Some Women Are Ending Their Periods. Is That Safe?

Summary

In this SciShow video, the host explores the topic of menstrual suppression, discussing the pros and cons of using birth control to stop periods. While menstruation is essential for reproduction, modern contraceptives can offer relief from painful conditions like endometriosis and heavy bleeding. However, side effects such as an increased risk of blood clots, bone mineral density loss, and potential mood changes like depression are also highlighted. The video encourages viewers to consult their doctors before making decisions about menstrual suppression, considering the balance between health benefits and risks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Menstruation is essential for human reproduction, but today people experience more periods than in prehistoric times due to less time spent in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• 😀 Many people are using birth control to suppress their periods, not just to prevent pregnancy, but for convenience or medical reasons like endometriosis or heavy bleeding.
• 😀 Period suppression using birth control can be medically beneficial, especially for conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, or heavy bleeding.
• 😀 Some people, including astronauts and military personnel, intentionally suppress their periods for practical reasons, as they don’t always have convenient times and locations to manage them.
• 😀 Menstrual suppression can also be gender-affirming for some individuals, helping to alleviate triggers of gender dysphoria, but it doesn't directly address all aspects of it.
• 😀 The first birth control pill, Enovid, was initially approved by the FDA in 1957 as a menstruation regulator, before being marketed as a contraceptive.
• 😀 Hormonal birth control pills stop ovulation, so users do not have periods, although the withdrawal bleeding from stopping the pill is not the same as a natural period.
• 😀 The FDA has approved hormonal birth control pills as a safe method of menstrual suppression, but some research suggests a possible increased risk of blood clots, particularly with newer pills.
• 😀 Birth control pills may also increase the risk of blood clots, though the risk is still relatively low and smaller compared to the risks associated with pregnancy-related complications.
• 😀 Hormonal birth control can weaken bones by affecting the body's hormonal cycles that contribute to bone growth, but these effects are typically reversible once the person stops using the contraception.
• 😀 Hormonal birth control may cause an overactive immune response, potentially increasing the risk of autoimmune disorders, though more research is needed to understand this effect.
• 😀 Studies have shown that people using hormonal birth control may be more likely to seek antidepressant treatment, with potential links to mood changes due to the hormones affecting serotonin levels.

Q & A

Why do some doctors not experience menstruation anymore?

Many doctors and professionals have adopted menstrual suppression methods through contraceptives to avoid the inconvenience and discomfort of periods. They may also do so for medical reasons such as managing conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.

Is it safe to suppress menstruation using birth control?

While there are some risks associated with suppressing menstruation through birth control, such as blood clots and bone density loss, it is generally considered safe when done under medical supervision. The benefits, like preventing unintended pregnancies, often outweigh the risks.

What is amenorrhea, and is it always a good thing?

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation. While it can occur naturally, such as in cases of extreme undernourishment, it is not always beneficial and can indicate health problems. It’s different from menstrual suppression, which is intentionally managed through birth control.

How does hormonal birth control suppress menstruation?

Hormonal birth control methods work by keeping the body in a constant hormonal state, preventing the typical cycle of hormone fluctuations that lead to ovulation and menstruation. This can effectively stop periods or regulate them to a lesser extent.

What is withdrawal bleeding, and how is it different from a natural period?

Withdrawal bleeding occurs when the body responds to the sudden stop of hormone intake, like when someone on birth control takes a break from their pills. This bleeding is not a true menstrual period, as it does not involve the usual hormonal cycle, but it can appear similar.

Why do some birth control methods lead to bone density loss?

Hormonal birth control can disrupt the natural hormonal fluctuations that are important for bone growth. In particular, it affects the balance of hormones like estrogen, which plays a role in maintaining bone mineral density. This can lead to weaker bones, especially in younger individuals.

How does hormonal birth control affect the immune system?

Hormonal birth control can lead to an overactive immune system, which may increase the risk of autoimmune disorders. This occurs because the hormones introduced can trigger chronic inflammation, which might affect the body’s response to autoimmune challenges.

Can using hormonal birth control lead to depression?

Some studies suggest that hormonal birth control might be associated with an increased risk of depression or the use of antidepressants. However, results are mixed, and not everyone who uses birth control will experience these effects. The risk seems higher for certain types of contraception and for people with pre-existing conditions.

What are the long-term health risks of not using birth control?

Not using birth control increases the risk of unintended pregnancies, which can lead to significant health risks, including pregnancy-related complications. In fact, pregnancy is considered one of the most life-threatening situations for women globally, with a high risk of maternal death in certain regions.

What factors should be considered before starting menstrual suppression?

Before starting menstrual suppression, it’s important to consider factors like personal and family health history (e.g., blood clots or autoimmune disorders), the specific birth control method being used, and the potential side effects such as blood clots, bone density loss, or mood changes. A consultation with a healthcare provider is essential.