What's a Normal Period, Really? with Kate Clancy, PhD

On Health

Aviva Romm

Health & Fitness, Arts, Alternative Health, Medicine

4.8 • 1.4K Ratings

🗓️ 26 April 2023

⏱️ 51 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this episode of On Health, I dive deep into the science and culture of our menstrual cycles with Kate Clancy, PhD, period researcher and expert in the field of reproductive biology who has dedicated her life’s work to advocating for menstrual health and wellbeing. We explore the myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation, as well as the social stigma that often accompany it. Kate sheds light on the latest research in menstrual biology, from the role of hormones to the microbiome of the uterus. We also discuss the cultural and historical factors that have shaped our attitudes towards menstruation and how these attitudes impact women's experiences today. But we don't stop there. We also delve into the controversial topic of COVID-19 vaccines and how they may affect our menstrual cycles. Kate shares her insights based on the latest research, her own personal experience, and a survey she did which received 165,000 responses. Kate and I discuss: Why she decided to study and dedicate her life’s work to menstruation Iron deficiency and periods: is there a correlation? The nuanced topic of period suppression and the implications of birth control Her infamous tweet about the COVID-19 vaccine, her findings, and her own personal experience Vaccine trials, research, and the dangerous lack of menstrual inclusion and acknowledgement Dispelling some of the myths surrounding what is considered "normal" and "abnormal" as it pertains to menstrual cycles The importance of paying attention to our bodies while also understanding that levels of variation in our cycles are to be expected Dr. Clancy's work is a reminder that menstrual health is an important and often overlooked aspect of overall health and well-being. By increasing awareness and education surrounding this topic, we can break down the societal stigma and empower individuals to better understand and care for their bodies. Thank you so much for taking the time to tune in to your body, yourself, and this podcast! Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow your host on Instagram @dr.avivaromm to join the conversation. Follow Kate at @clancy_kate and check out her book at www.kateclancy.com

Transcript

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0:00.0	It is actually a completely rational assumption that an extremely immunogenic vaccine, like
0:11.0	these mRNA vaccines, that invoke, which we want them to do, invoke a very strong response,
0:16.7	are going to have all sorts of potentially unexpected downstream temporary side effects.
0:21.7	Now, think about the uterus, which is an immune organ, and it's a hemostatic organ,
0:27.1	like bleeding and clotting, it's what that thing does.
0:30.5	And what is one of the things that invoking the immune response does?
0:34.7	It changes bleeding and clotting.
0:36.5	So how is it not one of the first things that we look at when we do any type of vaccine
0:40.9	trial that we look at the effects of uterus, and we see if side effects are there?
0:46.8	From this stuff your mother never told you to this stuff your doctor never learned.
0:51.0	On health is what happens when a midwife, plus a Yale trained MD, shares about all things
0:56.0	women's health.
0:57.3	From periods to menopause, sex to reproductive health politics, motherhood to mental health,
1:02.7	join me for taboo busting conversations that demystify and destigmatize our bodies, all
1:08.6	while bridging the gap between conventional medicine and wellness.
1:12.2	Along the way, we'll be exploring the science and wisdom of how our bodies work, what makes
1:16.6	us well, what gets in the way, and how we can live our best lives on our terms.
1:22.2	When it comes to women's health and well-being, there's nothing we won't talk about.
1:25.9	The new medicine for women is here.
1:27.7	I'm Dr. Avivaram, welcome to the podcast.
1:38.2	I got my first period when I was 12.
1:40.8	I was at my grandparents house.
	...

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