Medical gaslighting is one of the most distressing experiences a patient can face.
It occurs when a patient’s symptoms or concerns are dismissed, minimised, or attributed to another cause without adequate consideration or investigation. While this can sometimes stem from time pressures, unconscious bias, or gaps in knowledge rather than deliberate intent, the impact on the patient can be profound.
Many women describe feeling unheard when seeking help for menopause symptoms, heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, PMS/PMDD, and other hormone-related conditions. Regardless of the reason, feeling dismissed by a healthcare professional can leave patients feeling frustrated, isolated, and reluctant to seek further help.
As both a doctor and a patient, I have experienced firsthand how distressing this can be. It can lead to self-doubt, delayed diagnosis, delayed treatment, and unnecessary suffering. Many patients describe feeling as though they are trapped between a rock and a hard place, unsure where to turn next.
Good medical care begins with listening. Taking the time to hear a patient’s story, acknowledge their concerns, and involve them in decision-making can make a meaningful difference. Validation does not necessarily mean having all the answers immediately—it means recognising that a patient’s experience matters and deserves thoughtful assessment.
Every patient deserves to feel:
- Heard
- Believed
- Taken seriously
- Respected
- Involved in decisions about their care
If this resonates with you, please know that your symptoms are real, your concerns deserve to be explored, and you are not alone.