Ricki Lake & Abby Epstein: The Truth About the Pill

Mayim breaks down how the neurochemical basis of women's hormones and the impacts of the menstrual cycle on their bodies and minds. Mayim also covers how our understanding of women's health has changed over time, including a brief overview of what Freud got wrong. Activists Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein discuss their most recent project tackling the misperceptions about women's mental health related to increasing rates of overprescription of the birth control pill. And Mayim shares about her experience on the pill and the differential access to reproductive health in under-serviced communities and what we can do about it.
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Theme Song Written, Produced, and Performed by Ed Robertson. Mixed by Kenny Luong.
#MayimBialik​​​ #RickiLake #AbbyEpstein

[@MayimBialik]

Women’s health: let’s break it down. After all, it is the first episode of the March which happens to be #WomensHistoryMonth​, too. 💜 This week I tackle the mental health aspects of a woman’s cycle with the aim of understanding how women’s health care has changed over time and still has a way to go! The best part!? Not one, but TWO brave, badass trailblazers join me for the conversation. Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3kCVoPe Listen on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3q8nN0R

[@AgendaInMind]

You may be interested in watching RawBeautyKristis recent video on KZbin about her sons birth story. She was infertile for 15 years, accepted it, then suddenly got pregnant. Her very educated birth plan didn’t work out, but still had a great ending. It’s really interesting!!!

[@jenniferkeeling4913]

Thank you for this AMAZING podcast!! I greatly appreciate the genuine and transparent conversations from you, Jonathan and all your guests!! Thank you for talking about these topics that are considered taboo.

[@klarichelle]

Thank you for this amazing episode Mayim I've been waiting for this topic to be discussed and I'm not disappointed! Abby and Ricki are perfect speakers for this topic thank you so much ❤️

[@theyJC]

I hope to see Black and Indigenous women on the show for #WomensHistoryMonth 😁

[@theyJC]

maybe for the neuroscience of generational trauma? 🤔 having your perspective + a BIPOC perspective would be amazing

[@shanemoran9896]

Mayim, can you please do one on Perimenopause and Menopause?

[@mirfir]

Seriously!!!!

[@maryanngundrum942]

Please please please

[@tammimiller2077]

Yessss!

[@samanthabyrne4145]

Definitely needed.

[@zenseed75]

Please. Something in your brain might help me realize which is which. Between being 45, having a prolactinoma which messes w/my cycle already, major depressive and generalized anxiety disorders i dont know what is happening. Ive had hot flashes for years but bloodwork says im pre. Just a mess.

[@merriebusch9401]

Yes, I want to know all about historical ways women have prevented pregnancies!

[@merriebusch9401]

@Mayim Bialik , I’m doing as well as anyone given this strange new life. Really appreciated your “Breakdown” this week. While Speaking with my daughter tonight about anxiety, and especially financial anxiety we were able to disassociate the anxiety from the current “topic /focus” and see the anxiety as the behavior that isn’t serving her. It was a healthy and productive talk.

[@celtglen]

@Mayim Bialik OK, now all of us are jealous of Merrie (great name BTW).

[@TheSuplays]

Is it just me who wake up every tuesdays singing "It's Mayim Bialik's Breakdown, she's gonna break it down for you, because you know she knows a thing or two"? This podcast makes me a happy person, as simple as that. Thank you, Mayim and Jonathan!

[@nataliesirota2611]

I love that the theme song is now one of my favorite earworms! ;)

[@cmralph...]

I sing the theme song to my cats - "It's Mayim Meow-Yows breakdown ..."

[@nataliesirota2611]

@@cmralph... LOVE it! I will have to give it a try and see how my kitties like it. ;)

[@mollysmith1226]

Same!!!

[@jonathancohen4774]

lol - I sing it too!

[@blushcalleddawn9312]

A few years back I was put started taking a new birth control, and the same month my grandma whom I was very close with passed away. I was very sad about loosing my grandma and began having pretty regular crying fits and feelings of deep depression. After about 6 months my constant sadness and feelings of deep loneliness kept getting worse. I was crying at least once a day and anything that was said to me felt like an attack on who I was. I hated everything. I felt like happiness was this far away spec that I would never be able to find again. I wanted everything to just end. I realized that this no longer had anything to do with the loss of my grandma, and put together that it may have something to do with the birth control. I told my doctor I wanted to try something else because I felt like the medicine was making me crazy, and the doc told me that there was no research to support a connection between depression and birth control. They wouldn't put me on anything else because this particular medicine was supposed to help with hormonal migraines, which I am prone to during my periods. I looked on line and found countless groups of people on the same medicine as me talking about having weeping fits and feelings of suicide. Finally I just stopped the medicine on my own and within 3 months felt so much better. I felt proud of myself for making the choice, but so betrayed by my doctor.

[@jonquilcat7945]

Good for you for making the decision based on your own awareness of your body/mind 🌸🌸

[@carolinpurayidom4570]

I recommend natural family planning not the rythym method but the more scientifically accurate methods down with the assistance of a natural family planner assistant bro track your cycle and to track your fertility

[@irenegold9744]

I told my doctor the pill killed my libido and he was shocked! He had never heard of such a thing!

[@mlou1765]

Learned so much today.........but would love to also hear a show on perimenopause and post menopause. Because that is also something that is never talked about.......

[@mirfir]

Yes!!!!!

[@cathynuytten798]

Yes please!

[@alexandrahubner6736]

Yes!!

[@sojustrutz]

I LOUDLY 2nd that! Maybe a Peri/Post "Hysto-Health 4 Dummies" kinda coffee table book? 👍🏼😉

[@jschaller1358]

So interesting. I studied anatomy in college and was fascinated by the natural rythym of the body. I decided early that I would never use hormonal birth control. I think you are the first person who I've ever heard express the same thinking that overruling the natural cycle is probably not good long term.

[@gisellegradvohl7654]

Same here, sister. I've tracked my cycle my entire life. I am 42, peri menopausal. I've probably been perimenopausal for 5 years now and didn't know. Do you have any suggestions and knowledge I would love that thank you

[@noneofurbusiness5223]

It can help with certain things: PCOS, fibromyalgia, etc

[@Fayelin449]

Yes please, more about ancient forms of birth control.

[@cassandrawarner78]

In days of olde When knights were bold And condoms were not yet invented They tied a sock Around their cock And babies were prevented

[@megnelli]

Silphium

[@KOKO-uu7yd]

My daughter is just heading INTO her cycles, as my body is heading OUT. I SO NEED THIS!!!!

[@itsjustme.7059]

Me too. I had my daughter when I was 40 and she’s 11 now. I’ve talked to her about it because it was such a taboo topic in my family. I was terrified about mine and it made me feel dirty. I want her to know it’s not that way.

[@KristinM626]

I don’t know how you do it, but every week there’s at least one thing that makes me go “Huh... that explains so much about when I was dealing with that thing.” Thank you so much for another insightful episode.

[@AgendaInMind]

Wait until people realize the Germ Theory was never true from the beginning.

[@katharinamaier2966]

I like your name. 😊

[@mirfir]

I call that a “God-thing.” 😎🙏🏽

[@hjsimmer1742]

I've never been on the pill and I don't have children... but I am FEEEEELING this episode. The strength and perseverance and wisdom in this episode is incredible. The future is female, damn it.

[@elizabethstanley4541]

Me too!!

[@butterflynerd0078]

Same!!

[@gisellegradvohl7654]

I've never taken any menstrual regulating pills. I'm glad to hear that other sisters are doing the same. A triumph.

[@12345tlynne]

"I try not to get too excited because then I get too disappointed"... ME TOO!!!

[@jonathancohen4774]

lol

[@alexandrahubner6736]

I would love an episode also in menopause!

[@JackieHall71]

Yes, I would love to hear about Mayim's birth story(s).

[@mwells5001]

Yes! I love birth stories!

[@hannahkroon5233]

One of my biggest frustrations have been that we are being manipulated (or at the very least feeling like it) by the medical industry... We are told what we need to know to do what they want us to do. It isn't about INFORMED consent. And not just in this area! And I do think that training is so much of this puzzle!

[@susanryan1398]

Great episode, dear Mayim. When I was on the pill for nearly 20 years, I had loads of headaches and felt my brain was in a chemical fog. In my mid 30s I decided to undergo sterilisation surgery (in the Netherlands) because I didn't wanted children, nor wanted to remain on the pill until menopause. Also, those hospital costs (€1,000 in total for a day treatment which happened more than 10 years ago) were fully covered by my Dutch health insurance. My gynecologist was fully supportive and there wasn't a stigma when I discussed it with her. My natural monthly cycle returned after my surgery and it still remains today. It was the best choice for my physical and mental health and I'm glad I did it.

[@2degucitas]

I'm amazed that you can opt for sterilization in your country! Can any female ask for it? What are the restrictions for getting one? Women in the USA are routinely talked out of getting it and must be a certain age with children already! At least the days of needing a husband's permission are over...

[@millie9352]

this is why tuesday is my fav day of the week (edit): I’m coming back to this to say that I learned so much from this episode. I’ve never heard anyone else speak about the effects the pill has on my mental health and am so confused as to why gynecologists fail to mention these things? This podcast has really inspired me to inform myself more on all things mental health, to get better help and encourage my friends to do the same. Its also been EXTREMELY helpful in trying to word what i’m feeling better and being able to share the things that I’m experiencing with my family. Thank you so much for another amazing episode - as always, can’t wait for next week!

[@jonathancohen4774]

🙏

[@lidialondres]

Indeed. I took the pill because of massive pain and illness around my period. Those two years I felt like a zombie. I wasn't myself at all. Then we decided to stop because we want to have children, this was 18 months ago. The next 3 months I started to feel like myself again, and talked a lot about it with my husband, not knowing this was very common. Now I'm still trying to have a family and in pain, a lot of pain every month, but at least I'm myself again. I would never take it again.

[@vatiammatri]

Awesome show, thank you! I knew to go off the pill at 20, in 1980 btw, so that I could experience life as a woman and my cycles in a natural way. It didn't take me long to figure out that I was experiencing my cycles in COMPLETELY different way than my friends who were on the pill. Many of them stayed on through menarche, never experiencing a natural cycle! Your recognition of the types of attraction at ovulation is so right on! Anyway, thank you all for sharing and elevating this very important subject. Women have so much to contribute, and knowing who we fully are as women and humans is so important to the collective. It's like the dulling down of generations of women through pharmaceuticals.

[@ST-og2cb]

I was prescribed a birth control in college that made my face break out horribly, I gained about 20 lbs. It was finally needing to pull my car over to cry my eyes out, that I realized something was wrong. I stopped the BC and felt much better. At the very least doctors should realize that BC is not a one-size-fits-all. I knew other women who were not at all affected in the same way on the same birth control. Also, yes!!! Being overwhelmed by new motherhood is not always post-partum depressions, it's perhaps a symptom that modern U.S. life is not supportive of parents, mothers IN PARTICULAR

[@Naluvaz]

My mum never took me to the gynaecologist until I was around the time to get checked for cervical cancer. I thought it was because it wasn't necessary. Now I know she really didn't want to expose me to the pressure of being put on the pill.

[@viancabasas9856]

Topics like this aren’t always easy to discuss but it’s one that needs to be talked about in an open and authentic way like what miss mayim, jonathan, ricki and abby did on this new episode. Thank you! I’ll definitely share it to my girl-friends and family💕

[@franstorchn.d.2760]

Mayim, Ricki, Abby and Jonathan: Thank you so much for this important topic! As a naturopathic physician, I discuss the pitfalls and concerns about chemical contraception all the time. I definitely see women who are having mental health issues while on it, and I encourage them to think about stopping when appropriate. I can't tell you how many women I see that come in with a history of some sort of problem in their teens, and then being given chemical contraception at them time, still on it since then and they're in their 30s! They've never had their own natural period! Is this the best that medicine has to offer? In naturopathic medicine we have so many things we can do. I obviously don't insist that someone who is happy and healthy on their chemical contraception come off it, but usually I see women who are having trouble, and it is likely a large contributor. You said so many things that I say to my patients, alarmingly, all the time!

[@melainenicholson]

I'm still reeling!! This entire interview, literally every single word, needs to be written and published, and handed to every young person, globally. Seriously. Correct clinical information is essential for making responsible decisions. Not just for birth control, but for repro health, and maintaining mental health. I'm feeling so much rage, right now. Regret is a close second, followed by grief for what might have been. Thank you for sharing this conversation. Also, thank you for using your platform to speak out and speak up. I hope you feel my love and gratitude.

[@susannebrown3255]

After watching, I realized how lucky I was in my mum. She taught me to pay attention to my body and what it was doing. Trust my instincts. My brothers also educated on girly stuff. I carry it forward with my daughters. 👋🇨🇦

[@bernadettewhitty2313]

This was a huge eye opener for me. It highlighted my own experiences of “feeling crazy” from the pill. I shared it with my teenager daughter who was taking the patch/pill.

[@gianninal5455]

Was really hoping Ricki would elaborate more on her hairloss, its relation to hormonal birth control, and how/if she's had success with any treatments/techniques for regrowth (as this is an issue for me that I too am convinced is linked to having been on HBC for 20 yrs).

[@LinaG30]

Can’t help but love how Jonathan and Mayim acts so professional every time they’re on the podcast. Shows that they are really serious about what they want to deliver. If I didn’t watch celebrity game face, I wouldn’t know that they’re dating.

[@TheItGirlQ]

Totally out of the loop. Didn’t know that at all 😂

[@astridreads]

Thanks for the tea 🫖😍

[@simulationdisruptor6033]

Aw cute

[@wendya9474]

Same! I was surprised when I found out they’re a couple! I like their dynamic on this podcast. 💕

[@arwensharp3234]

I was in my late 30s when I started a new relationship and started on the pill. In addition to the mental aspect of taking the pill, and why we take it, I learned the physical things that go with it. I developed a DVT, and it traveled to my lungs. And that scary thing isn't discussed as much before prescribing the pill. And there is a whole new mental aspect that goes with surviving a PE. I love all that you do. You are so down to earth in the way you discuss things.

[@sarahwinter3587]

yes please, I want to hear about contraception throughout history!

[@darylfayelozada1527]

I love how things are broken down in the simplest way that they could for listeners who are not familiar with the techical terms. Indeed, Mayim is serving the needs to break down the things that we should know so we would not have a breakdown. Kudos, to Mayim and Jonathan ❣️

[@michellechua717]

I really love this podcast! Love your team Mayim and Jonathan! Respect for Jonathan for being a part of a conversation that most men shy away from. More episodes please!

[@browneyedgirl4637]

I have a blood clotting disorder that was not found until my late 20s. In my early 20s the doctor tried to put me on birth control. I was reluctant to take the pill as I was afraid it was going to stop me from being able to have children as I got older. I later found out while I was pregnant (with an intentional pregnancy) that I had a blood clot in disorder. Had I taken the birth control pills as they were prescribed it could’ve caused me to have a blood clot as birth control pills can increase your chances of having a blood clot. My doctors did not do any tests in my early 20s to see if I had any type of blood clotting disorder they just said well your periods are painful and you’re sexually active so take the pill. Women please trust your body and your instincts and prior to being placed on any type of birth control please have your blood checked for any type of blood clotting disorders.

[@theewildrose]

I feel really betrayed by the specialists who disregarded all my concerns about BC and let me bleed for MONTHS. That is a serious side effect they say no big deal

[@kellieledonne5572]

Where were you when I was going through my periods? God this episode is so necessary for all women. Thank you... thank you, thank you. I’m already through menopause, but I have nieces who are in their 30s, so I am going to send them to this episode. You are providing such an amazing service. Thanks 🙏

[@melaniepoulton6738]

Wow this was such a great conversation. I went to a birth control clinic at the age of 23 because I could not get my own Dr. They gave me the pill, made me watch a movie about birth control and sign some paper work. I was so emotional after several months (crying while at work because I didn't have the right size of shoe for a customer) I also had a slight buzzing in my head which I ignored for years. One day I woke up and my breasts were two sizes larger and were so sore. I had to call into work as my bra wouldn't fit.My boyfriend and I were a little shocked to say the least, it was insane. I ask myself now why I didn't go back to the clinic and change the meds. I ended up coming off of the pill after four years.The buzzing noise stopped and I felt much calmer. When I eventually got my own gyno/obgyn she said the levels of hormones in the pill were extremely high for someone who had never been on the pill.

[@2degucitas]

You were given the WRONG birth control pills! You deserved (and needed) to have followup with a good obgyn. They failed to educate you on all the different formulations of the pill.

[@melrox8809]

Good morning Mayim & Johnathan, I love this podcast.

[@jonathancohen4774]

Thanks 🙏 for listening!

[@terryhuffaker3615]

PLEASE please please do an episode on ancient and modern means of birth control.. Sounds fascinating..

[@debbiefox6846]

In ancient egypt women would internally apply alligator dung. Something I would NEVER recommend! If you google ancient birth control methods you can find out. It is interesting and scary reading what women did too themselves to prevent pregnancy. Some things are plants and herbs during winter so they weren't pregnant during harsh winters.

[@sammimoe4829]

Mayim, please quit body shaming Jonathan. If it was another woman it wouldn’t be tolerated and shouldn’t be tolerated with anyone. I know it’s playful teasing but something that bothers me so I thought I say something. I think you’re both adorable! I appreciate the information you share and the people willing to come share their stories. Thank you.

[@cindymulder1019]

Oh a menopause podcast would be brilliant. I so enjoy listening to you and Jonathan and every guest, it makes me do some self care. Or try at least, its not easy that's for sure . However your topics make me take pause . Thank you for being your honest selves.

[@mattmc5069]

Very interesting we men should learn to this it showed me how these changes impact a womans mood and it helps to be understanding of these changes ty for putting this subject out there

[@mirfir]

Bring on Padma Lakshmi to discuss endometriosis!!!

[@ml5878]

I’m interested for sure. The “pill” is literally the only thing saving me from a horrendous cycle due to severe endometriosis so if there’s an alternative out there bring it on.

[@Freya3]

I’d love to not rely on the pill to help have less excruciating periods and strange bleeding almost all the time.

[@AC00009]

I’m in my 40’s...Best choice I ever made was to eschew all hormonal birth control (It was first offered at 12 to control my period). I watched so many friends go through hell over it. Taking them, getting off them to have babies, going back on them. I also am childfree, so I have 20+ years of sexual activity that didn’t ever lead to pregnancy. It can be done.

[@gisellegradvohl7654]

Yes queen

[@keira_skyler]

How?

[@gisellegradvohl7654]

@@keira_skyler track your period. Cycles should be 25-28 days from bleeding to bleeding. Ovulation usually occurs between 10 to 14 days after you first bleed. Keep in mind that sperm can live in the body up to 4 days. I track my ovulation on a calendar. I have LH ovulation tests that I use. I listen to my body when I feel a pinching in my ovary or a cramp in my uterus, I write it down on my calendar. I checked my vaginal mucus. If it's sticky and stringy, I am getting close to ovulation time. In conclusion, you just really have to get in touch with your body and keep notes. Let me know if you have any other questions I'm here to help

[@darnitthelma4247]

@@keira_skylerbasically she must have to use the pull out method 😮 but at the right times

[@shabytin]

Yay for another episode! Every week, I learn so much from your podcast. I can’t express how thankful I am to you for doing this, Mayim! You’ve been my inspiration for years and everyday, you remind me why I admire you so much. I can only wish to meet you one day!!

[@myindigoblues5796]

100% so happy for this. Thank you 🙏 Also, so profound that you mentioned the grieving and “little death” that happens with each period - something that I think a lot of us are disconnected from. I never wanted to have children, but even I noticed that - especially as I headed into my thirties. Those feelings change. That awareness changes. Something in us realizes it’s a missed opportunity and a loss of life. A little grieved egg that never hatched. Also, “you don’t really like him, you’re just ovulating” has saved me from many mistakes. Too bad that knowledge came late in life 😜 We don’t know when there’s a problem because everything about us as women has been made into a problem 🎤 🖐

[@catalinaalvarez2648]

This podcast is getting better and better every week!!! I am still on the first 30 minutes and I am sooooooooo excited!!! Thanks to Mayim and Jonathan!!!

[@brandy_with_a_why]

I loved this conversation. It is only in the last few years that I've really tried to be more in tune with my cycles - menstrual and otherwise. Thank you so much for this fabulous podcast!

[@taniawebster5867]

Tuesdays are my favourite day of the week and the rest of the week I just spend relistening to every episode. Every episode gets more amazing and interesting. Learning about women's health in this episode has been wonderful and I'm so grateful to have found a podcast that talks about everything that needs to be talked about. So thank you so much .

[@ishkacarreon3079]

Omg i was put on the pill since i was 16 to 36!!! 20yrs!! Then when i tried to get knocked up..i couldnt..went to a naturalpath and she said its bc i was on the pill so long my body doesnt know what to do..i should of never gone onto birth control. I was blessed to have one baby..which was a e.r. section bc she got weaged and would not move..and i was slowly losing it and not able to push her out..im grateful for the medical intervention bc it saves both myself and my child..there was heartbreak bc i couldnt go natural. In the end we both made it

[@klarichelle]

I love today's topic. I've been wanting to talk about this to someone but I don't know how or whom to talk to since this topic is rarely discussed. Thank you Mayim, Jonathan, Ricki and Abby for this very informative podcast ❤️ Happy international women's month!

[@alicelnu3082]

This is amazing. Thanks all. This needs to be widespread.

[@bethmaxey2326]

I'd really like to go into all the ways about ancient times preventing pregnancy.... just curious....

[@BosseLadi12]

Yes please

[@kirstenperegrin6109]

some of them are very dangerous. this may be why she doesn't want to speak about it publicly. do the research yourself, it's available. try classic coke douche post coitus if you have to: at least you won't get very sick or die.

[@gangoolie68]

Yes please

[@lisir.2628]

There's a museum regarding that topic in Vienna. I remember there being gut strings of goats or sheep, those were used as condoms at some point.

[@oliviapena5968]

Ditto! ☝️

[@kathiedel4647]

I have spoken with my two daughters about how important it is for them to be open and speak to and share with their partners/significant others when they are expecting their periods or when they are going through some hormonal times. Let them in and share.

[@vernss3092]

I am so grateful for these Tuesday morning opportunities to listen to intelligent adults having meaningful conversations. Thank you.

[@tinamalone2336]

First time I have tuned in and have been watching all day! Huge fan and love the content. Thank you so much for excellent content. Subscribed!

[@nancykerstetter1952]

What a very interesting subject. As a 65 yr old female, I learned so much. Thank you for sharing this important information , so we as women can make the best choices for our bodies.

[@amruthavallivv7679]

I loved this episode! Sharing it with everyone I know, especially my girls. Makes me feel validated when I say, 'I want to understand why I'm feeling this way'

[@markdodson1607]

I say "I sorta operate in dysthymia normally" all the time. Hearing someone else say it makes me realize I say it to discount what that actually means. This whole episode has been quite informative and powerful, and this coming from someone who will never be faced with the decision of taking a hormonal contraceptives. Well done.

[@soulschool3068]

Another amazing interview! Thank you so much!

[@marciasmith3478]

Thank you! I’m enjoying how you bring such great information forward while being entertaining and vulnerable and real.

[@LifeIsShort021404]

Hi, Mayim & Jonathan! Thank you so much for your podcast. I love forward to it every Tuesday now. I like the banter that you two have on the show. I have learned so much and in agreement with so many things that Ricki and Abby have said. My pill experience was similar. I was told to "go on the Pill" during my freshmen year of college to regulate my period and mood, as if it were just another college course. Yes, Jonathan, I would like for Mayim to talk about ancient forms of birth control! I give you my vote!

[@jonathancohen4774]

Thank you so much for listening!

[@TheSeniorTuberCommunity]

I love this new podcast platform for Mayim. I've been a fan since beaches, but this is best. I appreciate the level of communication. Looking forward to upcoming topics.

[@TheSeniorTuberCommunity]

@Mayim Bialik Doing well and sharing about your show with my clients. Wishing you all the best.

[@catherinemakohn6141]

This was so interesting! It talked so much about the mis-understandings and unknowns about birth control and women's health. It is so important to talk about things like this. I learned a lot from this week and I hope to keep learning more about women's health and mental health and how we can move forward. Thank you for opening these doors, Mayim. What else can we do moving forward to make talking about this more normal?

[@cassiegarman]

Congrats Mayim on the 1 million subscribers!!! 🎉 We love you!!!! ❤️❤️

[@jamiewagner7066]

I really loved this episode-- it's the first one of your podcast that I've watched so far--- and I'm excited to watch more! Thank you for addressing these important issues with women's health.

[@keril7113]

Mayim you are an inspiration. It would be a honor to have a conversation with you. Thank you for your authenticity. You make being a strong intelligent woman cool.

[@pottercreps]

This was so good! I would love to hear Mayim speak more about how a woman’s cycle affects physical and mental health. Especially the luteal phase... I know I’ve personally experienced PMDD and that’s a whole scary thing. Thank you!

[@debbiefox6846]

My youngest daughter has PMDD. It is scary issue and very real. The pill was her saving grace. I didn't want my 9 year old on Prozac 3 days a month.

[@irahliwanag4154]

I learned so much from this episode, and to entire podcast. We really need this kind of platform to educate other people on mental health. Words can't express how much I am thankful to you and Jonathan for doing this. You're such an inspiration, and I will support you!

[@jonathancohen4774]

🙏 for listening!

[@andthenthereweretwo2652]

This is day 6 off the pill. I’m 49 and started on it for menopause symptoms. 8 months later and I turned into a wreck. HPA axis dysfunction, tachycardia, bradycardia, severe anxiety, deep depression and weight gain. I feel better than I have in months and my body is already healing itself.

[@user-cq1en7td4h]

Thanks for your comment. Perimenopause is a whole other “cycle” with questions about taking the pill or not.

[@mirfir]

Education & knowing your own body!!! Bingo!!

[@ellen_thekindtempest]

Amazing episode, as always! ❤️

[@irenegold9744]

I know I'm late to this party, but iv only just discoved this channel this week and I'm binging!! I had horrible side effects from the pill early on where I would feel repellant discomfort when my partner would come near me, nevermind try to touch me. It was traumatic because I honestly loved him and wanted to have intimacy, but I didn't understand why I couldn't until I got off the pill. I worry now for my young adult daughter as she has been struggling with mental health since grade 2, but the past year she started the pill at my insistence as she had a boyfriend. She had a major mental health crisis and had to stop working. She's in therapy and doing well, but now I'm looking at this drug that may have contributed to her illness and it's got me scared. But now I know I can look into it and encourage her to do the same. Ty Myaim, Jonathan, Ricki and Abby!!

[@reginaantonia2557]

This video is amazing!! Thank you! Thank you for finally talking about women's health. Finally.

[@vkhermes]

Dear Mayim, please talk about the possibility of male birth control(by pill or otherwise). It is very unfair in my opinion that women have to carry all the burdens of procreation, we need equaity!

[@kathreen1234567]

I say it’s more difficult for male birth control, as men creates hundreds of sperm everyday but women create one egg an month So I think men would have to take a lot of pills a day to prevent pregnancy 😅

[@katecampbell5466]

To be honest, what we need is a simple temporary procedure to be performed on males at puberty that can be reversed if and when he and a willing partner decide they want to have children.

[@TheOneTheyCallTim]

I can't remember the name but there is an injection that is almost ready to go to market for male birth control.

[@mychemicalromance444]

I love this podcast 🥺 I literally drop everything just so I can chime in to listen to it!! 🥰

[@BabeJohnson]

More, please. Wonderful! Thank you, Mayim.

[@r.worden7734]

Very well put together with the researched material. Thank you.

[@nataliesirota2611]

So many wonderful truths shared today! Thank you SO much for bringing it all to light! All of us who have experienced it, knew it, but never talked about it. So glad that the tide is changing for women. Huge shout out to Women's Wisdom!

[@myravillella5678]

I have been really enjoying your show Mayim, I have been binge-listening at work, thank you for this episode.! I met Jonathan when he used to live in Oregon : ) Great to see you together.

[@gracex6699]

i swear tuesday is the best day of the week like i wait for tuesday all week ❤️

[@psychlady]

Thank you for breaking it all down. I look forward to every episode.

[@Elongang]

Tuesday is now my favourite day of the week, I’m obsessed with this podcast!! 😌❤️

[@rodneywelch3556]

My husband got out of the military in 1994. At that time my cycle went from 7 days to 3 days. Also came with migraines the day before and the day after. I found excedrin migraine, a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and a ginger ale made the headache go away in about half an hour. I found this on my own. Having a mother who was learning about natural medicine and looking into other options than what a doctor has told her, i started my own journey into this as well. I’m now 53 and have been in menopause for a year. No headaches. No cycle. No sexual interest most of the time. I am starting to learn about the next phase of my journey. This episode was awesome and will be recommending to the women in my life that are open to looking into their own health. Thank you! ❤❤

[@rodneywelch3556]

I just realized that it says my husbands name as the commenter. We share the KZbin site.

[@kristindavis4943]

Great topic! " being out on the pill" is a real issue. Also as women in her forties, I grew up watching Ricki and Mayim, it was great listening to them and relating to the same issues.

[@eleanorbertuch135]

Always interesting and entertaining as well. Thank you all

[@AnaBeatriz-lg9tf]

Best notification of the day 😊 Thank you Mayim 🥺❤️ Can't wait for next week ... Another week with the breakdown music in my head hahaha 🤣

[@christinadouglas1760]

This is the second best thing of my every Tuesday. Thank you so much.

[@pinespringpridefarm38]

I really love this podcast with Mayim and Jonathan. (Hi from Canada!) Much cheaper to listen and learn from this podcast, then have to pay for a therapist. Stay healthly and safe!

[@justinadugan5789]

Best podcast out there!!! Thank you Mayim and Jonathan

[@dwsvlogs97]

I was on the Ricki Lake show years ago. It's good to see her today still doing well. Mayim's explanation of women's biology was so down to earth and simplistic enough to be understood. This makes me feel good that I chose to watch Blossom over Punky Brewster when they played them in reruns when I was a kid. Thanks Mayim for turning out to be a beautiful intelligent woman.

[@MsMandsa]

I looooove your podcasts!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, such and important topic, mental health in general, and what I struggle with. Please keep doing the podcasts!! I'm learning so much.

[@viancabasas9856]

Happy 1M Subscribers, miss mayim!!! Love youuuu! 💓

[@hadleyjames8627]

Thank You . Loved the Topic❣️

[@jaimejofreeman3544]

Thank you for mentioning hormonal migraines and taking BC. I have been thinking about this. I would love to hear more of your thoughts on this. Such a great episode! Thank you.

[@laurielynne2006]

Mayim, you are so relatable! I ❤️ your show! Thank you

[@gn2383]

Mayim, you are amazing! Receive my best wishes from Brazil!! :)

[@marciakarasinski]

I absolutelly loved it. Again. Thanks. Suggestion for new topics: HSP (highly sensitive people). I am one. I believe you are too. In case you already did it, just ignore my suggestion.

[@jesstheRoswell_BookQueen]

I love these so much!!!! And by the way.... your opening song get stuck in my head for days! Lol 🤷‍♀️

[@nashsanadiki3104]

I love this channel, I especially enjoyed your episode on anxiety with grace. I also cope with anxiety and find it hard to express my limitations especially when working in a group or at work without lying saying "I havent been sleeping", "I'm tired"

[@nashsanadiki3104]

@Mayim Bialik your welcome 🙏🙏

[@nashsanadiki3104]

Are we besties now😂 lol I love your character Amy on Big Bang

[@nashsanadiki3104]

@Mayim Bialik I was born in Syria Damascus and moved to London Ontario with my Family in 2004 I did struggle socially since stepping foot in Canada, and also to add social anxiety and ADHD in the mix, are not the ideal combination. I work in the produce department at Walmart while I'm studying Digital Marketing at Fanshawe College. PS. I left out the parts about how it took long for me to get approved for a proper assessment from my college to get the medication I needed to focus at work and school.

[@nashsanadiki3104]

@Mayim Bialik [e-mail] I do hesitate to face to face speak, but wont say no to exchanging emails.

[@nashsanadiki3104]

@Mayim Bialik nah I'll keep it 😘💖, keep up the great work

[@michellecaudill7936]

Yes please do an episode on the entire cycle and different societies views.

[@Cocobutterhoney78]

We need WAY more platforms that share all of this good information.

[@mllemelocoton8272]

I love, love, love, love this!!!!!!!!!! I listen on repeat the episodes!