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Mamma May acknowledges the traditional owners of land and waters that this podcast is recorded on.

Mamma May acknowledges the traditional owners of land and waters that this podcast is recorded on.

Hey there, I'm Claire Murphy from Mamma MEA's brand new health podcast, Well, hosted by me and doctor Mariam, a brilliant GP and advocate for women's health. Well is a podcast about the taboo, the annoying, the embarrassing, and the scary. We cover the concerns you're probably considering seeing a doctor about, from insomnio to weird periods to how to prevent dementia. In this episode, we do some period mythbusting, like how much pain is normal? Does my weight impact my cycle? And why do we get period poos?

Hey there, I'm Claire Murphy from Mamma MEA's brand new health podcast, Well, hosted by me and doctor Mariam, a brilliant GP and advocate for women's health. Well is a podcast about the taboo, the annoying, the embarrassing, and the scary. We cover the concerns you're probably considering seeing a doctor about, from insomnio to weird periods to how to prevent dementia. In this episode, we do some period mythbusting, like how much pain is normal? Does my weight impact my cycle? And why do we get period poos?

Hi.

Hi.

I'm Claire Murphy and welcome to Well. This is your full body health check. I've been a journalist for nearly twenty years, the past six of those hosting Mamma MEA's daily news podcast, The Quickie. So I have asked a lot of questions of a lot of experts about a lot of things related to women's health. But now I want to know more.

I'm Claire Murphy and welcome to Well. This is your full body health check. I've been a journalist for nearly twenty years, the past six of those hosting Mamma MEA's daily news podcast, The Quickie. So I have asked a lot of questions of a lot of experts about a lot of things related to women's health. But now I want to know more.

And my name's doctor Marriam. I'm a Sydney based GP and our staunch advocate for all things women's health. I'm also a twin mum to toddler boys, which is why I'm always tired. I'm so happy to be here.

And my name's doctor Marriam. I'm a Sydney based GP and our staunch advocate for all things women's health. I'm also a twin mum to toddler boys, which is why I'm always tired. I'm so happy to be here.

Let us tell you why we're here. Well is about addressing the taboo, the annoying, the embarrassing, and sometimes the scary. We're going to cover concerns that you're probably considering seeing a doctor about, from insomnia to weird periods to how to prevent dementia. The difference is we're going to give you the tools that you need to make sure that you are seen and heard by your healthcare professionals, and we won't charge you once your fifteen minutes is up. First up, we're going to take you to med school. This is where we're going to share something fascinating that we've learned in the process of making this podcast. Then it's into the checkup, where we'll explore a health topic in a stack more detail. We'll speak to a specialist too when we need their expertise, and then finally it's the quick consult. We head off to the doctor's rooms where we solve a dilemma on any health topic as submitted by you today. In the checkout. We're going to be putting a spotlight on periods, like can weight loss injections actually help with a particular menstrual issue? Why is period poor thing? And when do you actually need to go and see your doctor? But first we're helping off to med school.

Let us tell you why we're here. Well is about addressing the taboo, the annoying, the embarrassing, and sometimes the scary. We're going to cover concerns that you're probably considering seeing a doctor about, from insomnia to weird periods to how to prevent dementia. The difference is we're going to give you the tools that you need to make sure that you are seen and heard by your healthcare professionals, and we won't charge you once your fifteen minutes is up. First up, we're going to take you to med school. This is where we're going to share something fascinating that we've learned in the process of making this podcast. Then it's into the checkup, where we'll explore a health topic in a stack more detail. We'll speak to a specialist too when we need their expertise, and then finally it's the quick consult. We head off to the doctor's rooms where we solve a dilemma on any health topic as submitted by you today. In the checkout. We're going to be putting a spotlight on periods, like can weight loss injections actually help with a particular menstrual issue? Why is period poor thing? And when do you actually need to go and see your doctor? But first we're helping off to med school.

Welcome to med school.

Welcome to med school.

So this is where I'm going to share something that I've found out recently which will equal parts freak you out and fascinate you. Have you heard about the sperm graveyard?

So this is where I'm going to share something that I've found out recently which will equal parts freak you out and fascinate you. Have you heard about the sperm graveyard?

Now?

Now?

Look, I came across on my social media feed at a doctor in the US which explained apparently the sperm that is ejaculated inside of you, obviously when your partner is not wearing a condom, and which does not end up fertilizing the egg, which like is millions of them. Mariam, can you please explain to us where they go? So when a man ejaculates, it's thought that two hundred to three hundred million sperm and to the vagina, that's a lot of sperm. That's a lot.

Look, I came across on my social media feed at a doctor in the US which explained apparently the sperm that is ejaculated inside of you, obviously when your partner is not wearing a condom, and which does not end up fertilizing the egg, which like is millions of them. Mariam, can you please explain to us where they go? So when a man ejaculates, it's thought that two hundred to three hundred million sperm and to the vagina, that's a lot of sperm. That's a lot.

And I like to think of the vagina as like the ultimate Ninja warrior course, right, It's designed with lots of boogie traps to kind of kill the sperm before it gets to the egg, so we're not welcoming it in. We're not well, no, yeah, the vagina is not very welcoming. So there's things that the sperm has to get through, like the pH so a lot of the acidity of the vagina will kill the sperm. There's the cervical mucus in which some of the sperm will get trapped in, and then the body identifies the sperm and rightly so as foreign invaders, so will send these white cells to kind of shoot them away. And then for the sperm that does make it through the fallopian tube, and at this stage that's thought to be about two hundred so you can imagine two hundred to three hundred million, and you've got two hundred sperm remaining. The rest have just died from exhaustion because sperm is quite lazy. So the sperm's traveling along one we hope will fertilize the egg, and then the rest are thought to just keep swimming along. And so the fallopian tube's actually not attached to the ovary, so there's these like finger like projections called the fimbria, and so it can actually exit out of the fallopian tube into your abdominal cavity.

And I like to think of the vagina as like the ultimate Ninja warrior course, right, It's designed with lots of boogie traps to kind of kill the sperm before it gets to the egg, so we're not welcoming it in. We're not well, no, yeah, the vagina is not very welcoming. So there's things that the sperm has to get through, like the pH so a lot of the acidity of the vagina will kill the sperm. There's the cervical mucus in which some of the sperm will get trapped in, and then the body identifies the sperm and rightly so as foreign invaders, so will send these white cells to kind of shoot them away. And then for the sperm that does make it through the fallopian tube, and at this stage that's thought to be about two hundred so you can imagine two hundred to three hundred million, and you've got two hundred sperm remaining. The rest have just died from exhaustion because sperm is quite lazy. So the sperm's traveling along one we hope will fertilize the egg, and then the rest are thought to just keep swimming along. And so the fallopian tube's actually not attached to the ovary, so there's these like finger like projections called the fimbria, and so it can actually exit out of the fallopian tube into your abdominal cavity.

And this is what I've heard is referred to as the sperm that's.

And this is what I've heard is referred to as the sperm that's.

Right, So like if you have a visual you can just imagine like this just like falling into your abdominal cavity. But do not be alarmed. Enzymes break that sperm down and it's reabsorbed for nutrients for the body.

Right, So like if you have a visual you can just imagine like this just like falling into your abdominal cavity. But do not be alarmed. Enzymes break that sperm down and it's reabsorbed for nutrients for the body.

What happens after we absorb it? Like are we using that?

What happens after we absorb it? Like are we using that?

But if you think about it, sperm is like microscopic. You can't even see it so like it's so so tiny, it's you.

But if you think about it, sperm is like microscopic. You can't even see it so like it's so so tiny, it's you.

Know, it's there. No, we are going to actually put that video of the sperm graveyard up on our socials too, so if you want to go check it out. Later in the section we are referring to as the quick consult, Alice asks us whether her vagina smells right. But next in the checkout, we're gonna do some period myth busting because even though we think we know everything about our menstrual cycle, trust me, we do not. It's time for the check out, all right, let's get into it today. We are period myth busting. I've seen videos in my social media feed claiming that your period blood says something about.

Know, it's there. No, we are going to actually put that video of the sperm graveyard up on our socials too, so if you want to go check it out. Later in the section we are referring to as the quick consult, Alice asks us whether her vagina smells right. But next in the checkout, we're gonna do some period myth busting because even though we think we know everything about our menstrual cycle, trust me, we do not. It's time for the check out, all right, let's get into it today. We are period myth busting. I've seen videos in my social media feed claiming that your period blood says something about.

Your overall health, like is that true? Not necessarily like a core bullshit for some of it. So there's like variation in the color of your period through your menstruction cycle. At the start, it tends to be heavier, it's brighter because it hasn't had a chance to oxidize. And then as your period progresses you've had some of the tissue sitting in there, it's reacted with the oxygen. You might pass clots, and it might be darker brown or even close to a black color. The color variation that's completely normal. But the signs that you know would prompt you to see a doctor would be if it was like a gray or an orange tinge, that might suggest an underlying infection. A light pink might suggest iron deficiency. There's not really a strong link, but it might, and especially if that's something new for you or there's been a change, then that might warrant a doctor review. But no, I wouldn't say, you know your hormones fluctuate throughout the cycle. I wouldn't say it's indicative of estrogen and progesterone efficiency. There are a lot of hormonal health coaches online, unfortunately, so always check your sources. The only hormonal advice I would take from would be an endochronologist, to be honest.

Your overall health, like is that true? Not necessarily like a core bullshit for some of it. So there's like variation in the color of your period through your menstruction cycle. At the start, it tends to be heavier, it's brighter because it hasn't had a chance to oxidize. And then as your period progresses you've had some of the tissue sitting in there, it's reacted with the oxygen. You might pass clots, and it might be darker brown or even close to a black color. The color variation that's completely normal. But the signs that you know would prompt you to see a doctor would be if it was like a gray or an orange tinge, that might suggest an underlying infection. A light pink might suggest iron deficiency. There's not really a strong link, but it might, and especially if that's something new for you or there's been a change, then that might warrant a doctor review. But no, I wouldn't say, you know your hormones fluctuate throughout the cycle. I wouldn't say it's indicative of estrogen and progesterone efficiency. There are a lot of hormonal health coaches online, unfortunately, so always check your sources. The only hormonal advice I would take from would be an endochronologist, to be honest.

Yeah, so it's not like looking at your Wii and going, oh, I'm dehydrated. Yeah, no, it's okay.

Yeah, so it's not like looking at your Wii and going, oh, I'm dehydrated. Yeah, no, it's okay.

Or your cervical mucus.

Or your cervical mucus.

I'm not sure how comfortable I am checking out my cervical mucus, but maybe for the sake of this podcast, I might have to start. I also saw another post from someone who said they were a nutrition scientist, but they claim that taking vitamin D supplements can actually help with period pain. Is that true?

I'm not sure how comfortable I am checking out my cervical mucus, but maybe for the sake of this podcast, I might have to start. I also saw another post from someone who said they were a nutrition scientist, but they claim that taking vitamin D supplements can actually help with period pain. Is that true?

So there is some evidence that it can help period pain, though in a lot of the trials they were using really high doses, so well above the recommended range of normal Vitamin D. Toxicity is very rare, but I would just advise anyone who wanted to take vitamin D get your levels checked. If you're deficient, definitely start treatment, and always speak to your doctor before you're starting any supplementation. A lot of these medications can interact with other medications, and you know, some medications, if they're used outside it that recommended range, can cause toxicity. Although vitamin D is very rare in that regard you should always speak to your pharmacist or doctor. When should we be worried about a period? What would not be normal is you've noticed a change in the pattern of your peeriods, who it's starting to become more erratic. You're bleeding in between your periods, you're bleeding for a prolonged time, like for more than eight days, you're bleeding after sex, Or there's significant pain with your period that's not being relieved with simple over the countermedications and it's disrupting your quality of life, or you're just concerned for any reason about your period. That's more than enough reason to see a doctor.

So there is some evidence that it can help period pain, though in a lot of the trials they were using really high doses, so well above the recommended range of normal Vitamin D. Toxicity is very rare, but I would just advise anyone who wanted to take vitamin D get your levels checked. If you're deficient, definitely start treatment, and always speak to your doctor before you're starting any supplementation. A lot of these medications can interact with other medications, and you know, some medications, if they're used outside it that recommended range, can cause toxicity. Although vitamin D is very rare in that regard you should always speak to your pharmacist or doctor. When should we be worried about a period? What would not be normal is you've noticed a change in the pattern of your peeriods, who it's starting to become more erratic. You're bleeding in between your periods, you're bleeding for a prolonged time, like for more than eight days, you're bleeding after sex, Or there's significant pain with your period that's not being relieved with simple over the countermedications and it's disrupting your quality of life, or you're just concerned for any reason about your period. That's more than enough reason to see a doctor.

And as we know, one in seven women in Australia are diagnosed with endometriosis, which often means heavy, painful periods. And that's something we'll be exploring and talking about in more detail in our next episode. How much blood is normal?

And as we know, one in seven women in Australia are diagnosed with endometriosis, which often means heavy, painful periods. And that's something we'll be exploring and talking about in more detail in our next episode. How much blood is normal?

The average loss is thought to be about thirty to forty meals, which is six to eight teaspoonfuls.

The average loss is thought to be about thirty to forty meals, which is six to eight teaspoonfuls.

Why are we measuring in tea spoonfuls? Can we not measure via a menstrual crap or something like at least something we use it? No one's poised over the loo with a tea spoon.

Why are we measuring in tea spoonfuls? Can we not measure via a menstrual crap or something like at least something we use it? No one's poised over the loo with a tea spoon.

But we define heavy menstrual bleeding as any bleeding that impacts your quality of life in any way. So if you feel like, you know, you having to change your pads or tamp on every hour, you're leaking through your periods more than eight days, you're passing large clots, which we say more than a fifty cent piece, then there's signs that something's happening. You should see a doctor.

But we define heavy menstrual bleeding as any bleeding that impacts your quality of life in any way. So if you feel like, you know, you having to change your pads or tamp on every hour, you're leaking through your periods more than eight days, you're passing large clots, which we say more than a fifty cent piece, then there's signs that something's happening. You should see a doctor.

Okay, what are my options if I do have or I'm prone to having really heavy periods.

Okay, what are my options if I do have or I'm prone to having really heavy periods.

So if you do have heavy periods, I would really encourage you to speak to your doctor because there could be underlying causes contributing to the heavy period. We also want to ensure that you don't have iron deficiency as a consequence of the heavy mental bleeding as well, which is awful. Get iron deficiency or me too.

So if you do have heavy periods, I would really encourage you to speak to your doctor because there could be underlying causes contributing to the heavy period. We also want to ensure that you don't have iron deficiency as a consequence of the heavy mental bleeding as well, which is awful. Get iron deficiency or me too.

I feel like everyone I know now has an eye in difficiency, And I always say, like, you know, iron supplements and iron infusions, they're kind of band aid solutions.

I feel like everyone I know now has an eye in difficiency, And I always say, like, you know, iron supplements and iron infusions, they're kind of band aid solutions.

So you want to kind of address the root cause, and if that's heavy mental bleeding, then figuring out why you're having it and stopping it from happening is really important. So the first thing to just definitely see a doctor, you know, and get the appropriate investigation. But while that is happening, doctors should be giving you medication if that's something that you want to reduce that blood loss. And there's non hormonal options. The non hormonal options are something we call transaxamic acid and that stops the blood from clotting. That's actually quite effective in reducing blood loss. Anti inflammatories are also shown to reduce blood loss and they also help with the pain. You can take the two of them together. They're most effective to start a day or two before your period and you continue them for about three days during your cycle. The hormonal options are and the first line for all heavy mental bleeding is the IUD and that is ninety five percent effective at twelve months in reducing heavy menstrual bleeding. It's really effective and it helps keep that endometrium nice and thin. And there are the progestin only pill and combined oral contracepti pill. They're actually quite effective as well. Obviously you know there's side effect profiles that and you know preference to the patient. So that's the options to disc us with your GP on what you would feel would be best suited to your life, and for the patient to have really heavy mental bleeding that's affecting their quality of life, they've trialed everything, we've excluded underlying causes that would warrant a referral to a kindecologist, you know, for more extensive investigations and potential surgical options if that's something that the person wanted to do.

So you want to kind of address the root cause, and if that's heavy mental bleeding, then figuring out why you're having it and stopping it from happening is really important. So the first thing to just definitely see a doctor, you know, and get the appropriate investigation. But while that is happening, doctors should be giving you medication if that's something that you want to reduce that blood loss. And there's non hormonal options. The non hormonal options are something we call transaxamic acid and that stops the blood from clotting. That's actually quite effective in reducing blood loss. Anti inflammatories are also shown to reduce blood loss and they also help with the pain. You can take the two of them together. They're most effective to start a day or two before your period and you continue them for about three days during your cycle. The hormonal options are and the first line for all heavy mental bleeding is the IUD and that is ninety five percent effective at twelve months in reducing heavy menstrual bleeding. It's really effective and it helps keep that endometrium nice and thin. And there are the progestin only pill and combined oral contracepti pill. They're actually quite effective as well. Obviously you know there's side effect profiles that and you know preference to the patient. So that's the options to disc us with your GP on what you would feel would be best suited to your life, and for the patient to have really heavy mental bleeding that's affecting their quality of life, they've trialed everything, we've excluded underlying causes that would warrant a referral to a kindecologist, you know, for more extensive investigations and potential surgical options if that's something that the person wanted to do.

Okay, so that's covered off on bleeding. But what about pain?

Okay, so that's covered off on bleeding. But what about pain?

So pain you subjective, right, So what might be painful for me might not be painful for you. But what we do consider normal for periods is period pain that isn't affecting your quality of life generally. You know, you get the peak of the pain in the first two days. If you have a bit of pain, you take over the counter medications like paracetamol or anti inflammatories. You're still able to go about your day. It's not impacting your work or extracurricular activities. That's normal. As soon as it's I am having to take days off work, or you know, it's impacting relationships or you're just staying at home lying in bed, that's not normal.

So pain you subjective, right, So what might be painful for me might not be painful for you. But what we do consider normal for periods is period pain that isn't affecting your quality of life generally. You know, you get the peak of the pain in the first two days. If you have a bit of pain, you take over the counter medications like paracetamol or anti inflammatories. You're still able to go about your day. It's not impacting your work or extracurricular activities. That's normal. As soon as it's I am having to take days off work, or you know, it's impacting relationships or you're just staying at home lying in bed, that's not normal.

Here's a question. If things are all happening around my uterus, why do I get pain in my lower back?

Here's a question. If things are all happening around my uterus, why do I get pain in my lower back?

So we blame that all on the prostic lands and so prostic lands ands are released during menstruation and that's what causes the smooth muscle to contract. So the uterus and the spine are in close proximity, so you get that radiation in the pain. We also, like a physiotherapist was telling me that the hormones also loosen your ligaments, which makes you more prone to like injury, so which is really interesting.

So we blame that all on the prostic lands and so prostic lands ands are released during menstruation and that's what causes the smooth muscle to contract. So the uterus and the spine are in close proximity, so you get that radiation in the pain. We also, like a physiotherapist was telling me that the hormones also loosen your ligaments, which makes you more prone to like injury, so which is really interesting.

It's interesting like the Western Bulldogs AFLW team have just started doing something around so they've customized training around their players mid cycles because of that very fact, and they're wondering if you know a lot of their players are getting acl injuries because of that kind of stuff too, So that is really interesting.

It's interesting like the Western Bulldogs AFLW team have just started doing something around so they've customized training around their players mid cycles because of that very fact, and they're wondering if you know a lot of their players are getting acl injuries because of that kind of stuff too, So that is really interesting.

Yeah, so it's thought maybe it's causing some like spinal instability and that could be a cause of the back pain as well. But importantly, the back pain could also have a root cause, so you might have an lying condition like endometriosis, fibroids or dinomyosis which is causing that referred pain as well. So important if it's like quite severe doesn't feel normal. Definitely, See it's octor like if you are throwing up from hain. Yeah, that's normal, that is not oct Okay.

Yeah, so it's thought maybe it's causing some like spinal instability and that could be a cause of the back pain as well. But importantly, the back pain could also have a root cause, so you might have an lying condition like endometriosis, fibroids or dinomyosis which is causing that referred pain as well. So important if it's like quite severe doesn't feel normal. Definitely, See it's octor like if you are throwing up from hain. Yeah, that's normal, that is not oct Okay.

This is something that we've been having a lot of conversations about, especially in the last couple of years, is what period products are actually healthy to use, because there's been a lot of fear around potential chemicals in things like pads and tampons, and then you know, menstrual cups came along, and so what realistically is healthy Because I know some of those studies around the heavy metals that were in tampons, the research wasn't done in a way that actually those heavy metals would even make it into your body or bloodstream. So it was just a big scary thing that wasn't really a thing. Can you give us some explanation around that?

This is something that we've been having a lot of conversations about, especially in the last couple of years, is what period products are actually healthy to use, because there's been a lot of fear around potential chemicals in things like pads and tampons, and then you know, menstrual cups came along, and so what realistically is healthy Because I know some of those studies around the heavy metals that were in tampons, the research wasn't done in a way that actually those heavy metals would even make it into your body or bloodstream. So it was just a big scary thing that wasn't really a thing. Can you give us some explanation around that?

So I think it's actually been great that this has happened because there's not a lot of studies on tampons and pads.

So I think it's actually been great that this has happened because there's not a lot of studies on tampons and pads.

And what is wild is that they did start using blood on those products until very recently with fluids but not actual menstrul blood.

And what is wild is that they did start using blood on those products until very recently with fluids but not actual menstrul blood.

And it's crazy, you know, I think this spotlight has kind of forced like, okay, and rightly so females have a right to know what they're inserting internet, and if you know they there's potential toxins and chemicals that could potentially cause harm later. And it's we don't want to be fear mongering either. I think costs and affordability accessibility is really important. And if you can only afford tampons and pads, that's what you're going to use right now. There is not enough evidence to suggest that they will cause harm, but like I said, those studies are really important, so we just kind of wait and watch. In the intranm, there's like menstrual cups, there's underwear. There's this period underwear, which is fantastic. Yeah, I've ordered some. I'm waiting for them to arrive. I'm excited to give them a try. I think it's important that like ganic doesn't always mean free of chemicals as well. So if I had any advice, it would be just to go for the fragrance free options.

And it's crazy, you know, I think this spotlight has kind of forced like, okay, and rightly so females have a right to know what they're inserting internet, and if you know they there's potential toxins and chemicals that could potentially cause harm later. And it's we don't want to be fear mongering either. I think costs and affordability accessibility is really important. And if you can only afford tampons and pads, that's what you're going to use right now. There is not enough evidence to suggest that they will cause harm, but like I said, those studies are really important, so we just kind of wait and watch. In the intranm, there's like menstrual cups, there's underwear. There's this period underwear, which is fantastic. Yeah, I've ordered some. I'm waiting for them to arrive. I'm excited to give them a try. I think it's important that like ganic doesn't always mean free of chemicals as well. So if I had any advice, it would be just to go for the fragrance free options.

There's one in America that's been getting a lot of airplane on social media. It's like confused with menthol, Like can you imagine the burn of a pad that has menthol on it?

There's one in America that's been getting a lot of airplane on social media. It's like confused with menthol, Like can you imagine the burn of a pad that has menthol on it?

Your vagina is not a flower. It doesn't need to smell a certain way. Yeah, that's just that's crazy.

Your vagina is not a flower. It doesn't need to smell a certain way. Yeah, that's just that's crazy.

Okay, next we're going to talk about something like this is like it's a bit gross, yeah, but it's a common thing for most of us. Yeah, please explain to me why period pooh is a thing. And if you don't get period poos, it's literally like the week before, it's like your guts go crazy and they're like just wanting to expel everything in there? What is happening?

Okay, next we're going to talk about something like this is like it's a bit gross, yeah, but it's a common thing for most of us. Yeah, please explain to me why period pooh is a thing. And if you don't get period poos, it's literally like the week before, it's like your guts go crazy and they're like just wanting to expel everything in there? What is happening?

You feel like it's colonoscopy prep.

You feel like it's colonoscopy prep.

It is almost Also if you've done prepnestly, I say that they should schedule all colonoscopies for females, right, that makes it actually so basically the understanding is it's all goes back to prostagland and so they're released, they cause the uterus to contract, they act on the smooth muscle.

It is almost Also if you've done prepnestly, I say that they should schedule all colonoscopies for females, right, that makes it actually so basically the understanding is it's all goes back to prostagland and so they're released, they cause the uterus to contract, they act on the smooth muscle.

They also act on the smooth muscle of the bow, so causing the bow to contract and then comes your period poop. Hormonal fluctuations with progesterone also play a role. So we know when progesterone is high, you're more likely to be constipated, and that's generally before your period and then when it drops, the period poop comes, so it's been held back for a while, and then the contractions as well. It's all happening. And we also know that the progesterone rise before the period is like kind of what triggers that, you know, like craving for those sweet and carbi foods. So we're eating crappy We're eating crappy foods and that's what causes those. I don't know, if you get those pesky period farts that just my husband knows. He're like, you'll be like, yeah, it's coming. It's common. So if I have general advice for females who this you know is bothersome for it's generally keep up your fluid intake. If you're losing a lot of fluids, you want to replace those electrolytes. Eat food high in fiber, you know, fruit and vegetables. You want to avoid stimulants like coffee, processed food, chili, Try to avoid those processed foods. But if you need it, just eat it and you'll have a pesky fat here and there. That's fine. We're all human.

They also act on the smooth muscle of the bow, so causing the bow to contract and then comes your period poop. Hormonal fluctuations with progesterone also play a role. So we know when progesterone is high, you're more likely to be constipated, and that's generally before your period and then when it drops, the period poop comes, so it's been held back for a while, and then the contractions as well. It's all happening. And we also know that the progesterone rise before the period is like kind of what triggers that, you know, like craving for those sweet and carbi foods. So we're eating crappy We're eating crappy foods and that's what causes those. I don't know, if you get those pesky period farts that just my husband knows. He're like, you'll be like, yeah, it's coming. It's common. So if I have general advice for females who this you know is bothersome for it's generally keep up your fluid intake. If you're losing a lot of fluids, you want to replace those electrolytes. Eat food high in fiber, you know, fruit and vegetables. You want to avoid stimulants like coffee, processed food, chili, Try to avoid those processed foods. But if you need it, just eat it and you'll have a pesky fat here and there. That's fine. We're all human.

We also need to be happy. Yeah, sometimes that means chocolate.

We also need to be happy. Yeah, sometimes that means chocolate.

There's also some evidence which suggests that the fluctuations in hormones affect your neurotransmittens like serotonin, you know, the feel good hormones and when they're low you want to eat trying to make myself and then yeah, so you know you eat a cheeseburger or a big mac, and you know you feel good for that little period and then and then we then we pay for it later with the pesky farts, with the pesky fats.

There's also some evidence which suggests that the fluctuations in hormones affect your neurotransmittens like serotonin, you know, the feel good hormones and when they're low you want to eat trying to make myself and then yeah, so you know you eat a cheeseburger or a big mac, and you know you feel good for that little period and then and then we then we pay for it later with the pesky farts, with the pesky fats.

Fun. Can other things be impacted by your period? Down there? So for example, we've had a stack of women ask us about you and many of them have said they get a UTI right after their period finishes. Could that be connected?

Fun. Can other things be impacted by your period? Down there? So for example, we've had a stack of women ask us about you and many of them have said they get a UTI right after their period finishes. Could that be connected?

Yeah, So the fluctuations in the hormones, So when estrogen rises and estrogen drops, so we know when estrogen rises you're at increased risk of thrush and when it drops, your at increased risk of ut eyes right, fun fun fun, Yeah, And the hormonia of shifts have massive impacts on your mood and quality of life. You know, for people with PMS and the more severe form PMDD, that can impact obviously you know, relationships, your work and everything around you. And we also know that the rise in prostaglandins, especially at day two, can cause significant cramping and that can cause you to miss like extracurricular or sporting. And the hormones also affect your temperature, right, and that temperature effects can disrupt your sleep. So there's especially people with PMDD, they can suffer from like insomnia, like yeah, and it' and that sleep deprivation has that knock on effect as well. So then the skin changes, you know for people who get like hormonal acne and dry skin. So yeah, it's not just all about the blood. It's it's yeah, it's good effects everywhere.

Yeah, So the fluctuations in the hormones, So when estrogen rises and estrogen drops, so we know when estrogen rises you're at increased risk of thrush and when it drops, your at increased risk of ut eyes right, fun fun fun, Yeah, And the hormonia of shifts have massive impacts on your mood and quality of life. You know, for people with PMS and the more severe form PMDD, that can impact obviously you know, relationships, your work and everything around you. And we also know that the rise in prostaglandins, especially at day two, can cause significant cramping and that can cause you to miss like extracurricular or sporting. And the hormones also affect your temperature, right, and that temperature effects can disrupt your sleep. So there's especially people with PMDD, they can suffer from like insomnia, like yeah, and it' and that sleep deprivation has that knock on effect as well. So then the skin changes, you know for people who get like hormonal acne and dry skin. So yeah, it's not just all about the blood. It's it's yeah, it's good effects everywhere.

Fun. Yeah, Okay, does your weight impact your period and your cycle?

Fun. Yeah, Okay, does your weight impact your period and your cycle?

It does so definitely. So changes in your body weight, whether you're your overweight or underweight, can impact your menstruation cycle. So if you're underweight or your exercise intensively, you may have an underlying eating disorder. We find that there's an estrogens efficiency and that can cause irregular or absent periods as a result. And then we know that people that are overweight, they're more likely to have heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular periods, more likely to have underlying conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome and sometimes they might not ovulate at all, and that's generally because extra fat produces estrogen, which can disrupt that cycle.

It does so definitely. So changes in your body weight, whether you're your overweight or underweight, can impact your menstruation cycle. So if you're underweight or your exercise intensively, you may have an underlying eating disorder. We find that there's an estrogens efficiency and that can cause irregular or absent periods as a result. And then we know that people that are overweight, they're more likely to have heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular periods, more likely to have underlying conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome and sometimes they might not ovulate at all, and that's generally because extra fat produces estrogen, which can disrupt that cycle.

I got said this article via Instagram about how PMDD, which you've mentioned a couple of times, which is like extreme pms that people who have been taking these new range or not new, they've been around for a while, but they're kind of new to us range of weight loss injectibles, so as GLP one agonists or semaglutide that is actually been helpful for PMDD. What do we know about that?

I got said this article via Instagram about how PMDD, which you've mentioned a couple of times, which is like extreme pms that people who have been taking these new range or not new, they've been around for a while, but they're kind of new to us range of weight loss injectibles, so as GLP one agonists or semaglutide that is actually been helpful for PMDD. What do we know about that?

So there's very limited evidence for that, and I would definitely not recommend it to someone who has PMDD. We have evidence for medication that we know that works. We also know that some people report increase anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts with these medications, So you know, what works for one or two people might not work for the general population. We'd have to wait till proper studies are conducted, and so I would always trial the medications which have been tested and tried, and that's generally go with your doctor.

So there's very limited evidence for that, and I would definitely not recommend it to someone who has PMDD. We have evidence for medication that we know that works. We also know that some people report increase anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts with these medications, So you know, what works for one or two people might not work for the general population. We'd have to wait till proper studies are conducted, and so I would always trial the medications which have been tested and tried, and that's generally go with your doctor.

Okay, how do we now take the things that we've learned today to make sure that we're explaining to our healthcare professionals what's actually going on with us.

Okay, how do we now take the things that we've learned today to make sure that we're explaining to our healthcare professionals what's actually going on with us.

Some people will think that they're pain normal, or their heavy flow is normal, or some people think it's not normal, and I've seen a doctor and the doctor's dismissed it. And for those females, I'm really sorry, because if you think it's not normal and it's affecting your quality of life, then it fits those definitions. I strongly encourage any person who feels that they have symptoms that aren't normal that geneals is a fantastic website with a lot of information and they also have like a period diary with a symptom tracker and for two cycles. I'll just encourage females to like kind of plot what's happening in terms of their flow, they're passing clots, the symptoms that they're feeling, and take that information to the doctor right because you're like, I've plotted this, I've done the work, and write down all the questions that you have as well. The worst part is when you leave a doctor's room and you're like, crap, I had such an important question to ask. And make sure you find a gp with a special interest in women's health. You shouldn't have to suffer in silence. Get that period diary. That information is so valid, write down those questions, find that appropriate GP yeah, and hopefully you get some answers.

Some people will think that they're pain normal, or their heavy flow is normal, or some people think it's not normal, and I've seen a doctor and the doctor's dismissed it. And for those females, I'm really sorry, because if you think it's not normal and it's affecting your quality of life, then it fits those definitions. I strongly encourage any person who feels that they have symptoms that aren't normal that geneals is a fantastic website with a lot of information and they also have like a period diary with a symptom tracker and for two cycles. I'll just encourage females to like kind of plot what's happening in terms of their flow, they're passing clots, the symptoms that they're feeling, and take that information to the doctor right because you're like, I've plotted this, I've done the work, and write down all the questions that you have as well. The worst part is when you leave a doctor's room and you're like, crap, I had such an important question to ask. And make sure you find a gp with a special interest in women's health. You shouldn't have to suffer in silence. Get that period diary. That information is so valid, write down those questions, find that appropriate GP yeah, and hopefully you get some answers.

Next, for today's quick consult, we're actually going to be heading into the doctor's office with our very own doctor Mariam. We are going to get some advice on a dilimit that Alice sent in to see if we can help her with her slightly smelly problem. The doctor will see you. Now, just through here to consult room one. First of all, sing, this is our very first one. Can you bring us into the consult room the way that you would bring a patient into the consult room?

Next, for today's quick consult, we're actually going to be heading into the doctor's office with our very own doctor Mariam. We are going to get some advice on a dilimit that Alice sent in to see if we can help her with her slightly smelly problem. The doctor will see you. Now, just through here to consult room one. First of all, sing, this is our very first one. Can you bring us into the consult room the way that you would bring a patient into the consult room?

Definitely. So I always start by saying thank you for waiting, because I'm always over time, and I apologize. You've got to give every patient the time and attention they deserve, and sometimes it's within fifteen minutes, and sometimes it isn't, so I apologize, but I always tell them, you know, it might be you next that needs that twenty or thirty minutes. So my patients are usually quite grateful and they're happy to wait.

Definitely. So I always start by saying thank you for waiting, because I'm always over time, and I apologize. You've got to give every patient the time and attention they deserve, and sometimes it's within fifteen minutes, and sometimes it isn't, so I apologize, but I always tell them, you know, it might be you next that needs that twenty or thirty minutes. So my patients are usually quite grateful and they're happy to wait.

So this is where you can have your health concerns hurt. So if you do have something you want to ask doctor Mariam or any expert in the health space, make sure you reach out to us. You can send us an email well at mumamea dot com dotter you or you can leave a voice note. You can find a link on how to do that in our show notes. So at least recently reached out to us to ask this question.

So this is where you can have your health concerns hurt. So if you do have something you want to ask doctor Mariam or any expert in the health space, make sure you reach out to us. You can send us an email well at mumamea dot com dotter you or you can leave a voice note. You can find a link on how to do that in our show notes. So at least recently reached out to us to ask this question.

I don't think much vagina smells right. It has a sort of fishy smell, and when I wash it, I notice only an hour or so later it smells bad again. The other night, my girlfriend commented that it tasted different, and I was mortified. Am I just not cleaning properly? Could this be a sign that something is wrong? Joined to see a guyano or is it GP?

I don't think much vagina smells right. It has a sort of fishy smell, and when I wash it, I notice only an hour or so later it smells bad again. The other night, my girlfriend commented that it tasted different, and I was mortified. Am I just not cleaning properly? Could this be a sign that something is wrong? Joined to see a guyano or is it GP?

Okay, Alice, thank you so much. That's a really tough question to put out there into the atmosphere. So we really do appreciate you doing this. But Mariam, what should you do?

Okay, Alice, thank you so much. That's a really tough question to put out there into the atmosphere. So we really do appreciate you doing this. But Mariam, what should you do?

So I'd start by saying you don't need to see a specialist. Your GP should be your first port of call and they should definitely be able to get to the bottom of it. No pun intended. So basically what we'd do is we'd gather a bit more of a history, see if she's got any other symptoms, like bleeding in between her periods, any vaginal discharge. Is it just the smell. I'd want to get more of a history about her cleaning her vagina. Is she using like fragrance products. Is she inserting anything into the vagina.

So I'd start by saying you don't need to see a specialist. Your GP should be your first port of call and they should definitely be able to get to the bottom of it. No pun intended. So basically what we'd do is we'd gather a bit more of a history, see if she's got any other symptoms, like bleeding in between her periods, any vaginal discharge. Is it just the smell. I'd want to get more of a history about her cleaning her vagina. Is she using like fragrance products. Is she inserting anything into the vagina.

Because I see a lot of these around. They're like there's wipes and douches.

Because I see a lot of these around. They're like there's wipes and douches.

Yeah, you know, the vagina is self cleaning. You don't need to use these products. And the fact that you know, there's this expectation that our vagina should smell a certain ways just absolutely stupid. And by using these things we can disrupt the pH balance of the vagina and it can cause infections like thrush. So I'd want to explore more of that with her and see if she's is she overcleaning it or inserting it which potentially could be causing We also want to exclude things like foreign bodies. That's the thing. Retain tampons. That happens.

Yeah, you know, the vagina is self cleaning. You don't need to use these products. And the fact that you know, there's this expectation that our vagina should smell a certain ways just absolutely stupid. And by using these things we can disrupt the pH balance of the vagina and it can cause infections like thrush. So I'd want to explore more of that with her and see if she's is she overcleaning it or inserting it which potentially could be causing We also want to exclude things like foreign bodies. That's the thing. Retain tampons. That happens.

Yeah, okay, I've had friends who've forgotten and it happens.

Yeah, okay, I've had friends who've forgotten and it happens.

It happens like females, we're busy people, you know. You could just push the tampon in and it's pushed the other one further at the back and you've completely forgotten about it. And then you want to exclude infections like bacterial vaginoses, thrush and STIs. So definitely first pot of course, seeing a GP, they'd gather more of a history. They'll do an examination and take some swabs, and they'll do your cervical screening test. You can also do a self collection, now, guys, that's a thing. So if you're late for your cervical smear, please do it. It's so easy the self collection. Yeah, and depending on what I find during examination, I might commence treatment if I suspect it's bacterial vaginosis prior to the results coming, and then follow up with the results. It might be so hard not to overclean when there's a smell, yeah, because we all know the smell of our own vaginas. And sometimes it's worse at times, like we all know about swamp crutch after going to the gym, or there's what's.

It happens like females, we're busy people, you know. You could just push the tampon in and it's pushed the other one further at the back and you've completely forgotten about it. And then you want to exclude infections like bacterial vaginoses, thrush and STIs. So definitely first pot of course, seeing a GP, they'd gather more of a history. They'll do an examination and take some swabs, and they'll do your cervical screening test. You can also do a self collection, now, guys, that's a thing. So if you're late for your cervical smear, please do it. It's so easy the self collection. Yeah, and depending on what I find during examination, I might commence treatment if I suspect it's bacterial vaginosis prior to the results coming, and then follow up with the results. It might be so hard not to overclean when there's a smell, yeah, because we all know the smell of our own vaginas. And sometimes it's worse at times, like we all know about swamp crutch after going to the gym, or there's what's.

Referred to as cabin crutch. Give like a long flight, you can get a little yeah, you know, steamy, and I've heard someone refer to it as when you go to a nightclub bath Oh my goodness, and it smells like hot muff.

Referred to as cabin crutch. Give like a long flight, you can get a little yeah, you know, steamy, and I've heard someone refer to it as when you go to a nightclub bath Oh my goodness, and it smells like hot muff.

I love it, Oh my goodness.

I love it, Oh my goodness.

So, like we know the times that it can get a little bit much and it is really tempting to then go in and like just do a super thorough clean, but you reckon, like just be careful.

So, like we know the times that it can get a little bit much and it is really tempting to then go in and like just do a super thorough clean, but you reckon, like just be careful.

Yeah, so you don't need those products, honestly, just warm water is more than enough. Like you don't need to be aggressive, you don't need to like scrub and insert soaps that it will just like cause more harm than good. Honestly, that stuff is just marketed and it's in a way unfortunately that makes us think of vaginas need to be flowers and they don't. You know, it's normal to have a natural odor here and there. That's you know, part of our body at least.

Yeah, so you don't need those products, honestly, just warm water is more than enough. Like you don't need to be aggressive, you don't need to like scrub and insert soaps that it will just like cause more harm than good. Honestly, that stuff is just marketed and it's in a way unfortunately that makes us think of vaginas need to be flowers and they don't. You know, it's normal to have a natural odor here and there. That's you know, part of our body at least.

I hope that helped out. And maybe just pop over to your GP and get a little bit of advice.

I hope that helped out. And maybe just pop over to your GP and get a little bit of advice.

Yes, definitely you need to see your GP.

Yes, definitely you need to see your GP.

Yeah, thank you so much for joining us on this very first episode of Well Again. If you have any questions about what we discuss, any health concerns you want us to look into, please shoot us an email. It is well at mummamea dot com dot au or You can leave us a voice note as well, and if you're interested in exploring these topics and more, make sure you sign up to the World newsletter. There's a link to that in our show notes. And as always, the advice you've heard here today is general and may not suit your exact needs, so make sure you reach out to your own doctor or health specialist to get the info that is one hundred percent right for you, and we'll see you for your appointment this time next week. Thanks Mariam bybe Well is produced by me Claire Murphy, Our Group Executive producer Georgie Page, and senior producers Sasha Tanic, with audio production by Scott Stronik and Jacob Brown. We hope you enjoyed this episode of Well. If you're after more women's health news like this, Well is your full body health check and drops episodes every week on a Thursday. Coming up, we delve into endo, pcos, ADHD, depression and burnout. There's a link to follow us in the show notes.

Yeah, thank you so much for joining us on this very first episode of Well Again. If you have any questions about what we discuss, any health concerns you want us to look into, please shoot us an email. It is well at mummamea dot com dot au or You can leave us a voice note as well, and if you're interested in exploring these topics and more, make sure you sign up to the World newsletter. There's a link to that in our show notes. And as always, the advice you've heard here today is general and may not suit your exact needs, so make sure you reach out to your own doctor or health specialist to get the info that is one hundred percent right for you, and we'll see you for your appointment this time next week. Thanks Mariam bybe Well is produced by me Claire Murphy, Our Group Executive producer Georgie Page, and senior producers Sasha Tanic, with audio production by Scott Stronik and Jacob Brown. We hope you enjoyed this episode of Well. If you're after more women's health news like this, Well is your full body health check and drops episodes every week on a Thursday. Coming up, we delve into endo, pcos, ADHD, depression and burnout. There's a link to follow us in the show notes.