Episode #3 – Filmed 7/30/2024
Main Topic 1 – Beyond Birth Control: Unpacking the Pill’s Hidden Impacts on Women’s Health
Host – Ryan Sullivan
Guest – Cara Volpicelli
https://www.ajconsultingcompany.com
Here are some links to some good books. This is Your Brain on Birth Control – https://amzn.to/3LND0Se. and Beyond the Pill – https://amzn.to/3LND0Se
Welcome to Tough Table Light Version Three. This podcast started humorously from a Facebook post about female hormonal birth control, which unexpectedly garnered significant attention. Today, I’m joined by Cara, a fitness professional with 25 years in the industry, a two-time WNBF pro, and a WNBF world champion focusing on women’s coaching. We will delve into the effects of pill-based hormonal birth control.
Cara shared her observations on how the birth control pill influences coaching women, often complicating fitness goals. Notably, birth control pills affect mate selection, leading women to prefer less masculine men. As a coach, I’ve noticed patterns in women’s preferences and their blood work, particularly elevated SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), indicating hormonal birth control use.
Studies reveal that women on hormonal birth control tend to choose less masculine partners due to hormonal changes. This is linked to the pill’s constant simulation of pregnancy, leading to preferences for nurturing traits over masculine ones. This shift has societal implications, affecting overall happiness, body composition, and even divorce rates.
Birth control pills lower testosterone, impacting muscle building, energy levels, and mood. They also increase SHBG, binding up available testosterone and leading to numerous negative effects such as fatigue, lower libido, and difficulty in muscle gain and fat loss.
The podcast also discussed alternative birth control methods like IUDs, highlighting their pros and cons. It’s crucial to consider nutrient depletion and stress management for women on the pill. Resources like Dr. Jolene Brighten’s “Beyond the Pill” and Dr. Anthony Jay’s “Estrogeneration” were recommended for further information.
In conclusion, it’s essential to assess the pros and cons of birth control methods, prioritize overall well-being, and make informed decisions. Your quality of life should always come first, and sometimes stepping back to evaluate your health choices can lead to better long-term outcomes.
