Episode #6: What Should I Ask My Primary Care Doctor at My Next Appointment?
In this episode of Your Body, Your Clues, Ahlaam and Dr. Hodan Ali break down one of the most common questions people have going into the new year: What should you actually ask your primary care doctor at your next appointment?
Many people walk into their annual physical unsure of what to say, what labs to request, or how to advocate for themselves when something feels off. In this episode, we guide listeners through how to prepare for a doctor’s visit, what information to track beforehand, like sleep, food intake, and menstrual cycles and the key tests and conversations everyone should be having with their primary care provider.
We discuss recommended screenings and lab work for women ages 18–35, men’s health considerations, and what changes to expect between ages 35–45, when shifts in metabolism, hormones, and energy often begin to appear. We also talk about the importance of staying up to date on preventive screenings and why advocating for the health of our mothers, aunties, and grandmothers can literally save lives.
The episode also tackles a listener dilemma about feeling dismissed by a doctor despite ongoing symptoms like fatigue, bloating, and unexplained weight gain, and what steps you can take if your concerns aren’t being taken seriously.
To wrap things up, we play a round of “Fact or Fiction: Primary Care Edition,” breaking down common myths like:
* “If my labs are normal, I’m fine.”
* “A normal thyroid test means my thyroid is perfectly healthy.”
* “If my fasting glucose is normal, I don’t need to worry.”
If you’ve ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling confused, rushed, or unheard, this episode will help you walk into your next visit informed, prepared, and ready to advocate for your health.
🎙️ Podcast: Your Body, Your Clues
Hosted by Dr. Hodan Ali & Ahlaam Ibraahim