What’s causing all your period issues? Find out now

podcast

August 18, 2023

Exploring the Evolution of Periods, Menopause, and Pregnancy

with podcast guest

Deena Emera

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Deena Emera, Ph.D., is an evolutionary geneticist, teacher, and the author of A Brief History of the Female Body: An Evolutionary Look at How and Why the Female Form Came to Be. She earned a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley, a master’s degree from NYU, and a PhD from Yale. Deena is a scientist and writer-in-residence at the Buck Institute’s Center for Reproductive Longevity and Equality.

In this conversation, Deena and I discuss the evolutionary origins of menstruation, the evolutionary advantages and adaptations associated with menstruation, the evolutionary significance of menopause, the profound changes in maternal-fetal interactions, common myths about the female body, and so much more!

Highlights

  • Deena’s work as an evolutionary geneticist
  • The inspiration behind Deena’s book, A Brief History of the Female Body
  • Why we should care about the history and evolution of the female body
  • Incongruence between modern society and our biology
  • The evolutionary significance of menstruation in humans and other animals
  • Debunking theories about the purpose of menstruation
  • How the human menstrual cycle has evolved over the ages
  • The potential relationship between the number of ovulatory cycles and the impact on cancer risk
  • Exploring the cooperative relationship between mothers and babies during pregnancy and after birth
  • Insights into how menopause may have contributed to our success as a species
  • Myths and misconceptions about the female body
  • Implications of early puberty and the unique challenges our bodies face in modern society

Resources

Want even more hormone and
period lovin' content?

Bonuses include: Fix Your Period workbook to use alongside the actual book
Period Toolkit that includes a series of ebooks on vaginal steaming, how to use CBD for your menstrual cycle problems, seed cycling, how to use castor oil packs to support your period and fertility, and how to live in harmony with your cycle

You shouldn’t live in fear that you’ll be dealing with hellish symptoms forever. Suffering does not have to be a mandatory part of your journey – you have the power to bring about big change for yourself and begin a new chapter in your period story.

Take the quiz to unveil the real cause of your symptoms and start your journey toward periods that are “no big deal.”

Dr Jolene Brighten

Is This Normal

Dr. Jolene Brighten is a hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and thought leader in women’s medicine. She is board certified in naturopathic endocrinology and trained in

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