Autonomy in healthcare was once almost exclusively focused on behavioral choices regarding diet, physical activity, sleep quality, and stress management. Today, however, new scientific findings are enabling individuals to discover more about their physiology and make science-backed choices that target areas such as hormonal health, metabolism, and neurochemistry. Today, the goal isn’t simply to lead a healthy lifestyle but also to boost one’s medical literacy so one can make smarter changes, such as when to rely on medication, when to focus on behavioral change, and, if necessary, how to combine both for optimal results.
Detecting Potential Problems Early
One way in which science permits individuals to make smart decisions about their health is through early detection. Today, patients can opt for checks that include blood analysis, clinical examinations, echocardiograms, urine tests, bone density tests, neurological tests, and fat and muscle analysis. Those with a family history of specific diseases may undergo additional tests to gain further insight into their health. For instance, a patient with a family history of heart disease can opt for tests that go beyond cholesterol testing. CT scanning, particularly coronary calcium scoring, can detect arterial plaque buildup before symptoms appear. Patients with higher levels of atherosclerosis have a significantly higher risk of having a heart attack, yet the risk can be brought down significantly with treatment. Other key tests that can establish a patient’s biological baselines include those assessing hormones, metabolism, and neurochemistry.
The Role Played by Emerging Technologies
New technologies are enabling patients to obtain a much more accurate view of their current health status. For instance, some clinics use a capsule camera to obtain images of the small intestine, which is difficult to reach with a standard colonoscopy or endoscopy. While capsule cameras are not a replacement for colonoscopies (because they cannot take biopsies or remove polyps), they do provide vital information about an otherwise inaccessible part of the digestive tract. Continuous glucose monitors, meanwhile, allow individuals to obtain glucose readings throughout the day and show them how specific foods alter their glucose levels in real time. Even everyday wearable devices, such as smart watches, can measure factors such as heart rate, heart rate variability, sleep quality, oxygen levels, and sleep quantity. Some have features that can help identify arrhythmias, sleep disorders, and signs of cardiovascular stress.
Menopause and Increased Biological Autonomy
In the past, the topic of menopause was often shrouded in silence and stigmatization, resulting in confusion about its nature and the best approaches to deal with key symptoms. Today, the healthcare industry is encouraging women to discover more about the physiological changes that occur during this process. A Voy survey shows that 45% of women say they wait too long before seeking help for their symptoms. Voy’s dynamic (peri)menopause campaign, displayed across the London Underground, utilized everyday, relatable language such as “Like jet lag, but everyday,” to separate symptoms from identity and encourage women to view menopause as something that happens within the body. For instance, if in the past, women with obesity who were undergoing menopause viewed consistent weight gain as a personal failing, today, they may opt for hormonal testing, therapies (including hormonal and non-hormonal medications), and in some cases, GLP-1s like Mounjaro for weight management.
A Multilayered Approach to Health Autonomy
In practical terms, embracing a scientific approach to personal health autonomy involves three layers: the first is obtaining biological information through diagnostic testing, genetic analysis, and/or physiological monitoring. At this stage, patients learn more about the biological factors that may be influencing their energy levels, weight, and overall health. The second layer involves the support of health professionals, who can screen patients and create targeted treatment plans to help manage the root causes of symptoms revealed by testing. This layer can involve treatments for hormonal stabilization, metabolism regulation, and appetite management. The third layer involves behavior and lifestyle choices. Individuals can enhance their health through sound nutrition, regular exercise, and optimal sleep hygiene.
Individuals are far more empowered today to make decisions that impact their health. Doing so involves testing, following recommended treatments or approaches, and embracing lifestyle decisions. Individuals are far more aware of how factors such as age and processes such as menopause can have real, measurable impacts on their lives. As such, they can make choices that fit with their lifestyles, values, and overall approach to health and well-being.
