Ep. 611 "What the Pill & Depo Do to Your Bones" | Menopause, Perimenopause, Bone Health

Ep. 611 "What the Pill & Depo Do to Your Bones" | Menopause, Perimenopause, Bone Health

Author: Everyday Wellness™ June 25, 2026 Duration: 42:37
Welcome to the latest Midlife Minute. Today, we’re discussing how oral contraceptives and Depo Provera can impact women’s bone health over time.Stay tuned as I walk you through the research, prescribing trends, and ways women can support their bone health. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How peak bone mass in adolescence affects bone health later in life How oral contraceptives can interfere with the bone development of young women The lack of informed conversations about the bone health risks associated with long-term contraceptive use Why Depo Provera may have a stronger impact on bone density than oral contraceptives The importance of nutrition and strength training for supporting bone health How hormonal contraceptives can affect the gut microbiome and immune system What you need to consider regarding your bone density and long-term health if you’ve been using oral contraceptives or Depo for many years Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website. Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com  Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow.  Purchase Cynthia’s book, The Menopause Gut. Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause Supplement Line Resources: Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, oral contraceptives and bone mineral density in a cohort of adolescent girls doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2004.07.005 Oral Contraceptive Use and Bone Density Change in Adolescent and Young Adult Women: A Prospective Study of Age, Hormone Dose, and Discontinuation doi:10.1210/jc.2010-3027 Adolescent use of combined hormonal contraception and peak bone mineral density accrual: A meta-analysis of international prospective controlled studies doi:10.1111/cen.13932 No need to specialize: reproductive health is for all adolescents doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2006.01.055 Injectable Hormone Contraception and Bone Density: Results from a Prospective Study doi:10.1097/00001648-200209000-00015 Hormonal contraception and the development of autoimmunity: A review of the literature doi:10.1080/00243639.2017.1360065 Oral contraceptives, reproductive factors and risk of inflammatory bowel disease doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2012-302362 Combined oral contraceptive use and the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus doi:10.1002/art.24398 Oral Contraceptives and Multiple Sclerosis/Clinically Isolated Syndrome Susceptibility doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0149094 The Experience of Surviving a High-Risk Pregnancy doi:10.1080/23293691.2016.1166104 Effects of 0.9 mg Recombinant Human Thyrotropin on Thyroid Size and Function in Normal Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Cross-Over Trial doi:10.1210/jc.2004-0914  

Navigating the changes that come with midlife can feel isolating, but it doesn't have to be a solo journey. Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+ is a conversation grounded in evidence and empathy. Host Cynthia Thurlow brings her perspective as a nurse practitioner and a woman in this life stage, translating complex science into practical strategies. With over 25 years in health and wellness, including a widely-viewed TEDx talk on intermittent fasting, she connects the dots between hormones, metabolism, and long-term vitality. This podcast delves into the nuanced realities of perimenopause and beyond, moving past generic advice to explore personalized nutrition, sustainable fitness for changing bodies, and managing sleep and stress. It’s a resource for anyone seeking to understand the *why* behind their symptoms and find actionable steps that fit into a real, busy life. The discussions are direct, informed by the latest research, and focused on empowering women to advocate for their own health. Tune in for honest dialogues that replace confusion with clarity and foster a sense of community around shared experiences.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+
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