What are the key topics discussed in this episode?
The female reproductive life cycle starts at puberty
How does puberty begin? As Dr Lundy explains, it’s all down to hormones. “Some time between your eighth and your 18th birthday, the glands in your head also known as the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that controls many bodily functions including the release of hormones from the pituitary gland) start to release hormones in pulses. This pulsatile release of hormone from the brain is what wakes up the ovaries. And usually within about a year or two of that starting, you will get your first cycle.”
28-day menstrual cycle
The impact of modern life on our hormonal health
According to Dr Lundy, we (women) are in conflict with our biology. “Our body – like any other female mammal – is designed and created specifically for childbirth. That’s our reason to be alive like every other species – to reproduce."
"But in our society, we try to delay first pregnancy as long as it’s convenient. In fact, we spend most of our adult lives battling nature."
"In more primitive times, a woman’s hormone levels would have always been raised at a pregnancy level which is their natural state. Women would have had 15 - 20 pregnancies in their lifetime and had precious few cycles – maybe 20 to 30 periods in their lifetime, whereas nowadays we have an average of 400. The reproductive hormones are more happy in the pregnancy zone than they are in the 'trying to get pregnant zone',” explains Dr Lundy.
How can contraceptives help women beyond contraception
They can help with common women's health conditions: Some types of contraceptive pills contain hormones that mimic pregnancy and actually return your body to a more biologically ordained state, and can give real health protection against conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and painful heavy periods, according to Dr Lundy.
They can actually benefit fertility: It's also important to know that the contraceptive pill has no negative impact on the future ability to bear a child. "The vast majority of hormones that we use to manipulate the cycle have no negative impact on future fertility whatsoever and in many cases, actually enhance it," explains Dr Lundy.
In order to really figure out the right contraceptive option, women need to understand what's going on within their own bodies and have a proper open discussion with their care provider to be able to come to the right solution together.
Choosing contraception that fits your lifestyle
There are so many factors in what makes a perfect contraception or the ideal contraceptive for any individual woman. According to Dr Lundy, sometimes you may have to try a few types before you finally find the one that's going to suit you.
“If a contraceptive is not working for you, go back to your doctor and say, 'well, it's not working for me for these reasons' and help that healthcare provider point you towards a better option."
"It’s important to find the one that suits you. Usually if you're prescribed a product and it doesn't suit, it's because you need to tweak it. It's not that you have to avoid hormones at all costs."
"However some women have tried every single hormonal contraceptive product in the book and nothing suits them. And thankfully, there are lots of really effective non-hormonal contraceptive products such as the intrauterine device (IUD) or copper coil.”
What should women think about when considering their fertility, hormones and their contraceptive options?
Dr Lundy advises women to:
- Get to know their body
- Do their research
- Do not be afraid to discuss their reproductive health with medical experts.
She recommends speaking to a GP with a specialised interest in women's health, or alternatively a well-woman clinic or a family planning centre, as you are more likely to get more time, up-to-date information, and some specialist care.
Listen here: Episode 1 'My Body, My Fertility, My Contraception'
For more information on all of your contraception options visit mycontraception.ie: A dedicated website here to help you learn more.
About Dr Deirdre Lundy
Originally from the USA, Dr Deirdre Lundy has been working in general practice, but specialising in ‘Women's Health’ for over 30 years. Dr Lundy joined the Bray Women's Health Centre team in the late 1990's, and also works for the Irish College of General Practitioners in the Women’s Health department. A regular guest on the “Elaine” show on TV3, Deirdre is a member of the “Ask the “Experts” panel for GPBuddy. She started and works in the GP gynaecology clinics in the Rotunda, Coombe and National Maternity Hospitals.