The Boldness Blueprint: How Advocacy in Women’s Health Starts with Your Own Voice

LaSonya Lopez
Mar 4
4 min read

by Dr. LaSonya Lopez, MD

March 4, 2025

The Power of Advocacy: Elevating Women's Health and Wellness Through Collective Action

Introduction: Why Advocacy in Women’s Health Matters

Women’s health is often underserved, misunderstood, and misrepresented in both medical and corporate spaces. From managing menopause in high-stakes leadership roles to advocating for appropriate care in gynecological health, women face unique challenges that require informed advocacy. This blog explores how advocacy can drive systemic change, empower women, and elevate workplace and personal wellness. Whether you’re a leader in your industry, an entrepreneur, or someone seeking to create lasting impact, understanding how to advocate for yourself and others is a crucial pillar of resilience.

The Advocacy Gap: Where We Are and What Needs to Change

1. Lack of Comprehensive Research and Representation

Women’s health research has historically been underfunded and often fails to include diverse populations. Conditions such as menopause, abnormal uterine bleeding, and endometriosis have long been dismissed as “normal” aspects of womanhood, leaving many to suffer in silence. Studies show that only 12% of clinical trials on cardiovascular disease—one of the leading causes of death in women—have focused on female-specific risk factors (Mehta et al., 2022).

2. Workplace Policies Lag Behind

Despite advances in gender equality, many workplace policies do not account for menopause, pelvic health issues, or hormonal changes that impact cognitive function and productivity. A report from the Menopause in the Workplace Survey (2021) found that 50% of women consider leaving their jobs due to severe menopause symptoms, yet only 5% of companies provide structured menopause support.

3. Limited Access to Specialized Care

Women often struggle to access pelvic floor physical therapy, hormone therapy, and reproductive endocrinology services. Many healthcare providers lack proper training in these areas, leading to misdiagnoses and delayed treatments. According to a study published in the Journal of Women’s Health (2023), 70% of women with interstitial cystitis (IC) see three or more doctors before receiving an accurate diagnosis.

The Role of Self-Advocacy in Women’s Health

Advocating for oneself in medical and corporate settings can be intimidating, but it is essential. Here are steps to strengthen your self-advocacy skills:

1. Educate Yourself with Evidence-Based Information

Stay informed about your health conditions, potential treatments, and alternative therapies.
Follow reputable sources such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), North American Menopause Society (NAMS), and Pelvic Health & Rehabilitation Center.
Listen to expert-led podcasts and webinars that break down complex medical topics into actionable insights.

2. Learn the Art of Medical Communication

When speaking with healthcare providers, come prepared with specific questions. Use frameworks like the SBAR (Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation) Method to clearly articulate your concerns.
If you feel dismissed, request a second opinion. A 2020 study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that second opinions change diagnoses or treatment plans in nearly 21% of cases.

3. Leverage Workplace Advocacy

If you’re in leadership, push for corporate wellness policies that include pelvic health, menopause support, and flexible work options.
Encourage HR teams to implement structured health benefits that cover pelvic floor therapy and specialized gynecologic care.
Utilize employee resource groups (ERGs) to foster safe discussions on women’s health.

How to Be an Advocate for Other Women

While self-advocacy is crucial, collective advocacy can drive systemic change. Here’s how to be an advocate in your community and workplace:

1. Create Safe Spaces for Conversation

Many women suffer in silence due to stigma. Organizing wellness panels, Facebook groups, and corporate lunch-and-learns on menopause, pelvic health, and mental resilience fosters community and shared knowledge.

2. Support Women in Healthcare Decision-Making

If a colleague or friend is struggling to get appropriate care, encourage her to seek out a specialist.
Attend doctor’s appointments as an advocate if someone close to you is facing a serious diagnosis.
Educate others on how to navigate health insurance and employer benefits for women’s health coverage.

3. Influence Policy and Corporate Wellness

If you’re an executive or business owner, implement initiatives that include health education, wellness stipends, and support groups for hormonal and pelvic health.
Advocate for research funding and policy changes in women’s healthcare by supporting organizations like The Society for Women’s Health Research and The Endometriosis Foundation of America.

Actionable Steps to Implement Change

Audit Your Workplace Wellness Program
Does it include menopause support?
Are pelvic health resources available?
Are stress management and resilience programs offered?
Build a Health Advocacy Toolkit
Keep a record of symptoms, medical visits, and treatments.
Create a list of trusted healthcare professionals specializing in women’s health.
Join advocacy groups that align with your health and career goals.
Educate and Empower the Next Generation
Normalize conversations about menstrual health, menopause, and reproductive care among younger women.
Share resources and encourage mentorship in both corporate and medical spaces.
Discuss workplace rights regarding health-related accommodations.

Conclusion: Transforming Health Through Advocacy

Women’s health advocacy is not just about access to care—it’s about creating a culture that values and supports the unique needs of women at every stage of life. Whether you are advocating for yourself, a loved one, or an entire organization, every effort counts. By leveraging education, workplace influence, and collective action, we can build a future where women’s health is prioritized, understood, and fully supported.

As part of the Resilient Roots™ Course, you already recognize the power of informed decision-making and proactive self-care. Now, let’s take that knowledge and turn it into actionable advocacy that transforms the landscape of women’s health for generations to come.

References:

Mehta LS, Beckie TM, DeVon HA, et al. (2022). Cardiovascular Disease in Women: Lack of Research and Representation. Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
Menopause in the Workplace Survey. (2021). British Menopause Society.
Journal of Women’s Health. (2023). Barriers to Accurate Diagnosis in Interstitial Cystitis Patients.
JAMA Internal Medicine. (2020). The Impact of Second Opinions on Medical Diagnoses and Treatment Plans.