#1814 The Pill's Hidden Toll on Teenage Girls - David Gillespie

Well, this chat was a steep learning curve for the old bogan from Latrobe Valley. In this episode, Gillespo and I discuss the fascinating and complex history of the birth control pill - how a scientific breakthrough, a feminist movement, and a social revolution collided to change the world. But we also explore the unintended consequences, particularly for teenage girls. While the pill has empowered millions, emerging research suggests it may also pose serious risks to mental health, brain development, and long-term reproductive well-being. We dive into the hidden costs of hormonal contraception, why teenage brains are uniquely vulnerable, and whether the medicalisation of puberty is doing more harm than good. Are we too quick to prescribe the pill for acne, cramps, and irregular periods? And what alternatives should young women consider? This conversation is about science, ethics, and the delicate balance between freedom and risk. Whether you're a parent, a doctor, or someone who has taken the pill yourself, this chat might make you think differently about a drug that has shaped modern society. It’s an eye-opening discussion about empowerment, hormones, and the truth behind the tiny tablet that changed everything.

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