Dear friends,
I still remember one of my first patients at Planned Parenthood. Let’s call her “Amy.” She was a young woman in her late teens, nervous but determined. She had questions about contraception, but as we talked, it became clear that she also had fears—about being judged, about how much this visit would cost, and about whether she even had the right to ask these questions.
One of the best ways to advocate for yourself as a woman is to understand what your body needs, and how it changes at different stages of your life. So, understanding your health is key to your personal empowerment.
In that moment, I realized how much power there is in education and how vital it was to create safe spaces where women of all ages feel safe and supported to advocate for themselves. That moment reinforced my commitment to not only provide care, but to also help women find their voices in a healthcare system that often silences them.
Over the years I’ve seen countless Amys. I’m reminded of them especially this month as we mark the extraordinary strides that women have made across all industries and sectors of life. Women like Amy, who seek knowledge to take charge of their health, even with so many barriers placed in front of them, are to be celebrated and encouraged.
These women fuel my advocacy work. They remind me that understanding your health is the first step toward being empowered. But there’s more to it. Advocacy isn’t just personal. It’s also about improving the system of care everywhere so that women like Amy have access to health care.
One of the best ways to advocate for yourself as a woman is to understand what your body needs, and how it changes at different stages of your life. So, understanding your health is key to your personal empowerment.
Generally speaking, your teens and 20s are a time to focus on building a strong foundation of self-advocacy by attending regular check-ups, understanding your menstrual health and rhythm, and learning about contraception and sexual health. To my younger adults, this is really a time to hone the skill of asking questions.
Your 30s and 40s typically see hormonal changes and lifestyle shifts, making it essential to monitor your reproductive health. Mammogram screenings also occur during this time, sometimes earlier if recommended, or if breast cancer runs in your family.
By your 50s and beyond, prioritize screenings for menopause, bone health, and heart health. Regular evaluations for your colon, breast, bones, blood pressure, cholesterol, eyes, hearing, teeth, and skin – along with an active lifestyle and staying current with vaccinations – form a solid foundation for long-term wellness. Ask your primary care physician about combining screenings where possible to help streamline your doctor visits.
Even with all of that, I feel the need to point out that mental and emotional health are common threads in all of these stages. Each phase of life brings unique challenges and transitions that make it essential to prioritize your well-being and self-care.
But no matter the age, using your voice will always be important. Whether it’s asking your doctor about symptoms, researching resources, or advocating for your needs, knowledge is your strongest ally.
Beyond understanding your body, advocacy also means engaging with the systems that impact your care. During my time at Planned Parenthood, I saw how much policies—both local and federal—can affect women’s access to healthcare. In some states, services were robust and accessible. In others, the barriers felt insurmountable. Unfortunately in some U.S. states, it is only getting worse. This disparity is why awareness and action are so important.
Here’s how you can advocate on a broader scale:
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Stay Informed: Laws around reproductive health, maternity leave, and preventive care vary widely by state. Organizations like the National Women’s Law Center and Planned Parenthood provide accessible resources.
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Speak Up: Share your story, vote in elections, and contact your local, state and federal representatives about issues that matter to you. Advocacy can start with a conversation in your own community.
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Support Others: Whether it’s guiding a friend to a local clinic or mentoring younger women, collective advocacy strengthens our voices.
Women’s History Month is a time to both honor the progress we’ve made, and recognize that we’ve got to steady ourselves for the work ahead. Whether it’s advocating for your own health, supporting someone else, or fighting for systemic change, your voice matters. Every story that resembles Amy is shared, every vote is cast, and every resource is shared. We want to contribute to a stronger, healthier future for all women.
This month ask yourself, “how can I take action?” Maybe it’s scheduling a long-overdue appointment, or learning about a new health policy, or simply starting a conversation with a friend about women’s health. Small steps lead to big changes.
Your health is your power. Let’s use it to build a legacy of resilience and progress—for ourselves and for the generations to come.
With your health in mind,
