The holidays are supposed to feel joyful — but for many of us with endometriosis, they can bring a mix of stress, exhaustion, and anxiety about flare-ups. Between family gatherings, rich food, disrupted routines, and travel, it’s easy to feel like your body is working against you.

In this final episode of the year, we’re talking about how to enjoy the holidays with endometriosis — on your terms. You’ll learn practical ways to manage energy, reduce pain, and still feel connected to the season without pushing yourself into burnout.

• How to plan ahead for social events without overcommitting
• The importance of rest, boundaries, and realistic expectations
• Simple rituals to make the season restorative, not exhausting

You don’t have to do the holidays like everyone else — you just have to do them in a way that supports you.

Give yourself permission to slow down, honor your body, and make space for peace instead of pressure. This season isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence.

At EmpowerEndo, we’ve spent this year learning, healing, and growing together — from understanding endo to advocating for ourselves and finding balance through it all.

As we wrap up the year, I want to thank you for being part of this community. Your strength, vulnerability, and hope are what make EmpowerEndo more than a podcast — it’s a movement.

Take care of yourself this season, and I’ll see you in the new year with fresh energy and new episodes to support your journey.

Tune in now to EmpowerEndo on your favorite podcast app.

📱 Follow along on Instagram @samanthadc.dc for daily endo-friendly inspiration.

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

If you’ve ever left an appointment feeling more confused than when you went in, this episode is for you. Most doctors mean well—but when it comes to endometriosis, many simply haven’t been given the full picture.

In this episode, we’ll uncover what most doctors don’t know about endo (and why it’s not your fault if you’ve felt dismissed or misunderstood). You’ll also learn the key questions to ask at your next appointment so you can walk in informed, confident, and ready to advocate for yourself.

• Why so many doctors still misunderstand what endometriosis actually is
• The difference between “managing symptoms” and treating the disease
• How outdated medical training contributes to misdiagnosis and dismissal
• What excision surgery is—and why it’s different from ablation
• The emotional toll of feeling unheard (and how to rebuild trust with your care team)
• How to prepare for your next appointment like an empowered patient

Your doctor works for you—you’re not being “difficult” for asking questions.

You deserve care that looks at the whole picture—your hormones, immune system, emotional health, and daily life.

When you understand what’s missing from the medical model, you can finally fill in the gaps yourself—with knowledge, support, and a plan that makes sense for your body.

Tune in now to EmpowerEndo wherever you get your podcasts.

📱 Follow along on Instagram @samanthadc.dc for weekly education and support and check out the website for resources