If you have endometriosis (or suspect you do), going to the doctor can feel like gearing up for battle. Many of us have been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or made to feel like our pain isn’t real. It’s exhausting, frustrating, and, honestly, disheartening.

I’ve been there—leaving appointments feeling unheard, overwhelmed, and questioning if I somehow imagined my symptoms. But here’s the thing: your pain is real, your experiences matter, and you deserve quality care. So, let’s talk about how to walk into your next appointment prepared, confident, and ready to advocate for yourself.

Get Clear on Your Goals for the Appointment

Before stepping into the office, ask yourself: What do I want to get out of this appointment?

• Are you looking for a diagnosis?
• Do you need a treatment plan or medication adjustments?
• Are you asking for a referral to a specialist?
• Do you just want to feel heard and validated?

Having a clear goal will help keep the appointment focused. If you struggle with brain fog or get flustered under pressure, write down your top 2-3 priorities in a notebook or on your phone. This way, even if your nerves take over, you have something concrete to refer back to.

Track Your Symptoms Like a Detective

Endometriosis isn’t just “bad periods.” It can affect digestion, bladder function, energy levels, and mental health. Since endo symptoms fluctuate, it’s helpful to track your symptoms over time rather than relying on memory (which—let’s be real—can be foggy at best).

Try tracking:
📌 Pain levels (Where is it? How severe? Does anything make it better or worse?)
📌 Menstrual cycles (heavy bleeding, clots, irregular periods, spotting)
📌 GI issues (bloating, constipation, diarrhea, nausea)
📌 Fatigue levels (when do you feel most drained?)
📌 Other symptoms (brain fog, headaches, anxiety, etc.)

You can jot these down in a notebook, a notes app, or use a symptom-tracking app like Flo, Clue, or Phendo (an app specifically for endo warriors). Having this record gives your doctor concrete data to work with instead of vague descriptions like “I feel terrible all the time.”

Write Down Key Questions (Because Brain Fog is Real)

Doctors’ appointments are short. And when you’re dealing with a chronic illness, anxiety, or medical trauma, it’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask. Before your appointment, write down a list of key questions so you don’t leave feeling like you missed something important.

Here are some ideas:

• “Could this be endometriosis? If not, what else could be causing my symptoms?”
• “Can you refer me to an endometriosis specialist?”
• “What treatment options do you recommend? Are there non-hormonal options?”
• “Can we discuss pain management options?”
• “Would imaging or surgery help confirm a diagnosis?”
• “How will endometriosis affect my fertility?”

Keep it short and direct—doctors appreciate questions that are clear and actionable.

Bring a Support Person (If Possible)

If past experiences with doctors have left you feeling unheard or dismissed, it can be incredibly helpful to bring someone with you—a friend, partner, or family member who can:
✅ Take notes for you
✅ Help you stay focused on your goals
✅ Advocate for you if you feel dismissed

If you can’t bring someone in person, consider having them on speakerphone during the appointment. Even just knowing you have backup can be reassuring.

Practice Confidence (Even if You’re Nervous)

I know—easier said than done. But unfortunately, many of us with chronic illnesses feel like we have to “prove” our pain to get taken seriously. This is where confidence and self-advocacy come in.

Here’s how to hold your ground:

• Stick to the facts – “I’ve been tracking my symptoms, and I experience severe pain for 10+ days each month.”
• Use firm, clear language – “I need a referral to a specialist who understands endometriosis.”
• Don’t minimize your symptoms – If your pain is a 9/10, don’t downplay it to a 6/10 just to seem “reasonable.”
• Push back if needed – If a doctor dismisses your symptoms as “normal period pain,” you can say:
  • “I understand that periods can be uncomfortable, but my pain is debilitating and affecting my daily life. I need further evaluation.”

Your symptoms are real, and you deserve to be heard.

Prepare for Possible Dismissal (And Have a Backup Plan)

Unfortunately, not all doctors take endometriosis seriously. If your doctor brushes off your concerns, suggests birth control as the only solution, or refuses further testing, don’t be afraid to:

🚨 Ask for another opinion
🚨 Request a referral to a specialist
🚨 Find a new doctor who takes you seriously

A great response to push back:
💬 “I appreciate your perspective, but I’d like a second opinion from a specialist who focuses on endometriosis.”

💡 Pro tip: If your doctor is dismissive, take notes on exactly what they say. Some people find that having a written record encourages more accountability.

Bring Medical Records & Past Test Results

If you’ve had previous imaging, bloodwork, or surgeries, bring those records with you. Some doctors won’t dig through old files, so having everything in one place makes it easier.

If you’ve had negative experiences with past doctors, you don’t have to share every detail—but giving a quick summary can help:
📌 “I’ve seen multiple doctors who didn’t take my symptoms seriously. I want to make sure I’m getting comprehensive care this time.”

Give Yourself Grace & Plan for Aftercare

Medical trauma is real. Even the best appointments can be emotionally and physically draining. So after your appointment, make sure to:

💖 Give yourself time to decompress – Don’t schedule anything too intense right after.
💖 Treat yourself with kindness – Whether it’s a nap, your favorite snack, or a comfort show, do something just for you.
💖 Journal or debrief with a friend – If the appointment was frustrating, venting can help. If it went well, celebrate that win!

Final Thoughts: You Deserve Good Care

If no one has told you this today: You are not overreacting. You are not imagining your pain. You deserve a doctor who listens and takes you seriously.

Advocating for yourself in the medical system is hard, but with preparation, confidence, and persistence, you can find a provider who truly supports you. And if your appointment doesn’t go as planned? That’s not a reflection of you—it’s a sign to keep searching for the right doctor.

You got this. 💛

Disclaimer: Hey there, friend! Just a reminder—I’m not a doctor, and this blog post isn’t medical advice (as much as I wish my Google searches made me a certified expert). Endometriosis is a complex condition, and everyone’s experience is different. If you suspect you have endo or are struggling with symptoms, please chat with a qualified healthcare provider. They have the tools, knowledge, and fancy medical degrees to give you the right guidance. This blog is all about sharing personal experiences and insights, not diagnosing or curing anything—so take what resonates, do your own research, and always prioritize your health. 💛