Periods - Why Can’t Mother Nature Just Text Me I'm Not Pregnant?

In this episode of Science Savvy, we tackle the age-old question: why do we even get periods? From evolutionary theories to hormonal rollercoasters, we break down the science behind all that bloating, mood swings, and acne. Why can’t we just get a text saying, "You’re not pregnant"? Join me as we explore why periods are a thing and how understanding your cycle can help you level up your workouts, social life, and creativity. It’s time to work with your body, not against it!

 

Further reading / references:

Profet, M. (1993). Menstruation as a defense against pathogens transported by sperm. The Quarterly Review of Biology, 68(3), 335-386.

Strassmann, B. I. (1996). The evolution of endometrial cycles and menstruation. The Quarterly Review of Biology, 71(2), 181-220.

Pawlowski, B. (1999). Loss of oestrus and concealed ovulation in human evolution: The case against the sexual-selection hypothesis. Current Anthropology, 40(3), 257-275.

Emera, D., Romero, R., & Wagner, G. (2012). The evolution of menstruation: A new model for genetic assimilation. BioEssays, 34(1), 26-35.

Hillard, P. J. A., & Speroff, L. (2019). Clinical Gynecologic Endocrinology and Infertility. Wolters Kluwer Health.

Miller, G., Tybur, J. M., & Jordan, B. D. (2007). Ovulatory cycle effects on tip earnings by lap dancers: Economic evidence for human estrus? Evolution and Human Behavior, 28(6), 375-381.

Haselton, M. G., & Gildersleeve, K. (2011). Can men detect ovulation? Current Directions in Psychological Science, 20(2), 87-92.

Johnson, S., Marriott, L., & Zinaman, M. (2018). Accuracy of an online fertility tracker. Journal of Women's Health, 27(4), 435-442.

Wilcox, A. J., Weinberg, C. R., & Baird, D. D. (1995). Timing of sexual intercourse in relation to ovulation. The New England Journal of Medicine, 333(23), 1517-1521.

Yang, Z., & Schank, J. C. (2006). Women do not synchronize their menstrual cycles. Human Nature, 17(4), 433-447.

Frank-Herrmann, P., et al. (2007). The effectiveness of a fertility awareness-based method to avoid pregnancy in relation to a couple's sexual behavior during the fertile time. Human Reproduction, 22(5), 1310-1319.

Berglund Scherwitzl, E., et al. (2017). Fertility awareness-based mobile application for contraception. The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care, 22(5), 365-373.