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 2024book ‘Blood’ tackles the science, medicine and mythology of menstruation.

🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30

*Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

Learn how your body responds to food 👉 zoe.com/podcast for 10% off

Follow ZOE on Instagram.

Timecodes:

00:00Introduction

01:26Quickfire questions

02:31Shame culture around menstruation

04:20The evolution and purpose of the menstrual cycle

06:30Menstrual cycle mechanics

11:08Understanding heavy periods and iron deficiency

14:01Addressing period pain and discomfort

21:39Diet, appetite, and periods: what's the connection?

26:09Understanding PMS and PMDD

27:55PMS causes and symptoms

30:52Treatment options for PMS and PMDD

31:51Demystifying polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

35:42The role of diet and obesity in PCOS

37:32Advice for managing PMS

40:19Menstrual cramps and pain management

47:08Iron supplementation strategies

📚 Dr. Jen Gunter’s books:

• The Menopause Manifesto
• Blood: The Science, Medicine, and Mythology of Menstruation

📚 Books from our ZOE Scientists:

• Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati
• Recipes for a Better Menopause by Dr Federica Amati
• Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector

Studies related to today’s episode:

• Prevalenceof Iron Deficiency and Iron-Deficiency Anemia in US Females Aged 12-21 Years, 2003-2020,from the Journal of the American Medical Association
• TheRole of Estrogen in Insulin Resistance: A Review of Clinical and Preclinical Data, from The American Journal of Pathology

Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here

Episode transcripts are available here.