r/science • u/CookMotor • Nov 02 '24

Neuroscience In a First, Scientists Found Structural, Brain-Wide Changes During Menstruation

https://www.sciencealert.com/in-a-first-scientists-found-structural-brain-wide-changes-during-menstruation
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u/Supraspinator Nov 02 '24

And it’s not normal. Before contraceptives, adult women had less menstrual cycles because they spent more time being pregnant or breastfeeding. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I am glad we have contraceptives and family planning now! But evolutionary, the “normal” condition is more pregnancies and less menstrual cycles. 

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u/Lucky2BinWA Nov 02 '24

I have come across theories that this is behind cancers such as ovarian or cervical. Incessant menstruation with no break.

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u/thejoeface Nov 02 '24

Yeah, I’ve read that lesbians have higher rates of breast cancer. Being pregnant, breast feeding, and birth control seem to lower those risks. 

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u/Morley_Smoker Nov 02 '24

Birth control increases the risk of all types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, and brain cancer (depo shot).

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u/acetylcholine41 Nov 02 '24

That's misinformation. Birth control decreases your risk of ovarian, colon, and uterine cancer.

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u/mangorain4 Nov 03 '24 edited Nov 03 '24

except for unopposed estrogen therapy, which does increase your risk of endometrial cancer

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u/[deleted] Nov 03 '24 edited Nov 03 '24

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