For decades, medical research treated men's bodies as the standard—and women paid the price. Before 1993, women were barely included in clinical trials. Even today, we make up less than forty percent of most studies. So what happened? Women's symptoms—fatigue, pain, mood swings, even signs of a heart attack—got brushed off. Dismissed. Blamed on hormones.

That's finally starting to change. In this episode, Dr. Avanti talks with Meghan Rabbitt, an award-winning health journalist and author of The New Rules of Women's Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Every Age. Meghan spent three years interviewing over one hundred female experts to create this book—a comprehensive guide that feels like the next generation of Our Bodies, Ourselves. It's the kind of book you keep on your shelf and reach for when something feels off.

Together, they talk about why women's health got left behind, how heart disease shows up differently in women, and why women's pain has been taken less seriously for so long. They also get practical—how to prepare for doctor's appointments, how to track your symptoms, and what it really means to become the CEO of your own health. Because your body is always talking to you. And when you learn to listen—and arm yourself with the right information—you become your own best advocate.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

(04:17) Why women were left out of medical research for so long—and what that means for your care today
(20:07) How heart attack symptoms look different in women, and why so many get missed
(24:51) Why women's pain is often dismissed, and what you can do about it
(30:24) How to trust your intuition and take your symptoms seriously
(40:20) Simple ways to prepare for doctor's appointments so you get the care you deserve
(43:58) A free online tool to assess your breast cancer risk

By the end of this episode, you'll know how to listen to your body, track your symptoms, and walk into any doctor's office prepared to advocate for yourself—because you deserve care that actually sees you.

About Meghan Rabbitt:

Meghan Rabbitt is an award-winning journalist and author of The New Rules of Women's Health: Your Guide to Thriving at Every Age. She specializes in writing about women's health and wellness, and her work has appeared in many national publications, including Women's Health, Oprah Daily, Prevention, Maria Shriver's Sunday Paper, and more. She's known for translating complex medical and scientific topics into clear, actionable information—and for telling stories that help readers better understand their bodies, their health, and themselves.

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Resources:

Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Assessment Calculator
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The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Podcast episode production by Dante32.