Hello, incredible listeners. Bethany here, raw and unfiltered, just like we promised in this week's episode of UpLift Women's Wellness. If you tuned in, you know this one hit different. For me, and I suspect for many of you, it was a release, a validation, and perhaps, a much-needed cry.
Sharing my decade-long journey through undiagnosed hypothyroidism, PCOS, and chronic migraines wasn't easy. It brought back the echoes of doctors dismissing my pain, the sting of "just lose weight" as the only prescription, and the isolating feeling of being gaslighted by the very systems meant to heal. The weight of being told I was "like a Rottweiler" for advocating for myself still sits heavy, a stark reminder of how often women's pain is minimized and misunderstood.
We explored a truth that’s often whispered but rarely amplified: autoimmune disease affects over 24 million Americans, and women are disproportionately impacted. In fact, 80% of those affected by autoimmune diseases are women. This means that for every 10 people with an autoimmune condition, 8 are women. Studies show that women, particularly women of color and those categorized as obese by BMI, are significantly undertreated and undiagnosed in the healthcare system due to visual judgment and inherent biases. This leads to prolonged suffering and increased health complications. We pulled back the curtain on how healthcare and the fitness industry, knowingly or unknowingly, profit when we stay unwell, offering superficial solutions instead of real, comprehensive care. The emotional toll of this—the depression, the anxiety, the constant battle to be seen and heard, and in some cases, even suicidal ideation—is immeasurable. Research indicates that women with chronic conditions are up to three times more likely to experience depression and anxiety. Many women internalize this dismissal, leading to self-gaslighting and a profound sense of not being "good enough."
But this episode wasn't just about the pain; it was about the power of recognition. Hearing Auria's empathetic responses, seeing the "Oh my gosh" and "How frustrating" in her voice, mirrored the feelings so many of you expressed in messages we've already received. It’s a shared experience, a collective exhale. It's crucial for women to advocate for their needs, even when facing dismissive healthcare providers. Only 1 in 5 women feel their pain is adequately treated by doctors. This highlights the critical need for women to empower themselves with knowledge and demand thorough investigations. Seeking out functional medicine and trauma-informed practitioners who understand the nuances of female hormonal health and chronic illness is a vital step.
This is why UpLift Women's Wellness exists. To break down the myths, challenge the narratives, and build a new model of wellness rooted in truth, trauma-informed care, and radical self-trust. We ended the episode talking about what to look for in a fitness professional—someone who understands hormones, chronic illness, and truly sees the whole person. Because you deserve more than just a certificate; you deserve expertise, empathy, and someone who won't tell you to "suck it up" when your body is screaming for help.
If any part of this episode resonated, if you've ever felt unseen, unheard, or blamed for your own pain, know this: you are not alone. You are strong enough to be sick, and you are worthy of care that honors your entire being. Please, if you're struggling, reach out. We're here, walking alongside you.
Bethany Busch, Founder of Head to Toe Strength
Find us at www.head2toestrength.com or on all social media platforms @head2toestrength.
