Chatting Birth Control with My Mum! | The Hormone Diaries Ep. 4 | Hannah Witton

In Episode 4 of #TheHormoneDiaries I sit down with my mum to talk all about birth control, periods, menopause & the morning after pill!
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[@Mxrlou]

omg... I could never have this types of conversations with my mom that makes me sad

[@emyemyemyyyy]

Jeanne You'd be surprised, sometimes you get older and it's easier. It's been like that for me 😊

[@Deleny725]

same for me, when i was 13 I couldn't even imagine talking about boys with my mum and now I'm 20 and she's here with all her innuendos and we freely talk about sex, masturbation, etc. it's a bit awkward but it's okay

[@Mxrlou]

I'm 20 too and it's still not that way :/

[@SixtySecondYoga]

Jeanne My mum is very strictly religious so same

[@WoWGirl6]

Jeanne good parents keep open communication with their kids no matter how uncomfortable it makes them feel. sorry bout your situation.

[@LilRascalJ]

Even though I'm a guy I still love watching these videos. I think it's very important for everyone to learn about both gender's sexual health and these videos are very important for a lot of women out there who are confused or just interested. Keep it up Hannah, you're doing a great job!

[@sheltiegirl423]

I'm so glad there are guys out there who are interested in these videos! I agree with you, it's so important for people to be informed about the sexual health of both genders.

[@brianalexclark4419]

I think I could sit my 5 year old daughter in front of this channel till she's 18 without any other parenting and have her turn out just fine 😂😅😜

[@sorryforthechaos]

Your mum is the kind of Mum I aspire to be one day

[@sorryforthechaos]

seems like your mum raised a rude brat

[@sorryforthechaos]

wow, i love the use of racism in your last comment it really emphasises the persona you are portraying. Also, thanks for your opinion because i was sat in bed the other night thinking - i really want Adam Adams (brilliant name by the way please give your parents a high five from me) to tell me all about his thoughts on Hannah Witton. Thats all i've ever wanted, you're like a fairy granting my wish. However i do have a question. Why is it wrong for a girl to enjoy sexual pleasures? i mean i totally get that with guys it's COMPLETELY different because getting with girls is like ego points right? but I'm just curious again about your thoughts on the matter - i would like to understand your point of view rather than bashing it at first glance xx

[@ladyg1931]

I read about that study yesterday. I am SO angry. I was NOT depressed until I started the pill. My doctor wouldn't accept that it was linked and I was bullied by my parent and doctor into medicine that was horrible for my mental health. (Instead of changing my BC they gave me depression medication that is super strong and affected my memory for years while I took it) I was put on the pill because of such heavy bleeding and pain (I passed out once) no tests. No research into WHY. I still don't trust my doctors to be on my side. I have to advocate for myself at every turn and sometimes bring backup when they talk over me. Ugh. The misogyny in the medical community is disgusting.

[@Chouetterargentee]

This was so chill?? I kept waiting for this to be weird but it was so chill wow

[@Leannelimwalker]

This series is bloody brilliant, pardon the pun. So relatable as I came off the pill summer 2015 so I've been through all this. Such an important topic to discuss!

[@MiriamForrester]

This is a great accidental ad for how important it is to be totally open about sex ed. Your mum is fabulous & her honest way of doing things gave us the fabulous Hannah Witton!

[@poppymoodie4523]

Wow. I can't imagine talking to my mum that openly about my sex life haha

[@alyssavocadoo]

You're not the only one haha

[@BellatrixisaStar]

Poppy Moodie My mom would probably just get really happy I finally have a sex life tbh

[@poppymoodie4523]

same tbh. She wouldn't want to know the details but she'd be happy to know if it was happening

[@WoWGirl6]

that's unfortunate. parents should be willing to share their knowledge or even misinformation on stuff. having that openness and communication with your parents on anything, any matter, is absolutely key. I wonder why she would feel uncomfortable sharing this important stuff with you.

[@hz1044]

Poppy Moodie if i asked my mum about any of his she would tell me to shut up and get lost

[@kelseypayne4440]

I wish me and my mum were close enough to talk like this....

[@sweetygirl165]

Please look into the different types of coil. There are more than two. I have a gold one (Luna) and it's non hormonal yet gives you your normal (not heavier) periods. It's quick to take out and you can get pregnant within a couple of months after. I like this series but It's important to paint a full picture, especially with such an intimate topic.

[@emyemyemyyyy]

sweetygirl165 Was it painful to put in? Did it make your periods worse or better etc? I've been looking into these and have never heard of this

[@oliviamiller-davis4667]

+Emy Anderson I want to know too

[@VeggieVulcan]

+

[@florcita72]

Hey! Thank you for your comment! I looked up the Luna coil on google and didn't get any hits, is there another specific name I could look up? I am interested in this option.

[@Ekaekto]

This needs to be further up. Also check the Gynefix out! :) Copper IUD in the shape of a string, making it more flexible than the classic coil.

[@ellensa9632]

watching this with my brother in the room so he is aware of these problems!!

[@catherineooi5949]

It is a blessing to stumble across an individual like you on the internet who isn't shy of talking about sex and sexual health in general. Anyway, I have been thinking about getting some sort of IUD and this oh so endearing casual conversation with your mum is so helpful! Thanks Hannah!

[@Shakattackk]

I recently got off the pill and my depression levels seem to be very low right now. While on the pill I was a depressive mess every 5 seconds. So with personal experiences, I can say that the pill has had a direct effect on my depression and personal mental health. I feel fresh and happier now, I don't think I will be going on it again or on the same one at least

[@ireallyreallyhategoogle]

As a man with depression, what i got from the studies that came out is that if a woman gets depressed and is using an hormonal BC, she can try changing her BC and see if it helps.

[@Shakattackk]

Ireallyreally Hategoogle i'm not considering going back on it just yet, but i'm going to have a look at the options in the new year :)

[@MissSnuffles117]

I went on the pill about 3 years ago and about a year ago started taking antidepressants. I know my depression is mostly due to life stress (job, finances, etc.) and maybe partially to genetics, but I could definitely see the hormonal changes that the pill brings being a factor.

[@LauranBeth]

Are all types of "the pill" hormonal?

[@amelieflint9258]

Hey Hannah! I'm absolutely loving the hormone dairies! They are great and you're very inspirational ❤️ ILY

[@rose191991]

When i will have baby girl i want this open relationship with she.My mom never really talk to me about sexsual health.

[@AvoraRiddle]

i love mum-daughter relationships like this. i love being able to tell my mum anything. makes me feel very lucky

[@caitlind5887]

When i took the morning after pill the for the first time, the pharmacist told me that the older type of morning after pill (the type our parents would have used) did have a tendency to make people feel sick, but the new version doesn't usually. That might be why you and your mum had different experiences? But then again, this happened nearly a year ago, i have a terrible memory, and am in no way qualified to be dishing out pharamcological advice, so also maybe ignore me hahaha.

[@MadilynnKlein]

Omg yay!! I love being early to this series, it's my favorite. (Next is drunk advice

[@amye8363]

Pausing to say, HANNAH GET A SMEAR TEST THEY ARE SO IMPORTANT. Thank you :)

[@PassionForMusic15]

I think Hannah is 24? You have you be 25 to have a Smear test in the UK, which is pretty absurd in my opinion...

[@PassionForMusic15]

or at least, they only invite you to make an appointment for one once you're 25 +

[@kathleenjackson3650]

Hannah Gunn That's weird, in the US it's 20 or 21

[@amye8363]

Hannah Gunn Weird it's 20 in New Zealand and we also get free immunisation against cervical cancer before the age of 21.

[@SixtySecondYoga]

Amy Earle I know I panicked so much when she said that! I've had like 3/4!

[@ThatJoeyFella]

That look on Hannah's face when her mum says "in 7 years time you'll be 32" hahaha

[@delinapham6917]

Aww you and your mum are so cute! I love how comfortable and open you two are together ☺️💖💖

[@wonderingwhys]

This is a great thing to do with a parent.

[@ts_editor]

This might be my favourite series on YT right now. I don't even own a vagina.

[@bgttgb100]

owning a vagina kinda sounds like you got it in a drawer somewhere haha! brilliant! XD also, same this is really interesting!

[@camilleprovins1934]

Honestly I find it so great that you talk to so openly about such a tabou subject. I think thanks to you people will take more and more about what we're not supposed to talk about (LOL MY ASS) and the world will be such a better place!!!

[@sarahwilkes8849]

Your mum is fabulous!

[@youtastelikepie]

i love how open you are with each other!

[@ILJS167]

I personality tried taking the pill for a couple of weeks and during that time I noticed how I cried more and more for no reason and got really sad and emotional about little things which eventually made me stop taking it because it was impacting my everyday life

[@Paparoxi31]

I never thought I would be able to talk to my mom about this! Mind you, I'm Hispanic and Hispanic moms are usually very very closed minded about sex out of marriage. I was so relieved when I told my mom I wanted to go on the pill because I wanted her opinion on it because she is a nurse. She told me to get on it! and now we have frequent conversations about different birth control methods and stories and period. I love it, i feel like my bond with my mother has grown. 🙂

[@raek5345]

I love the sex positive environment in this video

[@whatsdozdoing]

these things are so informative. I love them so much!!

[@Zastanick]

FYI: Gynae doctor: we tend to say that with the mirena coil: 1/3 have normal periods 1/3 have lighter periods 1/3 have no periods YMMV :)

[@violettaschmieder2096]

Does it depend on wether your period is normally very light?

[@bethbcrafts]

This made me even more excited to read your book! I loved hearing about your mom's experiences, and showing your audience (esp your younger audience) how to have an honest, healthy convo with a parent is an important thing. Keep it up, Hannah! ❤️❤️

[@CanopysGlow]

Your mom is a gem. I learned so much watching this. Thanks to you both.

[@JJPearlful]

This is so great! The fact that you can talk about this with your mum warms my heart!!

[@eden]

this series is so awesome honestly i really appreciate your transparency! I've been going back and forth in my head as to whether or not i want to try hormonal birth control, but already having depression and hearing these new reports makes me even more weary

[@SoniaOReilly]

Hannah have I said before that I love your intro? I love your intro. Also this whole serie is so amazing, what a great idea to interview your mom!

[@ailsabell288]

I love the stop start animation of this, it's gets me so pumped at the start of each video!

[@goatjesus630]

As somebody who's doctor initially refused to remove their implanon because she didn't believe it caused depression, what I loved about the study on hormonal contraceptive and depression was the resounding chorus of 'No Shit' from women all over the world.

[@Rose551x]

I love how open you are with each other

[@onedirectioner67]

I absolutely love your mum Hannah!! I love the fact that you can both sit there and have this sort of conversation.

[@ItsPhilH]

THIS IS SO GREAT! I love seeing the dynamic between the two of you, it's really sweet. Also, heaps of great info. Thanks for keeping this series going :)

[@RealElongatedMuskrat]

Really love the trusting, open and honest relationship you guys have. Goals right there.

[@TimeyWimeyMusic]

I always look forward to your videos Hannah! I especially like this series. Your openness when discussing these often taboo topics is refreshing and I love it.

[@aletajean1430]

This was so wonderful and refreshing to see such open comfortable communication between the two of you!! Love this series!

[@bexn5817]

Your mother is just lovely! I admire your open and honest relationship. I've tried to have conversations with my mother, but she is much to reserved for them.

[@Sneha-Anatra]

This is so lovely to see! Literally mother/daughter goals, also thank you for the advice I may eventually need, very helpful! Loving this series so far!!

[@sophies7645]

I am absolutely loving this series! It is so nice to hear about all the different forms of contraception out there from someone so young. It's almost like getting advice from an older sister :)

[@X87Illyria]

This is so wonderful! So awesome to see you're mum get involved and being so positive and honest!

[@gina333]

I love the relationship that you and your mom have. You're so close, it's wonderful!

[@xeniafoe]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this series! Couldn't imagine having this sort of conversation with my mum so it's even more great to just hear a different perspective on these things. Please keep this up, it's so interesting :)

[@taraross3864]

Your mom is great and awesome to talk to you openly about things. Rock on girl your a inspiration.

[@natalietaylor4580]

This series is so useful and informative! At the beginning when you were talking about the study on the link between the pill and depression, you really came across 'professional' (in a good way) and almost as if it was a fully fledged documentary on BBC Three or something! Your mum comes across really well too.

[@RebDay]

This was so brilliantly chilled, your mum is so cool. Loving this series! x

[@misshaack]

The relationship and open dialogue you have with your Mum is just amazing. I can't imagine talking like that to ANYONE.... mom, complete stranger, doctor.

[@EnglandFranny]

I really admire your relationship with your mom. Isn't it great how open you can talk about such things? I have a barrier to my mom about intimate things - not because I want to. so I really look up to both of you.

[@hannamaria11]

Just something that caught my ear: even though I haven't had a coil and don't know about the pain levels then when it comes to smear test, it's not painful at all and it's so important all you lovely ladies have it done ! Loved the video, what a lovely lady your mum is !

[@Louweeeasley]

I love this series so much! I love how honest you are and how amazing your mum is!! I've been sending this round to everyone and I will continue to do so. Big hugs and love!

[@candysomething]

What a great mum! So glad you did this video together! :D

[@TheDeliverance90]

Hi Hannha, I love this Series! Its such a important subject and not many people talk about this. I always find it interesting how you guys in england have one smear test bevore 25 or something like that. Here in Germany its common to see a doctor twice a year for a "smear test" (we say "prevent medical checkup"). And we start with these checkups when we are around 15,16,17ish or at least when we start having sex. I have seen videos on this subject and heared that so many gilrs/ young women are scared before they go and have their first smear test in the uk. But I have to say, it is not that bad and if you have a good doctor, it doesn't hurt at all. So don't worry guys;) xx from Berlin

[@marygrindell]

Piaaip .Aippia we have a smear test every year after turning 25, it's very hard to get a doctor to give you a smear before then as they think the risk is so low that it's unnecessary. I personally think it's ridiculous younger women should be able to request them. I'd be really interested to know more about sexual health services in other countries my experience in Britain (more specifically Manchester) has always been great so I'd hope other places are the same.

[@thatjillgirl]

It really isn't that bad! It's much quicker than you think it will be, so even though it's a tad uncomfortable, it just doesn't last long. I find it interesting how different places can have such different recommendations for pap smears! In the U.S., they've started saying you don't need one until you're 21 (though if you're sexually active, you could get one before then). If your pap smear comes back normal, you can wait three years before doing another. And if you get three normal ones in a row, you can start going five years between them.

[@TheDeliverance90]

***** that's what I mean. There can be something wrong without you even noticing...Lucky they found out soon enough with you!

[@awesomelym4d]

I'm from New Zealand and one of the reasons we stopped doing (routine) smears here for under 20's is due to the fact your body is still changing. I was speaking to a nurse who worked for years in vaginal health specifically around smear testing and she said that a very high percentage of people under 21 were testing positive in their smears to pre cancerous cells and that puts them on a 'check up list' where they have to get them yearly or twice yearly to check if these cells are getting worse. She said 9/10 times they disappeared, as they were just abnormal cells that come and go during the body developing. Hence they bumped the smear test age up, as your reproductive system has usually settled and finished developing at around 21+ and you will get more accurate testing and not have to have invasive tests as often or be unnecessarily worried that you might get cervical cancer! Not to mention the resources needed for tests etc can be saved and put towards different places in the health sector.

[@tankgrrl07]

Mary Duffy it's every three years after 25 then once you hit a certain age I think it becomes every 4-5 years.

[@jenniferblair3994]

what an absolutely fantastic open relationship you two have! honesty and openness seeping throughout this 😍

[@estherrichelle9147]

I love that you're having this conversation on your channel!

[@lauraw5497]

You and your mum are such gems I adore this!!!

[@ProudGeek94]

Uhhhhhh this was just sooo gooooooood. Such a chill lady. Loved this.

[@alma3394]

Props to your mother for sharing. She's helped me make a decision on the coil.

[@MacarenaCamejo]

Your mom is so amazing! It's so cool that you guys can chat about these type of things so openly ❤️ loved the video! ☺️

[@madeleinem3801]

These videos make me so excited!💜💜💜

[@JellieBaby100]

your mum is fantastic! my mum is absolutely the same for being informative and helpful but being able to have a laugh too! so good that you can have these conversations!

[@jillswan9654]

Thank you so much for this series, and thanks to your mum for her candidness. She seems so awesome! And I've been on desogesterel for a few years now and have had no periods in that time. I'm curious about the IUD but every single person I know who has had any version of it (about 6 or 7 people) has hated it and had it taken out early to switch to something else. I know that every body and experience is different, but I get so much of my information and make so many of my decisions based on my friends and peers that these red flags are hard to ignore. I'm really looking forward to more episodes!

[@MeganKate92]

Aw! Really enjoyed this! You're mum is so lovely and it's great to hear her experience and her side of things :)

[@jessaannmorrish9621]

I just got the mirena and I love it. Honestly the insertion was so so easy for me, so just know that it's not always a horrendous process. Also you can have it removed at any point so it isn't a huge commitment to get it. Good luck with your decision, I struggled for so long trying to decide what method was best after being on bc pills for 10 years. I'm so glad I went with the IUD!

[@kelsey6695]

Your mum is so great! And it's so obvious how great your relationship is. It makes me smile.

[@thisgirl5011]

you have a great relationship with your mom and very open as well...that is fantastic! Great vid Hannah!! Very informative.

[@lauradibg]

it's so nice how you guys can talk about this sort of thing, really interesting video!!

[@annan347]

This is such a heartwarming episode ❤

[@IoanaPristoleanu]

Love the series Hannah! Your mum seems great and I'm glad that you talk so openly about this stuff - I think you encourage every girl to have these kind of discussions with their mums! Take care :) (also would love a meet and greet in London haha)

[@amyfclapham]

This was super helpful and your mum is adorable! ☺️

[@winterflowerreads]

I love this series! Very interesting episode!

[@TheMinniis]

Since this video was filmed have you decided what to do? I after have heard your thoughts on this topics from this series I've learned to appreciate my period and the fact that the periods actually is just a way to say to me that my body works. Thanks for that, lots of love!

[@BadtemperedandGrumpy]

yes your mum is great ... i see where you get your charisma from ... this is a brilliant series and i am sure will reassure many girls and educate many guys (we are hopeless at talking about periods) .... well done .....

[@K8lynPye]

I have the copper IUD, just got it put in in June. I'm 23 and the one I got is good for 5 years. It was painful when I got it put in, but I scheduled the appointment for a Friday evening and, with medication, I was alright to work by Monday. At the end of it, if you go in accepting that it will be unpleasant and set yourself up for a few days of rest afterwards it will go more smoothly. Everyone experiences the pain differently, but I have to say I really like knowing that the IUD is so bomb proof and that I don't need to worry about it. Condoms just don't feel reliable enough so this gives me huge peace of mind. I also love that it's non-hormonal and it allows me to still experience periods and not have the side effects of hormones

[@suziejmm]

you're mum is great hannah!

[@tinabutterandjelly5]

I had quite severe depression from one pill I was on and I was completely clueless as to why I was depressed because I had never been warned that the pill could be linked to depression. It wasn't until I was off that pill for a few weeks and had my mood do a complete 180 back to my normal happy and positive moods that I realized why I had been having such a horrible time. I think it's incredibly important to make women aware that the pill can potentially cause or worsen depression so they know to be on the lookout for those changes and will be aware why they are happening

[@jennahj_]

The connection between birth control and depression is interesting. I personally went on the pill because of my mood. I used to get super anxious and sad during PMS every month. Now that I'm on the pill, my mood is a lot more stable! It affects everyone differently.

[@ellieineversaidiwasnormal2845]

This was so lovely!

[@DudeWheresMyApple]

Re: the pill + depression - I actually talked to my doctor about this today. The study was saying that for some people on hormonal contraception, their mood can go up, for some people it can go down (and into depression). There's not really a way to know without stopping whatever kind of hormonal contraception you're using for a couple of months. But it's totally reversible if it turns out it had a negative effect :)

[@cathealey1]

I'm heartened by the fact that you have conversations like this with your mum. My mom and I have discussed the reality of birth control once- when I was 18 and she accidentally kicked over my purse and discovered my pills. Before that, it was a quick lecture on puberty and a book thrust at me. I have different visions for when I have children.

[@josegutierrezjr.4684]

First off, you are absolutely gorgeous. DK how I ended up here but the title baited me in, never seen or heard of a video like this. I thought it was gonna be awkward at first and click away withing the first few seconds but as the video went on (and as a father of a little baby girl) it's cool to have this perspective available to the public. Great job

[@jenniferchristian8115]

I've been waiting for this yayay it's finally up and can't wait to start the video :))

[@victoriafoster4490]

I went on the pill in the first place for hormone and mood control, about four years after being diagnosed with MDD. & I hope I end up having this good and open of a relationship with my kids :) You two are mummy/daughter goals.

[@rachaelstone9612]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey! I went off the pill 2 1/2 years ago and jumped into the copper coil without much research and to this day my body hasn't reached any kind of coherent pattern. It's really interesting to hear about someone else's experiences and thought processes and transformations.

[@cagereel]

Love this series Hannah please keep it up!

[@littlemissjjd]

i love this series

[@SophieJantak]

This is such a nice video!! And ever since I watched it it made me realize that I have no idea what my mom has used as birth control, so today I finally asked her and we had a really nice chat about it. Thank you for this

[@velokat]

loved this video!!

[@lyndseymairhi]

I love how you and your mum communicate, it's just like my relationship with my mum! Loving the hormone diaries, I think we're pretty much the same age and it's great to see someone openly talking about the often confusing world of contraception! Morning after pill story: I had just turned 22 and made a mistake regarding my cycle so needed to get the pill. The nurse told me I was old enough to know better and had sex at 'the most stupid time' ....great job nurse!

[@Lauraaagh]

Thank you so much for making this series! Today is my first day pill-free and you are the one who gave me the courage to stop! :D

[@ThisIsCronan]

That was wonderful, I'm properly loving this series. Your mum is fab!

[@MsSweetpoint]

This was brilliant!!

[@CollyoftheWobbles]

Both you and you're mum are great i LOVE this series, it should be shown in schools. Oh god I wish I had known all this. I had a coil fitted and YES like labour. My body rek=jected it and I was in and out of hospital for days. no-one old me this would happen and in the end I had them remove it. I now have internal scaring from where my body tried to get rid of it. Non of this was in the paperwork or explained to me at the time, I was just told I would get some mild cramping for a few days. it needs to be shared more. LOVE YOUxxx