29. Your Menstrual Cycle Explained: Hormones, Reproductive Health & Advocating for Yourself with Dr. Kerry-Anne Perkins

Hormones influence far more than just our menstrual cycle, yet many women reach adulthood realizing how little they were ever taught about their own bodies. Today I’m joined by Dr. Kerry-Anne Perkins, a board-certified OB/GYN and passionate advocate for women’s health education. Together, we unpack why so many women feel disconnected from their bodies, why female health has historically been overlooked in medical research, and how everyday factors like stress, nutrition, and environmental exposures can influence our reproductive health. Dr. Perkins also walks us through the phases of the menstrual cycle in a clear, practical way, explains why tracking your cycle matters, and shares how parents can help normalize conversations about periods and body literacy for the next generation of girls.Key Topics Covered:Why women have historically been underrepresented in medical research and how that impacts care today.The cultural and lifestyle differences that shape our health and hormones.Rising reproductive health challenges, including infertility and hormonal imbalances.How nutrition, sugar intake, and ultra-processed foods affect hormone balance and overall health.Environmental factors that influence reproductive health, including stress and endocrine disruptors.Understanding the phases of the menstrual cycle and what’s happening hormonally throughout the month.Why different phases of your cycle can affect energy, strength, mood, and focus.The importance of teaching girls what’s normal when it comes to periods, pain, and cycle changes.Why hormonal birth control is often used as a quick solution and what conversations may be missing.Practical ways women can advocate for themselves and find providers who truly listen.Links:Follow Dr. Perkins:On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callmedoctor.pOn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Callmedoctor.pOn YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@callmedoctor.pOn TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callmedoctor.p Dr. Perkins’ website: https://callmedoctorp.com/ 💻 Website & Blog: https://www.milestonesandmotherhood.com/📱Follow KC for daily motor milestone tips & parenting support: https://www.instagram.com/milesto nes.and.motherhood/🎧 Follow podcast updates & new episode drops: https://www.instagram.com/more.than.milestones/🤝 Sponsor or guest inquiries?Contact us at [email protected] Go deeper with KC on SubstackMore Than Milestones: Unfiltered is my subscription channel where I release 2 exclusive bonus episodes every month. Even more raw, unfiltered motherhood chats you won’t hear anywhere else.https://substack.com/@morethanmilestones