When Lori Harvey opened up about her experience with both PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and endometriosis, she spoke to and for the millions of women quietly living with chronic pain, hormonal shifts, and symptoms that are brushed aside or misunderstood.
She shared on the SHE MD podcast with Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney that she “kept not feeling well in her body,” but when she tried to express her concerns, people thought she was overreacting, even making her feel like a complainer. Truth be told, sometimes, we even gaslight ourselves, thinking the pain is normal, or “just part of being a woman.”
And so, we suffer in silence.
Lori’s story isn’t just brave, it’s a blueprint that many women know all too well. She had symptoms like severe menstrual cramps, changes in her weight no matter how many diets she tried and intense workouts did not help, even facial hair became concerning.
Lori Harvey’s 5 Key Takeaways:
- Advocate for Your Health:
If something feels off in your body, don’t ignore it and don’t let anyone else dismiss it. Keep asking questions. Get second opinions. You deserve answers.
- Seek Expert Care:
Take the time to find qualified health care experts who you feel safe with. Don’t settle. It took some tries but Lori kept going until she found the right team of experts.
- Embrace Low Impact Workouts:
Try out pilates, yoga stretches and wellness activities for nervous system regulation. Lori uses lifestyle practices to support her healing. Gentle movement and rest matter.
- Educate Yourself and Others:
The more we learn the better, use the resources available and share responsibly.
- Break the Silence:
There’s strength in telling your story. You never know who it might inspire or help.
My challenge to you this week:
Start tuning in to your body. Track your symptoms and changes. Notice what your body has been trying to tell you. Ask the hard questions.
Find out how to give yourself what you actually need, not what you’ve been told to tolerate. Your body is not overreacting. It’s communicating. And it deserves to be heard. You deserve to feel well!
