The Betrayal List: Why Women Deserve Better in Healthcare
There are so many fallacies in healthcare that just keep going — passed along like family recipes nobody questions, even though we know better.
And honestly? Women have carried the brunt of those myths for decades.
So here it is — The Betrayal List.
Not to shame or shock, but to start the conversation that’s long overdue.
1️⃣ Quick Fixes Instead of Consistency
Healthcare loves a shortcut. A “6-week reset.” A magic chair. A pill that promises balance in a bottle.
But your body isn’t a machine that resets overnight. Healing takes time, patience, and a plan that actually fits your life.
Quick fixes might get attention, but consistency is what gets results.
2️⃣ Refusing HRT for Women Based on Outdated Research
Hormone therapy was vilified for years because of early studies that, frankly, scared everyone — including doctors.
But science has evolved. Research now shows HRT can be safe and effective for many women when used appropriately.
Yet too many are still dismissed, told to “just deal with it,” or offered antidepressants instead.
We owe women accurate, current information — not outdated fear.
3️⃣ Not Talking About Pelvic Health
We can talk about heart health, gut health, and brain health all day… but mention the pelvic floor and suddenly it’s awkward silence.
Pelvic health is foundational — it affects your bladder, bowel, back, hips, and sexual wellness.
When we don’t talk about it, women suffer needlessly, often believing their symptoms are “just part of getting older.”
News flash: they’re not.
4️⃣ Telling Pregnant Women Exercise Should Be “Gentle”
Pregnancy is not a condition that requires you to wrap yourself in bubble wrap.
Yes, movement needs to be safe and modified — but gentle doesn’t mean fragile.
The right exercise can improve delivery outcomes, speed postpartum recovery, and support mental health.
Strong, supported, and educated — that’s the new definition of “gentle.”
5️⃣ Blaming Age for Everything
“You’re just getting older.”
It’s the healthcare equivalent of a shrug.
Aches, fatigue, leakage, or weakness aren’t always about aging — they’re about adaptation. Bodies change, but they’re also resilient and capable of improvement at any age.
Stop blaming birthdays. Start asking better questions.
What These “Betrayals” Have in Common
Every item on this list has the same root problem: a lack of curiosity.
Somewhere along the way, we stopped asking why.
We accepted outdated information as truth. We repeated what we were taught instead of challenging it. And in doing so, we left women feeling unheard, dismissed, and sometimes betrayed.
But here’s the good news: the conversation is changing — and women are leading it.
The Path Forward
My job as a healthcare professional isn’t to tell you what to do.
It’s to give you options.
It’s to tell you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Because you can’t advocate for yourself if no one helps you understand what’s really going on.
You deserve healthcare that evolves with science, respects your lived experience, and empowers you to make informed choices.
So let’s start questioning. Let’s start learning. And let’s start building a better system — one conversation at a time. 💎
Nicola Robertson
Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist