Pelvic Health, Hormones & the Power of Self-Advocacy
Pelvic Health, Hormones & the Power of Self-Advocacy We’re often told that period pain, pelvic discomfort, and hormonal symptoms are just part of being a woman. But what happens when “normal” doesn’t actually feel normal? Dr. Nikki Berner knows this question from both sides of the exam room. She’s a pelvic health physical therapist and founder of The Fem Method Pelvic Health, but she’s also navigated endometriosis, excision surgery, IVF, and cancer herself. In this episode of Ask Lively, Nikki and Nathalia get into the things women are too often expected to live with quietly. They talk about learning the patterns of your body, recognizing when something feels off, and finding the confidence to keep asking questions when you’re not getting answers. They also explore how cycle and symptom tracking can give you a clearer picture of what’s happening in your body, what Nikki’s own diagnoses taught her that PT school never could, and why being an informed patient doesn’t mean questioning every doctor. It means knowing that your experience belongs in the conversation too. In This Episode, We Talk About: • Why common symptoms aren’t always symptoms you should ignore • What Nikki’s experience with endometriosis, IVF, and cancer taught her about women’s healthcare • How your cycle can reveal patterns you might otherwise miss • What to do when you know something feels wrong but aren’t getting answers • Why self advocacy matters and what it can actually look like in the doctor’s office You know your body better than anyone else. This conversation is a reminder to listen to it, stay curious, and never be afraid to ask one more question. Find Dr. Nikki Learn more about Dr. Nikki Berner and her work with The Fem Method Pelvic Health. thefemmethod.com Keep Learning With Lively Ready to get more connected to your body? Download the Lively Cycle App and start tracking your cycle so you can better understand your hormones, symptoms, and patterns.