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/[deleted] Nov 02 '24

On average, people who menstruate experience about 450 menstrual cycles throughout the lifespan (Chavez-MacGregor et al., 2008)

that's crazy

259

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/saddinosour Nov 03 '24

Some form of contraception has been used since ancient Rome. The alternative would be like 10+ pregnancies. Idk if you have seen a woman after having 10 kids but it does not look healthy at all. I don’t wanna call them out but one Fundie Christian influencer comes to mind. Setting aside the fact this was her choice I feel so bad for how her body is now. I don’t mean aesthetically, it looks like her muscles are collapsing in on themselves, when she walks in videos she looks like her legs are kinda going inwards. It’s just not right. Not to mention the way pregnancy sucks all the nutrients out of you. Having 10+ pregnancies can not be a better alternative.