Episode 007: The Menstrual Cycle, Period.

Join host Dr. Natalie Crawford as she talks about the stigma of the menstrual cycle and learn about how hormones control our body. Educate yourself about what is normal, what is not normal, and when you should be concerned, because you can’t understand your fertility if you don’t start at the beginning. Listen to her challenge for you this week. 

Show notes:

• Menstrual cycle stigma

• Understanding the hormones in your natural cycle:

  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

  • Estrogen

  • Progesterone

  • Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

• What is normal?

  • The follicular phase

  • The luteal phase and luteal phase deficiency

  • Ovulation

  • Implantation

• What is not normal?

  • Irregular periods

  • Anovulation and amenorrhea (no periods)

  • Menorrhagia (heavy bleeding)

  • Dysmenorrhea (painful periods)

  • Mood discords (PMS, PMDD)

• How can you help end the stigma?

• Next episode: The Problem with Perfection