Episode 26: Side Effects of the Birth Control Pill and Why The Menstrual Cycle is Our Fifth Vital Sign with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack of the Fertility Friday

Today I’m talking to Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, host of the Fertility Friday Podcast, Fertility Awareness Educator, Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner and author of newly released book The Fifth Vital Sign. Since a teenager, Lisa used the pill to cope with incredibly heavy bleeding and excruciating period pain. At 18, she decided to come off the pill, address these problems head on and finally understand the mystery of her menstrual cycle. This led her to eventually train in fertility awareness methods, which are practices that allow you to track your menstrual cycle naturally and navigate your fertile windows. Through her book, podcast, course and blog, Lisa teaches people with periods how to chart their menstrual cycles naturally and if they’d like, come of hormonal birth control completely. In this episode, Lisa drops some serious truth bombs. We discuss the side effects of the birth control pill and the risks of using hormonal birth control to mask endometriosis symptoms without addressing the root of the problem, stopping the pill with endometriosis and treating endometriosis without birth control, and finally, why we really need to start seeing the menstrual cycle as our fifth vital sign to enhance our health and wellbeing. My jaw dropped so many times during his interview. Lisa’s research and knowledge will leave you astounded, angry and shocked - but most of all, empowered and educated. I am so glad she came on the show!  This episode is sponsored by BeYou Cramp Relief Patches. Soothe period cramps the natural way with these 100% natural and discreet menthol and eucalyptus oil stick on patches. Click here to find out more and to shop: https://beyouonline.co.uk/pages/how-it-works This episode is also supported by The Know Your Endo Endo Toolkit, a practical programme for managing endometriosis by Jessica Murnane. Use the code JESSICA at check out for $15 early bird and standard pricing. Click here to get course info and to enrol: https://knowyourendo.com/program This episode is additionally supported by The Gluten Free Baking Academy. A four week online course teaching you the tools, recipes, and know-how to confidently bake in the comfort of your own kitchen. You’ll learn to make incredible flatbreads, quick breads, yeasted breads, and sourdough without dairy, gluten, eggs, or ingredients like gums and highly processed starches or flours. To take a free course tour or to enroll, click here.   Links Fertility Friday Podcast Fertility Friday Website The Fifth Vital Sign Book *Amazon link contains affiliate URL code.