Lori Harvey’s Journey: Shining a Light on Women’s Health

Lori Harvey, at just 28 years old, transformed her past frustrations into a beacon of hope and awareness around women’s health issues. On the podcast “SheMD with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney,” she bravely spoke about her experiences of feeling unheard and dismissed by medical professionals, a reality far too many women face. Despite her repeated visits to the gynecologist, her concerns were brushed off. “You’re fine, you’re fine, you’re fine,” she was told, even when she was certain that something was wrong.

The Struggle for Answers

For years, Harvey sensed that her body was not operating as it should. She recounted, “But I don’t feel fine. I feel like something is just off.” Her feelings reflect a common frustration among women who often feel their symptoms are minimized or disregarded by healthcare providers. Harvey’s persistence paid off when she eventually sought help from Dr. Aliabadi, a Los Angeles-based OB-GYN. This pivotal decision led to her diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, conditions that significantly impact women’s reproductive health.

Unraveling the Diagnosis

Receiving her diagnosis brought a wave of relief but also a realization of the suffering that had preceded it. Harvey explained the debilitating consequences of her conditions: excruciating menstrual cramps, sudden weight changes, persistent acne, rosacea, and unwanted facial hair. “I used to have the most excruciating periods of my life,” she shared, detailing the extreme levels of pain that had her reaching for medication that often didn’t help. This struggle isn’t solely hers; it mirrors the experiences of countless women grappling with similar health challenges.

The Silent Epidemic

Harvey’s experience highlights a deeper, often overlooked issue in women’s healthcare: the tendency for women, particularly Black women, to be dismissed when expressing pain or discomfort. A 2016 study at the University of Virginia revealed that some medical trainees hold a false belief that Black patients experience less pain, a problematic stereotype that can lead to misdiagnoses and inadequate treatment. It raises critical questions about how healthcare systems value the voices of women, especially those from marginalized communities.

A Culture of Silence

“It’s so normalized for us to kind of just suffer in silence,” Harvey noted, capturing the essence of how many women feel. When persistent assurances of “you’re fine” become a norm from healthcare professionals, it can lead to feelings of self-doubt. Women often find themselves questioning their own experiences and pain levels, a form of gaslighting that adds another layer of distress to already complex health issues.

Understanding PCOS and Endometriosis

PCOS affects approximately one in ten women of childbearing age and can manifest through irregular periods, infertility, weight gain, and excess hair growth. For Black women, the symptoms may be more severe, with higher instances of insulin resistance, obesity, and increased risks for serious health conditions. Endometriosis, while affecting an estimated 190 million people globally, is notorious for causing chronic pain, often leaving sufferers feeling isolated and desperate for answers.

The Impact of Dismissed Health

Despite the prevalence of conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, there remains a significant gap in awareness and understanding. Many women endure emotional and physical turmoil as they navigate the challenges of these disorders, often leading to issues such as body dysmorphia or disordered eating. Dr. Aliabadi emphasizes that many women with PCOS find themselves in eating disorder treatment centers, running the risk of being overlooked in the search for underlying hormonal imbalances that might explain their struggles.

Healing and Advocacy

For Harvey, the journey to diagnosis was ultimately a path to healing. With appropriate treatment, she now feels a sense of belonging in her body that she hadn’t experienced since her teenage years. “I feel good in my body finally,” she expressed, highlighting the importance of being able to connect with one’s own physical self. This transformation is not just personal; for her, it’s about empowering other women who have faced similar battles.

Amplifying Voices

Lori Harvey’s story serves as an important reminder of the need for dialogue around women’s health, particularly for those who feel marginalized in medical spaces. “So many of us are suffering with it, and we all need to be heard,” she passionately stated. The ongoing conversation regarding women’s health conditions, especially in marginalized communities, is vital. Everyone deserves to feel at home in their body, and sharing experiences is a powerful step toward fostering understanding and change.