#89: Period Pain, PCOS and Health Care Bias With Dr. Nitu Bajekal
“There is no normal amount of pain and I think that is something all women need to understand. If it does not feel normal to you, it is not normal. It is not something your doctor has to decide or your mom has to decide. If you feel that this is a lot of pain then that is a lot of pain. Just like heavy periods. If it is heavy for you, it is heavy. It does not have to be measured out.” -Dr. Nitu Bajekal
During her 35 years as an obstetrician and gynecologist Dr Nitu Bajekal has learned a few things. She has also had her own personal health and nutrition journey. Now she is using what she has learned to help other women not only with their health, but by empowering them to be their own health care advocates.
In this episode of Veggie Doctor Radio, I talk with Dr. Nitu Bajekal, an OB/Gyn in London. We have a delightful conversation about diet, periods, PCOS and healthcare bias and we get a glimpse of what an amazing physician and healer she is.
We discuss:
Her plant-based journey and what family member inspired her to become vegan
Her own health challenge and how it improved with a plant-based diet
Pain during periods, what is normal and what can help
PCOS signs and symptoms and how diet and lifestyle can help
Ovulatory pain - is it normal?
Bias in healthcare and the particular effects on women of color
Being your own healthcare advocate
Lessons that she has learned as a woman in healthcare
What she wishes more women knew
What personal habit she is most proud of
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Nitu Bajekal
More about my honored guest:
Dr Nitu Bajekal, MD FRCOG Dip IBLM is a Senior Consultant ObGyn niv the UK with over 35 years of clinical experience. She is a Fellow of the Royal College and recipient of the Indian President’s Gold medal.
She is one of the first US board-certified LifestyleMedicine Physicians in the UK. She has written the women’s health module for the first UK University based plant based nutrition course.
She is the founder of Women for Women's Health, a voluntary service set up to educate, energise and empower women to make lifestyle choices to help improve their own and their families’ health.
Dr Bajekal is passionate about educating women, providing reliable medical and lifestyle information for the general public, doctors, workplaces and schools.
She is a committed vegan, personally benefiting from this lifestyle as do her patients.
You can learn more at: www.nitubajekal.com
The information on this blog, website and podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your or your child’s eating, nutrition or growth, consult a doctor.
Call to Action —> 1. Do something that is special to you every single day
2. Have at least one plant-based meal per day
3. Watch one plant-based documentary
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