What I wish I knew about periods as a teen
What I wish I knew about periods as a teen
I think every teenager girl, and women in all age could benefit from Lara Briden’s work. Her book was definitaley an eye-opener for me: Over 40 years of age seeing what I and my friend have been through I really do wish if these had been available during my/our teenage years. Surely would have made some more informed and different decisions myself. To quote one of my blatantly direct friend of mine: ’ I regret taking even one of those „harmless” contraceptives.’ Of course not everyone feels the same.
Lara Briden, a naturopathic doctor and author of "Period Repair Manual," is a prominent voice on women's health. She frequently speaks and writes about the use of contraceptive pills for teenage period problems. Here's a summary of her views that resonated with me:
Pill bleeds are not periods: Briden emphasizes that the withdrawal bleed a person experiences on the pill is not a true period. A real period is the result of an ovulatory cycle and the production of natural hormones like progesterone, which have a wide range of health benefits. The pill suppresses ovulation and, therefore, the natural production of these hormones.
The pill masks the problem: For teenagers with period pain or other menstrual issues, Briden argues that the pill is a "band-aid solution." It can suppress symptoms by stopping the natural cycle, but it does not address the underlying cause of the pain, such as inflammation or a developing hormonal imbalance.
Irregular periods are normal for teens: Briden states that it is normal for a young person's cycle to be irregular or heavy in the first few years after menarche. This is because their bodies are still establishing regular ovulation. She believes that prescribing the pill at this stage is "exactly the wrong thing to do" because it further suppresses the natural process of ovulation and can make it harder for them to establish a regular cycle later.
Debilitating pain is not normal: While she acknowledges that mild, manageable cramps are common, Briden is clear that severe, debilitating period pain that causes a teenager to miss school or work is not normal and should be investigated by a doctor to rule out conditions like endometriosis.
Natural alternatives exist: Briden advocates for natural treatments to address the root cause of period pain, such as a dairy-free diet, specific nutritional supplements like magnesium and zinc, and herbal medicine. She believes that these approaches can provide a long-term solution rather than just masking symptoms.
Why do I talk about this in my own webpage? Because the Aviva Method can also be a natural alternative for irregular and painful periods and it’s effectiveness is scientifically proven.
Reference here: The Effect of Aviva Exercise Intervention on Pain Level and Body Awareness in Women with Primary Dysmenorrhea