127. Medical Gaslighting: Why Women Are Treated Like Small Men & What To Do About It

Ever been told your labs are "normal," but you're still dealing with crushing fatigue, brain fog, weird digestive issues, or stubborn weight loss resistance—and secretly wondered if it's all in your head? In this episode, I unpack why that experience is heartbreakingly common for women and how a system built on male bodies has failed to truly understand female hormone balance, metabolism, and gut health. I share how, for most of medical history, women were treated as "small men" in research. Drug trials, diagnostic criteria, and lab ranges were based on male physiology, while our cycles, hormones, and unique digestive health patterns were labeled "too variable." That gap is still affecting you today—whether you're in perimenopause, struggling with IBS and bloating, or dragging yourself through the day with low energy and brain fog. Key Points in This Episode • How women were systematically excluded from research—and what that means for your labs, medications, and "normal" ranges when you don't feel normal at all. • The lingering legacy of "hysteria" and why women's symptoms—fatigue, pain, gut issues, anxiety—still get dismissed, minimized, or blamed on stress. • What actually happens in your brain, nervous system, hormones, and gut when you're not believed, and how that can worsen IBS, inflammation, and metabolic symptoms. • Seven practical practices to reclaim your voice in the medical system—how to document patterns, ask better questions, use stronger language, and keep going until you find someone who listens. This conversation is about giving you context for why you've felt dismissed—and tools so you stop doubting yourself. If you're tired of being told "everything looks fine" while your energy, hormone balance, gut health, and metabolism clearly say otherwise, this episode will help you see that your body isn't the problem. Hit play and let's start changing how you show up for your health. Stop wasting time (and money) on products that don't work. My Trusted Brands Guide is the exact list I share with my private clients — the skincare, supplements, food, and wellness tools that have been tested and proven to deliver results. No fluff. No guesswork. Just the brands you can finally feel good about using. ✨ Plus, I scored exclusive discounts from some of these companies just for my community. 👉 Grab your free copy now at https://go.megmill.com/trustedbrands and start shopping with confidence today! Recharge your body and reclaim your energy with the Fatigue to Fabulous Ultimate Energy Boosting Handbook—your go-to guide for beating exhaustion and feeling your best. Download now at https://go.megmill.com/energy . Let's connect on Instagram for daily health tips at @drmegmill . Learn more about how Dr. Meg can help you uplevel your health at www.megmill.com This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. This podcast is for women entering perimenopause and beyond who are struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, weight loss resistance, and unpredictable hormones. If you're dealing with exhaustion, low energy, brain fog, bloating, IBS, constipation, digestive discomfort, histamine issues, migraines, anxiety or hormone imbalances, this show is for you. You'll learn how to support your metabolism, balance hormones naturally, beat IBS and bloating, and finally break through stubborn weight gain. Discover science-backed strategies to optimize digestion, improve gut health, and manage perimenopause symptoms and other hormonal imbalances—without restrictive diets or endless supplements. Whether it's addressing estrogen dominance, blood sugar balance, or adrenal fatigue, this podcast gives you the tools to take control of your health and feel vibrant again. If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a review or share it with a friend. If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too! Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow, Just Ingredients Podcast, Longevity with Nathalie Niddam, Wellness Mama, The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Ancient Health Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel, The Dr. Hyman Show, The Thyroid Fixer with Dr. Amie Hornaman, Treated with Dr. Sara, Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin, Better! with Dr. Stephanie, Energized with Dr. Mariza Snyder.