5 Ways Black Women Can Better Advocate For Themselves At The Doctor

When it comes to maternal health, taking care of yourself can truly mean life or death for Black women in the United States, who are three times more likely to die from childbirth or pregnancy-related causes. The wider U.S. maternal mortality crisis hits Black mothers hardest, a pattern documented in research on how this country compares with peer nations on maternal deaths, and one the World Health Organization links to gaps in timely, respectful care.

Two recent stories that hit this statistic home for us were that of YouTube beauty influencer Jessica Pettway and former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader Krystal Anderson. Pettway died of stage 3 cervical cancer after being misdiagnosed for fibroids. Anderson died from sepsis shortly after delivering a stillborn. Both women could have easily been one of us or someone we know. These unnecessary tragedies are a wake-up call to many of us who feel unheard in what should be one of the safest, most vulnerable spaces you can be in.

"As an African American woman, presenting as a patient, I certainly have experienced stereotyping and not being given thorough information in the healthcare setting, but it is by no means a regular occurrence," Dr. Dawn Ericsson, the Chief Medical Officer at Age Rejuvenation recalls.

She continued, "At times I've needed to inform healthcare members that I am a physician and I have questioned processes and procedures. I recognize that I have the advantage of understanding many things about the healthcare system. I often find myself saying, 'Wow, this can be pretty scary when you do not know what questions to ask.'"

The high rate of Black maternal mortality is non-discriminatory of social status, as Dr. Erkeda DeRouen, Founder of The Pace Makerz explains.

"We live in a time where Black women are gaslit, misdiagnosed, and sometimes provided inequitable care," says DeRouen. She added, "This can happen regardless of socioeconomic status," referring to Beyonce and Serena Williams, both celebrity women who had experienced pregnancy hardships with their children.

We spoke with both Ericsson and DeRouen on how Black women could better advocate for their health. Strong self-advocacy matters even more when symptoms are easy to dismiss, like fatigue, weight changes, or mood shifts tied to a hormone imbalance, where careful listening and the right testing make all the difference.

What does it mean to advocate for yourself at the doctor?

Advocating for yourself means taking an active role in your own care: preparing for visits, asking direct questions, and making sure your concerns are heard and acted on. You are the expert on your own body, and the best appointments feel like a partnership. For Black women facing higher rates of dismissal, that active role can be the difference between an answer and a missed diagnosis.

The five steps below come straight from two physicians, with a few practical notes added to help you put them to work right away.

1. Seek sources you can trust

"Seeking accredited medical providers recommended by family and friends can lead to better connections and communication during appointments," Ericsson suggests. "Some people find that seeing a provider from their community is helpful in being heard."

A trusted provider is one who listens, explains test results in plain language, and treats your questions as part of good care rather than an interruption. If your concerns center on energy, weight, mood, or cycle changes, look for a clinic that takes a whole-person view and offers thorough lab work. Age Rejuvenation's women's health and longevity care is built around that kind of unhurried, root-cause conversation.

2. Prepare for your appointment in advance

How can you get ready before a visit? Bring a written list of medications, allergies, and your medical history, then practice telling your story in a clear order so the clinician can follow it quickly. Preparation is the single most repeated tip from patient-advocacy experts, who recommend you prioritize your questions before you arrive.

DeRouen says, "Have a list of your medications, allergies, and medical problem history. Also, be able to tell the story of what concerns you in a manner that is easy to follow. We want to hear the who, what, when, how, what makes it better or worse, and what you've tried to address before. Be detailed. It helps clinicians think through the process of what is going on."

A simple symptom log helps, too. Noting when a symptom started, how often it happens, and what makes it better or worse gives your provider a clearer picture than memory alone. National health educators also recommend writing down your top concerns and rehearsing them so nothing gets lost, a habit covered in plain-language guides on talking with your doctor.

3. Don't be afraid to seek a second opinion

When should you get a second opinion? Any time your condition is not improving, a treatment recommendation feels off, or you simply want more certainty before a major decision. It is your right, and asking for one is a normal part of medicine.

"Remember that if your medical condition is not improving or treatment recommendations are questionable, look things up, ask questions, and consider a second opinion," says Ericsson. "You have the right to get other medical opinions. For many conditions, there are many different treatment options. You should be able to discuss and sort out the option that works best for you. You have the right to decline treatments if they do not sit well with you, but you should always be fully informed."

Major women's health organizations agree, noting that a second opinion can confirm a diagnosis or open up options you had not heard about, and that requesting one is both common and reasonable. This is especially worth doing for ongoing issues like persistent fatigue, irregular cycles, or symptoms of a hormone imbalance that get brushed off as stress or aging.

4. If something doesn't feel right, ask why

"There are a lot of women who leave medical appointments with more questions than they should," says DeRouen. "Ask them. Come to the office with a list. The way that the healthcare system is set up, your clinician may not be able to address all of them in one visit, but you can work together to make sure you get them addressed."

If a test, a referral, or a prescription does not make sense to you, it is fair to ask the simple question: why? Asking your provider to explain the reasoning behind a plan is not rude; it helps you make an informed choice and often surfaces details that change the next step. A care team that values your time, like the one behind Age Rejuvenation's targeted hormone replacement therapy for women, should welcome those questions as a sign you are engaged in your own outcome.

5. Speak up

What if you feel like you are not being heard? Say so, and use the systems that exist to help you. "If you feel like you are not being heard or mistreated," says DeRouen, "there are mechanisms in place at healthcare organizations to escalate complaints. Try reaching out to a patient advocate or social worker. Do not suffer in silence."

Standing your ground respectfully works. A phrase as simple as "I would really like to revisit this symptom, because it is affecting my daily life" can reopen a conversation that was closing too soon. Ericsson adds, "Patients are their own best advocates."

The right partner makes speaking up easier. A clinic that pairs careful listening with deep diagnostics, such as the personalized plans inside Age Rejuvenation's bioidentical hormone therapy for women, gives you room to be heard and a clear plan to act on.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I advocate for myself with my doctor?

Come prepared with a written list of medications, allergies, and symptoms, state your main concern early in the visit, and ask your provider to explain anything you do not understand. Take notes or bring a trusted person along, and speak up if a concern is brushed aside. You always have the right to ask questions and request a second opinion.

How can I get taken seriously at the doctor?

Be specific about how your symptoms affect daily life rather than describing them in general terms. Doctors respond strongly to real-world impact, so saying a symptom keeps you from sleeping or working carries weight. Bring documentation, stay calm and clear, and if you still feel dismissed, ask directly what would need to be true to investigate further.

Why are Black women at higher risk during pregnancy and childbirth?

In the United States, Black women are about three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes, a gap that holds across income and education levels. Researchers point to factors including bias in care, delayed recognition of warning signs, and unequal access to timely treatment. Strong self-advocacy and a trusted, attentive provider help close part of that gap.

When should I ask for a second opinion?

Consider a second opinion when your condition is not improving, when a diagnosis or treatment plan feels questionable, or before any major procedure. It is a normal and accepted part of medicine. Another provider may confirm the original plan or suggest options you had not been told about, and either outcome leaves you better informed.

What should I bring to a doctor's appointment?

Bring a current list of all medications and supplements, your known allergies, a brief medical history, and your top two or three questions written in order of importance. A short symptom log noting when issues started and what makes them better or worse is also valuable. If it helps, bring a friend or family member to take notes and offer support.