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Season 2 Episode 10
Your Questions Answered: Protein, Birth Control, and Hormone Health Q&A
In this informative Q&A episode of The Flow State Podcast, hosts Monica Grohne and Norah Candido address the community's most pressing questions about hormone health, protein intake, birth control options, and more. Here's what you need to know about these crucial women's health topics.
Protein Myths Debunked
One of the biggest misconceptions addressed is protein absorption limits. Key takeaways include:
- Women need 30-40g protein per serving for optimal muscle synthesis
- The body uses "excess" protein for other vital functions
- Higher protein intake supports blood sugar balance and reduces cravings
- Collagen supplements serve different purposes than complete proteins
Birth Control and Hormonal IUDs
The hosts dive deep into various birth control options, particularly IUDs:
- Hormonal IUDs work primarily by thickening cervical mucus
- The Mirena IUD prevents ovulation in 85% of users the first year, dropping to 15% after
- Copper IUDs are non-hormonal but may increase menstrual flow
- Different options affect cervical mucus production differently
- Dryness is a common side effect of hormonal birth control methods
Period Length and Ovulation
Important insights about cycle variations include:
- A 2-day period can be normal for some individuals
- Shortened periods may indicate stress or nutritional deficiencies
- Multiple methods exist for tracking ovulation
- Basal body temperature tracking provides reliable ovulation data
- LH strips work best when used within the right window
Caffeine and Hormones
The episode concludes with valuable information about caffeine's impact on hormones:
- Morning cortisol naturally peaks - consider delaying coffee
- Caffeine timing affects stress response and cortisol production
- Pre-workout caffeine can be beneficial when properly timed
- Individual caffeine sensitivity varies significantly
Understanding these interconnected aspects of hormone health helps create a more complete picture of women's wellness. Whether you're optimizing your protein intake, choosing birth control, or managing your caffeine consumption, these evidence-based insights can help you make informed decisions about your health.
