Podcast Summary: Ep 1203 | The Secret Trick to Fixing Your Period

Podcast Information:

• Title: Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey
• Host/Author: Blaze Podcast Network
• Description: Upbeat and in-depth, Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey breaks down the latest in culture, news, theology & politics from a Christian, conservative perspective. Allie’s fresh analysis of the most important issues provides an entertaining and effective way to stay in the know.
• Episode: Ep 1203 | The Secret Trick to Fixing Your Period
• Guest: Dr. Lara Briden
• Release Date: June 11, 2025

1. Introduction to Dr. Lara Briden and Naturopathic Medicine

Timestamp: [00:01] - [03:14]

Allie Beth Stuckey welcomes Dr. Lara Briden, a seasoned naturopathic doctor specializing in women's health, author of pivotal books like The Period Repair Manual and The Hormone Repair Manual. Dr. Briden introduces herself, highlighting her three-decade-long practice focusing on conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and menopause.

Dr. Laura Briden [02:15]: "I'm a naturopathic doctor who treats people with diet changes, nutritional supplements, herbal medicines... I've used body identical hormones or bioidentical hormones to treat women's health problems."

Allie inquires about the definition of a naturopathic doctor, leading Dr. Briden to explain the rigorous training and holistic approach inherent in naturopathic medicine.

2. Understanding the Menstrual Cycle and Its Importance

Timestamp: [13:08] - [20:53]

Dr. Briden delves into the intricacies of the menstrual cycle, emphasizing its significance beyond fertility. She explains the follicular phase, where estrogen levels rise, benefiting bone health, brain function, and metabolism.

Dr. Laura Briden [14:53]: "Estrogen is highly beneficial for bones... it's good for brain and metabolism and all sorts of other things."

She highlights the ovulation event as the core hormonal mechanism driving the cycle, followed by the luteal phase, where progesterone levels surge, playing a crucial role in maintaining pregnancy and affecting mood.

Dr. Laura Briden [15:59]: "Progesterone... has many benefits... It's really good for the brain."

Dr. Briden also explains the concept of body literacy, encouraging women to track their cycles to better understand their hormonal fluctuations and overall health.

3. Critique of Hormonal Birth Control

Timestamp: [03:23] - [07:46] & [07:46] - [10:49]

Addressing the widespread use of hormonal birth control, Dr. Briden critiques its impact on the natural menstrual cycle.

Dr. Laura Briden [05:40]: "Hormonal birth control can relieve period symptoms... but it can't regulate, it can't fix the menstrual cycle."

She underscores that most hormonal contraceptives suppress ovarian function, leading to non-natural hormone levels that can adversely affect various aspects of women's health, including bone density and brain function.

Dr. Laura Briden [10:49]: "Menstrual cycles are how we make hormones... shutting it all down and replacing women's own hormones with contraceptive medication... has been quite a startling thing to happen."

4. The Role of Estrogen and Progesterone

Timestamp: [14:09] - [24:29]

Dr. Briden elaborates on the distinct roles of estrogen and progesterone in the menstrual cycle. Estrogen peaks before ovulation, enhancing bone density and brain health, while progesterone rises post-ovulation, promoting a healthy uterine environment for potential pregnancy.

Dr. Laura Briden [16:23]: "Ovulation is the main hormonal event of the menstrual cycle. It's the engine of the menstrual cycle."

She introduces the concept of bioidentical hormones, emphasizing their natural alignment with the body's own hormones, contrasting them with synthetic progestins found in birth control pills.

Dr. Laura Briden [24:29]: "Progesterone is the Cinderella hormone. It's been misunderstood... it actually has many benefits."

5. Progesterone vs. Progestins

Timestamp: [35:23] - [44:50]

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on differentiating progesterone from progestins. Dr. Briden explains that while progestins are synthetic and differ structurally from natural progesterone, they can negatively impact the brain and increase the risk of breast cancer.

Dr. Laura Briden [41:09]: "All progestins slightly increase the risk of breast cancer... whereas progesterone does not."

She advocates for the use of bioidentical progesterone in menopausal hormone therapy, highlighting its safety and efficacy compared to synthetic alternatives.

Dr. Laura Briden [44:50]: "Natural progesterone is now used as part of menopausal hormone therapy because it's safer for the breasts than progestins."

6. Natural Remedies for Menstrual Issues

Timestamp: [45:33] - [53:27]

Dr. Briden offers practical, natural solutions for various menstrual ailments. She emphasizes the importance of dietary adjustments, such as switching to A2 milk or goat and sheep dairy to reduce inflammation caused by A1 casein protein, which can alleviate heavy and painful periods.

Dr. Laura Briden [45:33]: "Switching to Jersey cows or A2 milk... can make a big difference and it's still nutritious."

Another recommendation includes zinc supplementation to relieve period pain, citing clinical trials that demonstrate its efficacy comparable to hormonal pills without disrupting the menstrual cycle.

Dr. Laura Briden [49:51]: "Zinc worked as well as the pill in alleviating period pain, but without shutting down hormones."

7. Impact of Hormonal Birth Control on Metabolism

Timestamp: [53:27] - [56:02]

The conversation shifts to the metabolic repercussions of hormonal contraceptives. Dr. Briden discusses how certain progestins can lead to increased visceral fat and reduced insulin sensitivity, contributing to metabolic dysfunction.

Dr. Laura Briden [53:27]: "Some progestins promote metabolic dysfunction... they can increase visceral fat and insulin resistance."

She highlights a pivotal Danish study from 2016 that established a link between hormonal birth control and negative mood side effects, signaling a shift in medical perspectives.

Dr. Laura Briden [56:02]: "In 2016, a huge Danish study proved that there is a link with negative mood side effects."

8. Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause Naturally

Timestamp: [56:02] - [60:22]

Addressing women undergoing perimenopause and menopause, Dr. Briden reassures that these are natural life transitions, not medical conditions. She introduces bioidentical hormone therapy as a supportive measure for those experiencing severe symptoms.

Dr. Laura Briden [56:35]: "Perimenopause is the transition into our ovarian hormones and then out of them. It's a natural life event."

She outlines various natural strategies to manage symptoms like night sweats, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances, emphasizing individualized approaches rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Dr. Laura Briden [58:00]: "My book provides natural strategies to improve night sweats, hot flashes, and sleep."

9. Conclusion and Resources

Timestamp: [60:22] - [61:09]

Dr. Briden concludes by directing listeners to her resources, including her website and publications, for those seeking to deepen their understanding of menstrual health and hormonal balance.

Dr. Laura Briden [60:22]: "Everything is@larabrighton.com... my books are Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and Metabolism Repair for Women."

Allie Beth Stuckey expresses gratitude for Dr. Briden's insights and encourages listeners to explore further resources for comprehensive understanding and management of their menstrual health.

Key Takeaways:

• Naturopathic Approach: Emphasizes holistic treatment through diet, supplements, and bioidentical hormones.
• Menstrual Cycle Importance: Beyond fertility, it plays a crucial role in overall health, including brain and metabolic functions.
• Critique of Hormonal Birth Control: Highlights the suppression of natural hormones and potential long-term health risks.
• Progesterone's Role: Advocates for natural progesterone due to its benefits and safety compared to synthetic progestins.
• Natural Remedies: Practical interventions like dietary changes and zinc supplementation can effectively manage menstrual issues.
• Metabolic Health: Hormonal contraceptives may negatively impact metabolism, increasing risks like insulin resistance.
• Menopause Management: Encourages viewing menopause as a natural transition, with supportive natural therapies available.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Laura Briden [02:15]: "I'm a naturopathic doctor who treats people with diet changes, nutritional supplements, herbal medicines..."
• Dr. Laura Briden [05:40]: "Hormonal birth control can relieve period symptoms... but it can't regulate, it can't fix the menstrual cycle."
• Dr. Laura Briden [14:53]: "Estrogen is highly beneficial for bones... it's good for brain and metabolism and all sorts of other things."
• Dr. Laura Briden [41:09]: "All progestins slightly increase the risk of breast cancer... whereas progesterone does not."
• Dr. Laura Briden [53:27]: "Some progestins promote metabolic dysfunction... they can increase visceral fat and insulin resistance."
• Dr. Laura Briden [56:02]: "In 2016, a huge Danish study proved that there is a link with negative mood side effects."

Resources Mentioned:

• Dr. Lara Briden's Website: lara brighton.com
• Books by Dr. Lara Briden:
  • Period Repair Manual
  • Hormone Repair Manual
  • Metabolism Repair for Women

This episode provides an in-depth exploration of women's hormonal health, challenging conventional approaches to menstrual management and advocating for natural, holistic solutions. Dr. Briden's expertise offers listeners valuable insights into optimizing their menstrual cycles for enhanced overall well-being.