
September 30 2008 12:00 AM EST
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According to Christiane Northrup, author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom: Creating Physical and Emotional Health and Healing, there are five critical mistakes most women make at the doctor's office. Have you fallen prey to them? [1] Not asking questions. If you're too nervous or intimidated to ask questions yourself, take along someone who can ask them for you. [2] Overresearching symptoms or suspected or ailments. Becoming obsessed with obtaining as much information as possible isn't helpful, and it may only fuel your anxiety. [3] Not recognizing gender bias in the health care arena. Studies have shown women's medical problems are often dismissed by doctors as emotional issues or complaining. [4] Interpreting their own symptoms. Just state the facts and let the doctor determine what's happening. [5] Not trusting their own instincts. If you've got a gut feeling that a diagnosis is wrong, seek a second opinion.