#992 - Dr Sarah Hill - The Period Brain: How Hormones Change Women’s Behaviour

Overview

This episode dives into the profound impact of hormonal cycles on women's behavior, emotions, and physiology. Dr. Sarah Hill explores the evolutionary purpose of these changes, the effects of hormonal birth control, and the broader implications for relationships, health, and societal expectations. The conversation also critiques the historical neglect of female biology in science and medicine.

Notable Quotes

- Why does it happen? And is there some way that we can all feel better? - Dr. Sarah Hill, on the evolutionary puzzle of PMS.

- Women are not just smaller, less hairy versions of men. - Dr. Sarah Hill, on the mishandling of women's health in science.

- If you understand how women work, it makes you a better partner, friend, and father. - Dr. Sarah Hill, on the importance of men learning about women's cycles.

🧠 The Science of the Menstrual Cycle

- The menstrual cycle is divided into two main phases: the estrogen-dominant follicular phase (first two weeks) and the progesterone-dominant luteal phase (last two weeks).

- Estrogen enhances energy, sexual desire, and cognitive sharpness, while progesterone promotes introspection, caution, and energy conservation.

- Women’s brains and behaviors shift significantly across the cycle, yet these changes are often ignored or misunderstood.

💊 The Impact of Hormonal Birth Control

- Birth control suppresses natural hormonal fluctuations, leaving women in a flatlined hormonal state akin to the luteal phase.

- Synthetic progestins in the pill lack the calming effects of natural progesterone, potentially increasing risks of depression and anxiety.

- Women on the pill report lower sexual desire and relationship satisfaction, with some studies suggesting a 10-20% decrease in relationship happiness.

👩‍🔬 The Neglect of Female Biology in Science

- Historically, women were excluded from medical research due to the complexity of their hormonal cycles.

- Even when included, studies often control for hormonal fluctuations, treating women as hormone-free men.

- This oversight has led to misapplied treatments, with 8 out of 10 drugs pulled from the market due to adverse effects in women.

⚖️ Feminism and the Denial of Biological Differences

- Modern feminism often downplays biological sex differences, framing them as weaknesses rather than unique strengths.

- This narrative can lead women to feel broken for not conforming to male-centric standards of productivity and behavior.

- Dr. Hill advocates for embracing hormonal cycles as a source of power and understanding, rather than something to suppress or ignore.

🏢 Hormones, Work, and Burnout

- The 9-to-5 work structure, designed around male hormonal stability, may contribute to higher burnout rates in women.

- Women’s energy and recovery needs vary across the cycle, yet societal expectations rarely accommodate these shifts.

- Dr. Hill suggests that women track their cycles to better align their self-care and productivity with their hormonal states.