Menopause, Gaslighting, and the Power of Self-Advocacy
Explicit content warning
02/09/25 • 76 min
What do you do when you’re gaslit by your doctor?
This episode is part one of your guide to reclaiming agency in your healthcare.
Today, Luan sits down with Sonya Lovell, host of the Dear Menopause podcast, to discuss the critical role of self-advocacy, especially when navigating menopause and cancer treatment.
Sonya opens up about her experience with breast cancer, the life-changing treatment decisions she had to make on her own, and the lack of support and information surrounding treatment-induced menopause.
From facing knowledge and power imbalances with her medical team to finding the courage to challenge advice that didn’t feel right—Sonya’s story highlights why self-health advocacy is essential.
Together, Luan and Sonya explore how trusting your intuition, seeking second opinions, and building a strong support network can lead to better health outcomes and greater emotional resilience.
Sonya’s candid insights provide a roadmap for building confidence and ensuring your healthcare reflects your needs and choices.
Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help us empower more women to advocate for their health!
For the resources mentioned in this show, visit the episode page: https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/podcasts
Connect with Luan:
Instagram: @luanlawriewoods
Newsletter sign-up.
Website: luanlawriewoods.com.au
CREDITS:
Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate
Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)
DISCLAIMER
The Regarding Me podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive to feature knowledgeable guests, their opinions and experiences are their own and may not reflect the views of all professionals in their field or the host. The information provided on this podcast should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is provided in good faith but without any guarantees of accuracy or applicability to individual circumstances. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you agree that the host and guests are not liable for any decisions or actions you take based on the content discussed. If you have specific health concerns, consult a licensed healthcare professional. The Regarding Me podcast and Luan Lawrenson-Woods disclaim any liability for activities carried out based on the provided information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What do you do when you’re gaslit by your doctor?
This episode is part one of your guide to reclaiming agency in your healthcare.
Today, Luan sits down with Sonya Lovell, host of the Dear Menopause podcast, to discuss the critical role of self-advocacy, especially when navigating menopause and cancer treatment.
Sonya opens up about her experience with breast cancer, the life-changing treatment decisions she had to make on her own, and the lack of support and information surrounding treatment-induced menopause.
From facing knowledge and power imbalances with her medical team to finding the courage to challenge advice that didn’t feel right—Sonya’s story highlights why self-health advocacy is essential.
Together, Luan and Sonya explore how trusting your intuition, seeking second opinions, and building a strong support network can lead to better health outcomes and greater emotional resilience.
Sonya’s candid insights provide a roadmap for building confidence and ensuring your healthcare reflects your needs and choices.
Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help us empower more women to advocate for their health!
For the resources mentioned in this show, visit the episode page: https://www.luanlawriewoods.com.au/podcasts
Connect with Luan:
Instagram: @luanlawriewoods
Newsletter sign-up.
Website: luanlawriewoods.com.au
CREDITS:
Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate
Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)
DISCLAIMER
The Regarding Me podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive to feature knowledgeable guests, their opinions and experiences are their own and may not reflect the views of all professionals in their field or the host. The information provided on this podcast should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is provided in good faith but without any guarantees of accuracy or applicability to individual circumstances. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you agree that the host and guests are not liable for any decisions or actions you take based on the content discussed. If you have specific health concerns, consult a licensed healthcare professional. The Regarding Me podcast and Luan Lawrenson-Woods disclaim any liability for activities carried out based on the provided information.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode
Why Self-Advocacy is a Game-Changer
In the very first episode of Regarding Me, Luan breaks down what self-advocacy really means and why it’s essential to receiving the healthcare that truly fits your needs—backed by research!
Luan shares her deeply personal experience of navigating the healthcare system after her breast cancer diagnosis and the 'aha moment' that changed everything for her.
And she talks about the common anxiety points women have shared with her during her work as a patient advocate and how those experiences inspired the creation of Regarding Me and the self-health advocacy movement.
Because Regarding Me is for you. Whether you’re facing a health challenge or want to future-proof your wellbeing, Regarding Me is about your voice, your needs and your care.
After listening to this episode you’ll know:
- What’s at the core of proactive self-health advocacy.
- Why self-health advocacy is more important than ever.
- A sneak peek at some of the topics in future episodes.
- How you already have what it takes to advocate for yourself.
- One small, actionable step you can take today to start self-advocating!
Listen and join the self-health advocacy movement!
Join the Conversation:
Let us know what resonated with you in today’s episode! DM us or comment on our latest post on Instagram. Share your self-advocacy story using #RegardingMePodcast.
Subscribe & Follow:
Subscribe so you never miss an episode!
CREDITS:
Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate
Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)
LINKS & THINGS
Email me: [email protected]
Follow me: Instagram, LinkedIn, or check out my website.
DISCLAIMER
The Regarding Me podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive to feature knowledgeable guests, their opinions and experiences are their own and may not reflect the views of all professionals in their field or the host. The information provided on this podcast should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is provided in good faith but without any guarantees of accuracy or applicability to individual circumstances. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. By listening to this podcast, you agree that the host and guests are not liable for any decisions or actions you take based on the content discussed. If you have specific health concerns, consult a licensed healthcare professional. Me podcast and Luan Lawrenson-Woods disclaim any liability for activities carried out based on the provided information.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode
You've Got You: Trust Your Wise Inner Advocate
How can you stay calm and make clear decisions when facing unexpected medical news? What happens to your brain in a health scare? And can you shift your mind from fear to clarity?
In today’s episode Luan speaks with Josie Thomson, a neuroscience expert, and award-winning mindset coach who’s faced cancer twice, to explore how you can calm your mind in a health crisis and advocate for yourself with confidence.
In this episode we talk about:
- The brain’s automatic response to a critical health moment —and how to take back control
- Why we default to fear (and how to move into calm clarity)
- The hand-on-heart technique to instantly reduce anxiety
- The way to ‘prime’ yourself and cultivate a sense of calm
- The inner critic vs. the wise advocate—which one are you listening to?
- Why self-awareness and self-trust are your greatest tools in a medical crisis
When you’re in fight-or-flight mode, it’s hard to process information or make clear decisions. This episode is packed with science-backed strategies to help you self-regulate, stay calm, and advocate for healthcare that’s right for you.
For the resources mentioned in this show, visit the episode blog page.
Connect with Luan:
Follow Luan on Instagram
Get Luan's free guide to Self-Advocacy
Sign up for Luan's Newsletter
Check out Luan's website
CREDITS:
Host: Luan Lawrenson-Woods, Self-Health Advocate
Post-production: Paddy from Goosewing Sounds Ltd (UK)
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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