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Pure Health PodcastAuthor: Kirsty Jenkins
"Pure Health Podcast is your guide on how to live a healthy wholefood life, where two clinical Nutritionist sisters talk about their experience in the clinic looking into gut health, hormones, womens health, weight loss unfiltered banter behind the scenes of work, life and play. Language: en-au Genres: Health & Fitness, Nutrition Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 102: Why the OCP is not the answer
Episode 102
Tuesday, 3 February, 2026
In this episode of The Pure Health Podcast, Kirsty and Nicole unpack one of the most common — and misunderstood — tools used in women’s health: the oral contraceptive pill (OCP).They explore why the pill is so often prescribed for symptoms like acne, PCOS, heavy or painful periods, and missing cycles — and why, while it can offer short-term relief, it doesn’t address the underlying drivers of hormonal imbalance. Instead, the pill acts as a band-aid, suppressing ovulation and overriding the body’s natural hormone signals rather than restoring hormonal function.The girls break down the difference between a pill bleed and a real menstrual cycle, explaining why ovulation and progesterone production are essential markers of health. They also dive into what actually drives common hormone-related symptoms — including insulin resistance, inflammation, gut health imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, stress and nervous system dysregulation — and why these root causes are often missed.This episode covers:Why the pill doesn’t “regulate” hormones — it switches them offThe difference between a real period and a withdrawal bleedHow the OCP is used to manage acne, PCOS, heavy and painful periodsWhy symptoms often return or worsen after coming off the pillThe different drivers and subtypes of PCOSWhat causes heavy bleeding, period pain and missing periodsWhy your menstrual cycle acts as a monthly report card for your healthMarkers of a healthy, regular cycle and when to investigate furtherImportantly, this episode is not about fear or judgement. It’s about informed choice. The pill can be helpful in certain situations, but long-term hormone health requires understanding and addressing what’s happening beneath the surface.If you’ve ever been told the pill is the only option — or you’re struggling with hormone symptoms and want answers beyond symptom suppression — this episode will help you understand your cycle, your hormones, and what true hormonal balance actually looks like.🎧 Listen now and learn how to work with your body, not override it.
