When a young woman receives a diagnosis of Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), the shock can be overwhelming. Suddenly, questions about health, fertility, and the future arrive all at once. Many women describe feeling as though the ground beneath them has shifted — and that sense of uncertainty can be isolating.
This is exactly why the POI Readiness Initiative™ is embracing the concept of a growth mindset as a foundation for our work.
What is a Growth Mindset?
The term growth mindset describes the belief that our abilities and resilience can be strengthened through learning, effort, and support. Instead of viewing obstacles as permanent roadblocks, we can see them as opportunities to adapt and grow.
Applied to health, this means shifting from the question: “What’s wrong with me?” to the more empowering question: “What can I do next to strengthen my health and advocate for myself?”
Why This Matters for Women with POI
For women living with POI, a growth mindset means:
- Learning to ask the right questions at the doctor’s office.
- Building confidence in understanding hormone therapy and long-term health needs.
- Transforming isolation into community, where experiences are shared openly and without shame.
- Focusing on what can be shaped today—whether it’s bone and heart health, fertility preservation, or emotional well-being.
The diagnosis itself is not something any woman chooses, but how one responds can make all the difference. By adopting a growth mindset, women with POI can move from feeling powerless to feeling prepared.
A Song That Speaks to the Journey
The Music Travel Love version of “Stand By Me” captures this spirit perfectly. The lyrics remind us that when the world feels unsteady, the presence of community and support can make all the difference. For women with POI, the song is more than a melody — it is a reminder that even in moments of fear or despair, we are not alone. Together, we can stand stronger, learn, and grow.
The Next Step: Readiness
The POI Readiness Initiative™ is here to help women take that next step. Our program begins with collecting each woman’s unique health story and creating a referral letter to bring to her clinician. This ensures her concerns are clear, evidence-based, and harder to dismiss. It’s a practical way of putting growth mindset into action — turning self-advocacy into better care.
Take care and be well,
Dr. Lawrence M. Nelson, MD, MBA
Director, My 28 Days® Initiative
President, Mary Elizabeth Conover Foundation, Inc.
