Menstruation: Science, medicine and mythology
Periods are taboo! Despite the fact that half of the world’s population experience them. This taboo has led to countless myths around the topic. “The internet’s gynecologist” Dr. Jen Gunter is here to usher in a new era where people understand – and can advocate for – what they need as their body changes each cycle.Jonathan is joined by Dr Sarah Berry and Dr Jen Gunter to get a better understanding of our body's behavior during the menstrual cycle. Jen will provide you with her period toolkit and offer solutions to the most common problems of modern-day period health.Dr. Jen Gunter is a gynecologist and pain medicine physician at the Permanente Medical Group in northern California. Her books ‘The Vagina Bible’ and ‘The Menopause Manifesto’ were both New York Times bestsellers. Her 2024 book ‘Blood’ tackles the science, medicine and mythology of menstruation.Learn how your body responds to food. Take our FREE quiz and get 10% off here. Follow ZOE on Instagram.Timecodes:00:00 Introduction01:26 Quickfire questions02:31 Shame culture around menstruation04:20 The evolution and purpose of the menstrual cycle06:30 Menstrual cycle mechanics11:08 Understanding heavy periods and iron deficiency14:01 Addressing period pain and discomfort21:39 Diet, appetite, and periods: what's the connection?26:09 Understanding PMS and PMDD27:55 PMS causes and symptoms30:52 Treatment options for PMS and PMDD31:51 Demystifying polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)35:42 The role of diet and obesity in PCOS37:32 Advice for managing PMS40:19 Menstrual cramps and pain management47:08 Iron supplementation strategies📚 Dr. Jen Gunter’s books:The Menopause ManifestoBlood: The Science, Medicine, and Mythology of Menstruation📚 Books from our ZOE Scientists:Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica AmatiRecipes for a Better Menopause by Dr Federica AmatiFood For Life by Prof. Tim SpectorStudies related to today’s episode:Prevalence of Iron Deficiency and Iron-Deficiency Anemia in US Females Aged 12-21 Years, 2003-2020, from the Journal of the American Medical AssociationThe Role of Estrogen in Insulin Resistance: A Review of Clinical and Preclinical Data, from The American Journal of PathologyHave feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know hereEpisode transcripts are available here.