Many women have been told, “It’s just hormones”—but what if your period is trying to tell you something far more important? Pain, heavy bleeding, and unpredictable cycles are often dismissed as normal, yet they can reveal critical insights about your hormonal, metabolic, and overall health.
In our latest episode of the Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast, naturopath and author Lara Briden shares why your menstrual cycle is the most underrated health report card you’ll ever get—and how understanding it can help you take control of your well-being.
Why Pill Bleeds Aren’t Real Periods
Many people think a monthly bleed on the pill is a true period—but it isn’t. Hormonal contraceptives suppress ovulation, and what you experience is a withdrawal bleed, not a real menstrual cycle.
Lara explains that this can lead to metabolic disruption over time. While the pill masks symptoms, it may hide underlying hormone imbalances that affect fertility, energy levels, and long-term health. Understanding this distinction is the first step toward regaining awareness of your body.
What Your Period Volume Really Means
Most people have no idea what normal menstrual flow looks like. The average period involves 50ml of blood, with a maximum acceptable limit of 80ml per cycle. Exceeding this can lead to iron deficiency, fatigue, and nutrient depletion.
Lara emphasizes that if you’re bleeding through super tampons in a few hours or waking up at night to change pads, your body is sending a red flag. Tracking your flow is not just about convenience—it’s a window into your internal health.
The Dairy Connection: Could Your Milk Be Causing Pain?
Did you know that A1 casein in standard cow’s dairy can trigger mast cell reactions and inflammation in some women? Lara shares that the same dairy that caused congestion, tonsillitis, or digestive issues in childhood may now be behind heavy, painful periods.
Switching to A2, goat, or sheep dairy has helped many women experience lighter, less painful cycles in just a few months. While it’s not universal, this simple dietary tweak can make a significant difference for those sensitive to A1 casein.
Hormonal Health Beyond Birth Control
Your period isn’t just about fertility—it’s a mirror for your metabolic and hormonal health. Lara explains the hidden consequences of decades on the pill, including insulin resistance, inflammation, and disrupted hormone signaling.
Practical strategies she recommends include:
Reducing alcohol during perimenopause for better sleep and cycle regulation
Using supplements like magnesium to support hormone balance
Tracking ovulation to understand your cycles and metabolic health
Key Takeaways
Pill bleeds are not real periods – they mask important hormone signals.
Excessive menstrual flow may indicate nutrient deficiencies or underlying conditions.
Dairy sensitivity can contribute to inflammation and period pain.
Metabolic and hormonal health should be evaluated beyond just “hormonal symptoms.”
Lifestyle adjustments like tracking cycles, quitting alcohol, or modifying diet can make a measurable difference.
Your period is more than just a monthly inconvenience—it’s a vital health report card. Listening to your body, understanding your cycle, and addressing underlying triggers can improve not only your menstrual health but your overall well-being.
About Lara Briden
Lara Briden is a naturopathic doctor and bestselling author of Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and The Metabolism Reset. She consults in Christchurch, New Zealand, helping women manage PCOS, PMS, endometriosis, perimenopause, and other hormone-related health issues.
Connect with Lara:
Website: www.larabriden.com
Instagram: @larabriden
TikTok: @larabriden
YouTube: Lara Briden
X (Twitter): @LaraBriden
🎧 Listen to the full episode:Click here
