623. It's NOT In Your Head: The Truth About Why Women Get Ignored in Medicine

623. It's NOT In Your Head: The Truth About Why Women Get Ignored in Medicine

From The Thyroid (and Hormone) Fixer Podcast: Thyropause, Menopause, Metabolism and How to Fix It by Dr. Amie Hornaman

April 21, 2026 · 47 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the challenges women face in being heard and validated in the medical system, featuring insights from Dr. Efrat LaMandre.

If you’ve ever been told “everything looks normal” while feeling anything but, this episode will hit you right in the gut. I’m sitting down with Dr. Efrat LaMandre, a nurse practitioner turned medical disruptor, to unpack why so many of us feel dismissed, confused, and stuck in our health journeys. We dive deep into the frustrating gap between what you’re experiencing in your body and what conventional medicine can actually detect, and why that disconnect leaves so many women feeling like they’re the problem when they’re not. In this conversation, I explore the truth behind medical gaslighting, the concept of “pre-disease,” and why your symptoms matter even when your labs say otherwise. We talk about how the medical system is built, why doctors aren’t intentionally dismissing you, and how you can start advocating for yourself without feeling like you’re fighting an uphill battle. If you’ve ever questioned your intuition, felt brushed off in an appointment, or wondered where to turn next, this episode will give you clarity, validation, and a new way to approach your health. What you’ll learn: Why “normal labs” don’t always mean you’re actually healthy The hidden phase of illness…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Amie Hornaman

Guest: Dr. Efrat LaMandre

Topics covered

  • medical gaslighting
  • women's health
  • health advocacy
  • pre-disease
  • patient-provider communication

Keywords

  • women's health
  • medical gaslighting
  • healthcare advocacy
  • normal labs
  • patient experience

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