medical misogyny: a call for change in women's health

*Please note I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice in anyway and is solely my opinion and experience not speaking for or affiliated with any person or organisation. If you have any medical concerns please go to a doctor or ER*

The Impact of Medical Misogyny

If you've ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling unheard, doubted, or even humiliated, you’re not alone. Maybe you were told your pain was stress-related, wasn’t real, or your symptoms were “just part of being a woman.” Maybe your lab results came back normal, and suddenly the conversation shifted to anxiety or hormones, been told to 'just take Panadol' like you haven't tried that yet, or how busy and stressful your life is (becuase of course that must be it 🙄)

Welcome to the quiet epidemic of medical misogyny a pattern that many of us on health journeys know all too well. A little backstory about my journey for those of you who are new here: I had heart surgery when I was 19, which left me with some pretty intense medical trauma. More recently, I have been on a health journey with PCOS and just recently been diagnosed with Endometriosis and Adenomyosis, among other conditions. After many years of unexplained pain, I have faced debilitating periods where I couldn’t work. This journey has included nine doctors, twelve medications, two IUDs and two surgeries and over 5 years of debilitating pain.

A Frustrating Experience with Healthcare Providers

Just recently, I visited a GP who I had seen once before, though they are not my regular doctor. I only needed an updated referral to a specialist, of which I was already seeing, meaning I literally needed a signature on a piece of paper, what should have been a straightforward task. Instead, that simple request turned into ten minutes spent going through my entire medical history. They scrutinized every test, scan, and ultrasound I have ever had, detailing notes from my surgery.

While it is within their rights as a GP to review my medical history, their questioning of my diagnosis (which has been confirmed through multiple doctors, scans, and surgery) was highly inaccurate. They implied my symptoms weren't real because “everyone experiences them" and then implied they knew what was happening in my body better than me even though I don't know them. This interaction was not just condescending and upsetting; it highlighted a troubling trend in women’s health care. Their attitude came across as not only misogynistic but also entirely under educated to the conversation regarding the complexities of women's health, not to mention patient care.

The Waiting Game: Diagnosis Delays

We need to have a bigger conversation about how patients feel and demand greater accountability from doctors, especially when patients are already feeling vulnerable. Did you know that in Australia, it takes an average of seven years to receive an Endometriosis diagnosis? Take my experience I mentioned above and you can see exactly why.

For someone like me, who has been on this journey for several years and is getting better at advocating for herself, it was enough to knock me and I was unable to stick up for my self like I wish I had looking back. However, had this happened to a young girl seeking help for the first time, it could be devastating. She might think twice before seeking further assistance. After being judged and dismissed, who would want to reach out again? There's your seven-year wait right there.

Whether you're dealing with endometriosis, PCOS, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, or undiagnosed symptoms, there's a common thread: we aren’t believed. Our pain is minimized, and our concerns brushed aside. Instead of receiving help, we often face shame.

Empowering Yourself on Your Health Journey

If this resonates with you, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Document Everything: Keep a symptom journal. Bring a list of questions to your appointments. Ask for copies of lab results. You deserve answers! Keeping your record helps, as you might not always get the information you need from your doctor.

  
  

• Bring a Support Person: Having a partner, friend, or advocate in the room can change how seriously you’re taken. It can also help you process the information later. I still bring my mum with me to significant appointments. A second set of ears can make all the difference, and she often thinks of questions I might forget. It can also help be easier for a person not feeling so vulnerable to fight harder for tests or referrals.

  
  

• Find Providers Who Listen: They are out there! It can feel intimidating and difficult to navigate traditional medical systems. Don't hesitate to switch doctors if you're not receiving the care you deserve. Second opinions can make all the difference.

  
  

• Validate Your Own Experience: Even if the cause of your pain hasn’t been identified, your experience is valid. You're not imagining your symptoms. Don't let yourself fall into a rabbit hole of self-doubt. I've been there, and it’s a long road back.

  
  

• Connect with Others: Find communities, like this one, that remind us we’re not alone. We shouldn’t have to suffer in silence. Reaching out to others for support can be incredibly beneficial. Speaking to a neutral third party, like a therapist, can be a fantastic outlet—this has been game-changing for me.

  
  

Reaching Out for Help

There is so many organisations that can and will help, these are some of my favorites at the moment;

Jean Hailes Clinic

Endometriosis Australia

QUENDO

The Future of Women’s Health

It’s astonishing that in 2025, this continues to be the narrative surrounding women's health. More care, time, and research must be invested, especially when 56% of Australian females have at least one of ten selected chronic conditions. Over half of the female population is still fighting to be heard, let alone securing a referral to a specialist who can help. Let that sink in.

All of this to say, it is a long, hard, and often frustrating journey, but I see you, and I hear you and I am on this road with you!

Jess xx