is not about confrontation — it’s about clarity, confidence, and boundaries. When you walk into appointments informed and prepared, you shift the power dynamic and finally take your health into your own hands.

🎧 Tune in now to EmpowerEndo wherever you get your podcasts.

📱 Follow @Samanthadc.dc on Instagram for more tools, education, and support and check out the website for resources