What Now? Post-election, post-thanksgiving, post-pcos
🦃 Digesting this crazy month: #BeOneof100 campaign, PCOS good news, election comedown & more
Closing out Thanksgiving week, how did your post-election table conversations go? 🥴
For those of us managing chronic conditions, the holidays can feel more stressful than heartwarming. From deciding what to cook or bring if you’re trying to follow a gluten-free, anti-inflammatory diet or cut out alcohol to handling triggering conversations about dating, babies, and more—it’s a lot.
If you know a woman navigating a tough health journey, please be her ally and show compassion. And if you’re living it yourself, know you’re not alone. Join us on WhatsApp 💖
On that note, I’ve got a question for all of you from one of our members: If you suspect you have PCOS but can’t afford expensive lab work due to limited insurance, what affordable options or resources would you recommend?
This month’s topics are:
#BeOneof100 —Join us on WhatsApp by EOY.
My PCOS Update—Some good news!
New AdvoKit—What To Know: Evaluating Endo Surgeons
Election Comedown
Monthly Reads
Have you joined MyAdvo yet?
I’m humbled and excited by the initial response to our #BeOneOf100 Founding Members drive. Community building is a practice. And I know without a doubt that we are stronger together. But we still need 50 more people to join with just one month to go!
Will you add your voice to help other women and shape the future of women’s health?
MyAdvo founding member benefits:
Digital and in-person events. Opportunities to connect and build community with each other and to hear from experts such as excision specialists, pelvic floor therapists and more.
Educational resources. Practical tips and resources for advocating for yourself and navigating the healthcare system with a chronic condition.
WhatsApp support group. Private space to chat with and support other women who know what you’re going through or have been there before.
We have a giveaway coming up, so if you know anyone with PCOS, endo, fibroids, or adenomyosis, ask them to sign up! You can share our plans for 2025 here.
Another easy way to help amplify this campaign: Follow @hellomyadvo on IG and tag your friends. 🙏✨
EOY PCOS Update
I have to admit, I’m surprised by the progress I made with my PCOS recently. This summer was rough—a 40+ day cycle filled with extreme mood swings, persistent acne, significant hair shedding, brain fog, and that frustrating “wired but tired” feeling. I had lab work done in October when my cycle was <35 days, and the results were unexpectedly encouraging:
Testosterone: Lowered to 35 from 49 (scale: 10–50)
Free Testosterone: Lowered to 1.3 from 2.4 (scale: 0–4.2)
DHEA-S: Dropped to 213 from 321, though still high (scale: 84.8–378)
Insulin: Lowered to 3.3 from 4.5 (scale: 2.6–24.9)
Vitamin D: Remains stable
Some areas still need work, like my Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), which improved to 121 from 131 but is still high (scale: 24.6–122). But overall, my functional medicine provider was thrilled with the progress. We're now shifting into a maintenance phase with the goal of achieving consistent results over the next three months—and possibly reducing the number of supplements I take. How many supplements are in your routine?
What surprised me most was that despite these improvements, some symptoms still felt present—especially my acne. It’s a reminder that while bloodwork might show balance, symptoms can take longer to catch up. Thankfully, they are starting to align with the positive results, especially the mood swings and anxiety during my luteal phase.
One thing I’ve found consistently helps regulate my cycle is sticking to a regular eating and sleeping schedule, and obviously, travel really messes with that. I’ll share more about how I’m adapting to lifestyle changes and the supplements I’m taking to tackle my high androgens next month.
When it comes to functional medicine, one piece of advice I can’t stress enough is to be curious about the supplements recommended to you:
What’s in them, and how will they address your symptoms?
Why is this brand preferred over others?
Are there equally effective, more affordable options?
If you’ve seen a supplement trending on Instagram or TikTok, don’t hesitate to ask your provider about it! I was considering a popular supplement for better periods, and my provider explained that while it looked great, I was already meeting those nutrient needs with my current regimen. It was a great reminder that stacking supplements without guidance might not help—and could even cause issues.
This point hit home recently when my 82-year-old grandmother mentioned she’d been taking a diabetes supplement she’d seen online, and it wasn’t until she talked to her doctor that she realized it had been causing her vertigo for over a year!
AdvoKit: Evaluating Your Endometriosis Surgeon
This month, we partnered with Endo Excision for All, founded by MyAdvo member, Nicole Notar, for our latest AdvoKit, “What To Know: Evaluating Your Endometriosis Surgeon”.
We explain the pros/cons of excision versus ablation surgery and list our recommended questions to ask your provider when deciding who will perform your endometriosis surgery. These are super easy to screenshot and take to your next appointment!
Election Comedown
I’m sure many of you have election fatigue, especially post-Thanksgiving. I do, for sure, but needed to write things out to understand if/how change can happen for women under a Trump administration.
The hardest part for me about the election results is answering: How do you bring women to the same side? It seems women’s rights, especially bodily autonomy, wasn’t enough. The anticipated gender gap did not happen. 46% of women who voted chose Trump, in line with historical voter party lines. That’s a lot of women voting for an administration with an obvious track record against women.
Voter turnout remained strongest amongst Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation. The most significant change in voting patterns occurred within Generation Z women, showing a marked shift towards Trump compared to previous elections. Other generations more or lesss maintained their historical voting behaviors.
Gen Z (early-mid 20s): Traditionally leaning Democratic, Generation Z displayed a significant shift in 2024. Kamala Harris secured 55% of the votes from the 18-29 age group, while Donald Trump received 42%. (Source)
Relevant health issues: Contraception, Sexual health, Mental Health, Chronic illness and autoimmune health, Eating disorders, Abortion, Gynecological health
Millennials (~30s): Millennials continued to favor Democratic candidates with a slightly reduced margin compared to previous elections.
Relevant health issues: Contraception, Sexual health, Mental Health, Chronic illness and autoimmune health, Fertility, Abortion, Gynecological health, Pregnancy/Pregnancy Loss, Postpartum
Gen X (mid-40s and 50s): Gen X voters were split between the two candidates.
Relevant health issues: Sexual health, Chronic illness and autoimmune health, Fertility, Gynecological health, Pregnancy/Pregnancy Loss, Perimenopause/ Menopause, Breast Cancer, Caregiving
Baby Boomers (60s and 70s): Baby Boomers predominantly supported Trump. (Source)
Relevant health issues: Sexual health, Gynecological health, Pregnancy, Perimenopause/Menopause, Breast Cancer, Chronic diseases, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Osteoperosis, Caregiving
Silent Generation (80+ years old): The Silent Generation also leaned toward Trump.
Relevant health issues: Chronic diseases, Heart Disease, Diabetes, Cancers, Osteoporosis
And yet, from an abortion rights standpoint, women across the board came through to protect their right to bodily autonomy in 7 out of 10 states that had abortion rights on the ballot. This is in line with 64% of women expressing support for legal abortion.
So, what are we in for? We’ve got some indication from Trump’s quick cabinet nominations and incoming congress members (many leadership positions won’t be made before start of new Congress in January) with the most impact on women’s health.
Incoming Cabinet Members:
Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS): Oversees critical programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and public health initiatives that fund women’s health services (e.g., prenatal care, cancer screenings, contraceptive access).
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Secretary of Health and Human Services)
Track Record: Expressed support for abortion rights; known for controversial vaccine skepticism crucial for women’s and children’s health. (Source) Just
Jim O’Neill (Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services):
Track Record: Former official at HHS; advocates for acceleration of drug approvals; notable affiliations with pharmaceutical industry (on board of ADvantage Therapeutics and serves as managing director of Mithril Capital Management, a VC firm co-founded by Peter Thiel investing in biotech and pharmaceuticals).
National Institutes of Health (NIH): The NIH funds and directs health research. To note, it wasn’t until 1993 that women and minorities were required in clinical studies, and today, less than 11% of the NIH research budget is allocated to women's health.
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya (Director of NIH): Professor of Medicine at Stanford University, known for his critical views on lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Secretary of Education: Enforces Title IX, ensuring gender equity in education, protection against sexual harassment, and access to health education.
Linda McMahon: Co-founder of WWE and former head of the Small Business Administration; Associated with anti-transgender advocacy; Supports charter schools. (Them)
Attorney General: The Department of Justice enforces laws, such as protecting women from discrimination, violence, and exploitation (ie, the Violence Against Women Act).
Pam Bondi: Former Attorney General of Florida (2011-2019) and member of Trump's defense team during his first impeachment trial. History of opposing abortion rights, defending Florida's mandatory waiting period for abortions.
Secretary of Labor: Oversees workplace policies, including family leave, pregnancy accommodations, and anti-discrimination enforcement.
Lori Chavez-DeRemer: Recently lost her re-election bid as Oregon house representative. Legislative record is limited when it comes to women in the workplace policies.
Secretary of Agriculture: Oversees food assistance programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) that provide nutritional support to low-income mothers and children.
Brooke Rollins: CEO of the America First Policy Institute (advocates for policies that promote traditional family structures) and former Director of the Domestic Policy Council under President Trump. No publicly available information detailing her specific positions on women's health issues.
Key Congressional Members:
House Committee on Energy and Commerce: Jurisdiction over healthcare policy, including Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and public health initiatives.
Expected Chair: TBD—Current chair is Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) who was the first woman to chair this committee. She announced her retirement as Chair earlier this year. Currently proposing a framework to reform and consolidate the NIH. Opponents of proposal believe consolidation will risk already limited focus on gender-specific health issues.
Senate and House Appropriations Committees: Determine funding for public health programs and research initiatives focused on women's health (ie, Planned Parenthood, maternal health initiatives, and health equity programs).
Expected Senate Chair: TBD—Most likely Senator Susan Collins (R-ME)
Known for her moderate stance, she’s expressed support for Roe v. Wade and described herself as pro-choice but voted against the Women's Health Protection Act, arguing it exceeded the standards established in Roe v. Wade and lacked sufficient protections for religious liberties; Supported measures to ensure access to contraception but voted against the Right to Contraception Act, again citing concerns over religious freedom; Opposed efforts to defund Planned Parenthood.
Expected House Chair: TBD—Current chair is Representative Tom Cole (R-OK) who ascended to House Chair after Representative Kay Granger (R-TX) retired. His record on women’s health is conservative, consistently voting against abortion rights and the ACA.
Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP): Oversees healthcare, education, and workplace policies, including those impacting women’s health and safety.
Expected Chair: Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA)
Former physician specialized in gastroenterology; Opposes abortion after 20 weeks and federal funding for abortion; Co-introduced bipartisan act to reduce maternal mortality and improve outcomes for women and infants; Co-authored the Graham-Cassidy bill to repeal the ACA.
Other Influential Positions:
Surgeon General: Nation’s leading public health advocate, shaping public health campaigns on issues like maternal mortality and breast cancer awareness.
Dr. Janette Nesheiwat: Family and emergency medicine physician, known for her work as a medical news correspondent.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator: Oversees healthcare coverage including Medicare and Medicaid.
Dr. Mehmet Oz: Cardiothoracic surgeon and television personality, known for promoting his health products and alternative medicine, such as “miracle” weight loss products. Critics have raised concerns about the scientific rigor and prioritization of unproven remedies over evidence-based treatments he may bring to CMS policies affecting women's health services.
Chair of the Federal Drug Administration (FDA): Regulates drugs, medical devices, and health products that disproportionately impact women, such as contraceptives, abortion pill, and hormone replacement therapies.
Dr. Marty Makary: Surgeon and professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Criticized FDA for delays in approving COVID-19 vaccines and its perceived "cozy relationship" with the pharmaceutical industry; Raised concerns about the FDA's oversight of food safety, particularly the approval of chemicals in foods and infant formulas; Also criticized the medical community for discouraging hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in menopausal women, arguing this has unjustly deprived many of its benefits; No publicly detailed specific policies on contraception or abortion but has expressed personal reservations about abortion based on experiences during medical training in a 2022 interview.
Overall Implications
I think we can all admit, regardless of political views, that the future is uncertain when it comes to women’s health. Access to care, healthcare transparency, and the prioritization of women’s health research remain TBD under the incoming administration. Some of my key concerns (outside of the general rhetoric that’s anti-women…):
Deregulation: Proposed policies may lead to reduced oversight, potentially enabling misinformation and deprioritizing evidence-based approaches. (Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of alternative medicine, but what I want is more dedicated research and medical school training for diagnosing and treating women’s conditions and diseases. Not being pushed D2C “miracle cures…” We’re already drowning in misinformation.)
Decentralization Risks: Efforts to scale back federal programs (ACA), could limit access to affordable healthcare for many women.
Conflicts of Interest: Some nominees’ records raise concerns about their own agendas tied to deregulation and industry interests.
We’ll need each other even more to learn from other women and vet how to get answers for our health. How do you stay hopeful and motivated when you know it’s going to get harder? By feeling like you can make a big impact in small ways—that’s what our #BeOneOf100 campaign is about.
🔖 MyAdvo Monthly Reads
(policy, podcasts, research, trends & more to advocate for yourself)
⭐️ Florence Pugh explains why froze her eggs with endometriosis & PCOS
⚖️ New Louisiana law mandates abortion meds be locked up, even in emergencies
⚖️ Judge strikes down Wyoming's abortion ban, saying violate state constitution
😡 Georgia dissolves maternal health committee after Pro Publica links deaths to state’s abortion laws
📣 Women are still waiting longer than men for pain reliefs at the ER
📈 Surge in birth control demand post-Trump election