Ep. 92- Period Repair, Women's Health, IUD's, Birth Control, Metabolism with Dr. Lara Briden
Jan 7, 2025
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Dr. Lara Briden, a leading naturopathic doctor and women's health expert, shares invaluable insights on managing menstrual cycle irregularities and hormonal health. She discusses the impact of nutrition on PMS and menstrual issues, offering practical advice on supplements like magnesium. The conversation delves into perimenopause and insulin resistance, emphasizing tailored approaches to health. Dr. Briden also navigates the complexities of IUDs and hormonal contraceptives, addressing their effects on women's mental health and individuality in reproductive choices.
Menstrual health serves as a crucial indicator of overall wellness, with variations highlighting potential underlying health issues that require personalized attention.
Dietary adjustments and specific nutrients like magnesium and vitamin B6 play a vital role in alleviating premenstrual syndrome symptoms and improving wellbeing.
Understanding the impact of various birth control methods on hormonal health and metabolic functioning is crucial for making informed contraceptive choices tailored to individual needs.
Deep dives
Understanding Menstrual Cycle Irregularities
Menstrual cycles can exhibit various irregularities, including irregular, painful, or heavy periods, as well as premenstrual mood symptoms. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing these variations as indicators of underlying health issues, suggesting that menstrual health can serve as a 'monthly report card' for overall wellness. Each symptom can be attributed to different causes, highlighting the need for tailored troubleshooting for individual patients. Understanding one's cycle variations can relieve anxiety about perceived 'normal' patterns, encouraging women to appreciate their unique cycles even when they do not fit conventional averages.
Nutritional Approaches to PMS and Menstrual Health
Diet plays a critical role in managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, with certain nutrients and supplements like magnesium and vitamin B6 potentially aiding relief. The discussion includes the relevance of these nutrients in relation to hormonal fluctuations and their effects on mood and cravings. For women experiencing significant PMS symptoms, dietary adjustments and organic supplements may help mitigate distress, allowing for a more manageable menstrual experience. This nutritional focus underlines the necessity of distinguishing normal cyclical changes from those requiring medical intervention.
Heavy Periods and Their Underlying Causes
Heavy menstrual bleeding, defined as exceeding a menstrual fluid loss of 80 milliliters, can pose significant health risks, including potential anemia from iron deficiency. Identifying the drivers of heavy periods is essential, as they can stem from conditions like hypothyroidism or uterine abnormalities such as fibroids or polyps. Addressing the root causes requires comprehensive evaluations, including medical imaging and blood tests, to determine appropriate treatment options. The need for individualized care is highlighted, as some women may respond better to interventions such as dietary changes or hormonal therapies.
The Impact of Birth Control Methods on Women's Health
The emergence of various birth control methods raises questions about their effects on women’s hormonal health, notably hormonal and copper IUDs. The copper IUD is recognized for its potential to increase menstrual flow, while hormonal IUDs can introduce synthetic hormones that differ from natural progesterone, opening discussions about their various side effects. The speaker notes that these interventions can impact mood and metabolic health, emphasizing a need to understand individual responses to these contraceptive methods. Ensuring informed choices about birth control based on personal health profiles is essential for optimal patient care.
Navigating Insulin Resistance in Women
Insulin resistance is increasingly recognized as a significant issue affecting women's health, particularly in relation to hormonal balance and metabolic health. The discussion highlights how factors like lifestyle, gut health, and hormonal interactions contribute to the development of insulin resistance. The speaker emphasizes the importance of personalized assessments to determine underlying causes and recommend tailored strategies for improvement. Practical steps involve dietary modifications, physical activity, and awareness of hormonal influences, which can together support women's overall metabolic well-being and reduce health risk factors.