Period Power: Harness Your Hormones and Get Your Cycle Working For You

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Okay, let’s get onto the big one, number four, true or false. HRT is dangerous. So I’ve already given you a little bit of a clue, but let’s get into it. So I’m going to guess that a lot of you think that I’m going to slate HRT but I am not. There’s a whole chapter about HRT in the book, so you can get the full lowdown when you read it. But the short version of it is that I am onboard with HRT. I actually prefer calling it menopausal hormone therapy, MHT which is how a lot of the scientific literature now refers to it. And I explain why in the book. Some of you will have elderly parents, perhaps you’re part of organisations and things going on in your community. And I say all of this because it’s a good idea to actually stop and recognise all the different things that we are doing because often we arrive at this stage of life realising how much we do for others and how often put ourselves last. And of course some of these roles we love and value and we wouldn’t change them. But I’m going to guess that there are aspects of your life that you’re not happy with for one reason or another. I have walked down the aisle three times. This is true. I have been married three times, to two people. Neither of which I’m currently in a relationship or married to. Let’s save that for maybe never.

Short review --> "There are a lot of issues with this book, but regardless every single menstruator should read it: it sets a baseline for knowledge that's gatekept, particularly around hormones and irregular period cycles."

Join me on this episode as I demystify the menstrual cycle for you, clarifying what it is and explaining it in a way that makes sense, whatever your cycle looks like for you. I’m sharing how learning to understand your cycle can help you understand your behaviour, and how you can use your cycle to get what you want out of life. Other positives, letting no be a complete sentence at last, no longer giving a shit about what other people think of you, not having a cycle anymore. For some of my clients this is a complete relief and very welcome. For others it’s bittersweet, and others miss theirs greatly. Then we have fully stepping into who you are, not explaining yourself or apologising, putting yourself first. And often a huge surge in creativity, and ideas, and the desire to do what matters most to you and really prioritising that for yourself. When was the last time you felt guilty? Whether it’s not being productive enough, an untidy house, what you ate, or how you reacted to your kids, it’s no surprise that we end up using guilt as another tool to beat ourselves up. This is such an important book. Maisie's insights and cycle strategy have changed my life and my cycle. Period Power is written with such intelligence, humour and a deep understanding of women's health. If you have a period you need to read this book. I began to ask each time: “What’s the worst that could happen to me if I tell this truth?” Unlike women in other countries, our breaking silence is unlikely to have us jailed, “disappeared” or run off the road at night. Our speaking out will irritate some people, get us called bitchy or hypersensitive and disrupt some dinner parties. And then our speaking out will permit other women to speak, until laws are changed and lives are saved and the world is altered forever. Next time, ask: What’s the worst that will happen? Then push yourself a little further than you dare. Once you start to speak, people will yell at you. They will interrupt you, put you down and suggest it’s personal. And the world won’t end.”

Now, if you’re like, “What the hell is this woman talking about?” Then don’t worry. All will be becoming clear because today I’m going to be demystifying the cycle for you. I’m going to be explaining it in a way that will help you to make sense of your cycle, whatever your particular experience is like. Right, number six, true or false. Women are at highest risk of suicide around the time of menopause. This one is very sadly true. Between the ages of 50 and 54 is when we are at greatest risk of suicide. We often think about the menopause transition as in perimenopause and then going into our postmenopausal years as being a time when we experience physical symptoms like hot flushes, headaches, breast tenderness, and changes to our cycle, and changes to our periods. But it’s important to consider mental health too.Okay, I hope you realize I’m just having fun with this, but you get my point. In the run up to ovulation your hormones want you out in the world. And in the second half they want to keep you safe. So, in the second half of the cycle you might be more interested in your internal world more than the external world. I love all forms of medicine, they all have their place and some forms can be used successfully together when it’s safe to. But I don’t think it’s helpful to frame things as ‘natural’ or otherwise when it comes to perimenopause. You all know I’m a big fan of so called natural medicine but please hear this, really listen up. I want you to know that there are no prizes for going through perimenopause without western medicine. So you all get to decide what’s best for you. Now, in the days before ovulation, testosterone also shows up and can increase energy, motivation, and sexual desire. Again, all to help you go find a human and have sex with them. Then, just like that, you ovulate. I absolutely loved it. Really informative but also super easy to read. Totally riveting. Would recommend! Pros: full of interesting insights about what my hormones are doing while I'm just sitting there. I wish I knew this stuff sooner and just learning about it is pretty empowering.