How many times have you been told, "Your labs are normal," even though you know something doesn't feel right? In this empowering solo episode, Dr. Mariza challenges one of the biggest beliefs women have been conditioned to accept: that being a "good patient" means staying quiet, pushing through symptoms, and trusting a healthcare system that has historically overlooked women's biology. She explores how decades of research gaps, delayed recognition of perimenopause, and outdated medical training have left millions of women feeling dismissed, unheard, and convinced that exhaustion, brain fog, anxiety, poor sleep, weight gain, and hormone changes are simply part of getting older. Dr. Mariza explains why perimenopause is far more than a reproductive transition. It's a neurological, metabolic, cardiovascular, and whole-body transition that deserves proactive care—not years of unnecessary suffering. Most importantly, she shares practical strategies for becoming an active partner in your healthcare, including how to prepare for appointments, ask better questions, understand your symptoms, and advocate for the care you deserve. If you've ever left a doctor's appointment feeling unheard or wondering if it's "all in your head," this episode will remind you that your symptoms matter, your intuition matters, and you deserve answers. IN THIS EPISODE Why women have been conditioned to become "good patients" The hidden impact of research gaps in women's healthcare Why "your labs are normal" isn't always the full story How perimenopause affects the brain, metabolism, heart, and hormones The questions every woman should ask at her medical appointments How to prepare for appointments so you become an active partner in your care The difference between normal lab ranges and optimal health Why you deserve evidence-based care that prioritizes your long-term health QUOTES “You are the CEO of your health.” “Symptoms are not inconveniences to silence. They are signals to understand.” “Normal isn't always the same as optimal.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Stop surviving and start thriving: join the free 5-day challenge beginning July 27, 2026: https://drmariza.com/jumpstart Use code ENERGIZED and get 10% off on your MitoQ Order http://www.mitoq.com/energized%C2%A0 Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution Thriving in Perimenopause Survival Guide Joy & Blokes Lab Testing RELATED EPISODES 761: Finding Your Way Back to Pleasure and Feeling Fully Alive with Gabriella Espinosa 759: Tired, Wired & Inflamed? The Sleep Fix Most Women Are Missing with Dr. Michael Breus 756: What Low-Grade Inflammation Is Really Doing to Your Hormones, Brain & Metabolism with Dr. Mariza 650: Unlock Your Health: The Ultimate Biomarker & Lab Blueprint to Thrive in Midlife and Beyond

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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