What if monthly periods weren’t a given? Could choosing to make them optional improve physical and emotional well-being?
In this episode of The Parenting Pair Podcast, Dr. Suzanne Allen and Dr. Annalise Caron sit down with Dr. Sophia Yen - a board certified pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist- to unpack the growing conversation around menstrual suppression—the medical option to safely reduce or eliminate periods through hormonal contraception. They explore why this approach is often misunderstood, the science behind it, and how it can empower women and teens to make informed decisions about their reproductive and physical health.
Dr. Yen discusses the multiple benefits—from reducing menstrual pain and mood swings to supporting mental health, reducing the risk of certain cancers, and overall quality of life—while addressing the myths and cultural stigma that often surround the topic. The conversation also highlights how parents can guide their teens through these choices with openness and accurate information.
Together, they explore:
Here are some highlights of the episode:
00:00 – The Real Reason Women Have Monthly Periods
02:32 – What If Periods Could Be Optional?
04:10 – To Bleed or Not to Bleed: Understanding the Risk–Benefit Balance
05:03 – The Hidden Health Risks of Monthly Periods
07:32 – Menstruation and Anemia: A Common Connection
11:04 – Does Birth Control Make It Harder to Get Pregnant Later?
14:02 – How Birth Control Pills Can Support Fertility and Hormonal Health
15:07 – When Birth Control Pills Aren’t Recommended
17:50 – The Unexpected Benefits of Making Periods Optional
20:00 – Dr. Yen’s Algorithm for Choosing the Right Birth Control Pill
22:53 – Why Estrogen Plays a Key Role in Bone Health
26:49 – When to Consider Birth Control as a Health Tool
If you’ve ever wondered whether skipping periods is safe—or how to help your teen navigate menstrual health decisions—this episode offers clear, evidence-based insights that empower both parents and young women to make informed choices.
For additional information regarding #PeriodsOptional, please watch Dr. Sophia Yen’s TEDX Talk at the link below:
Making Periods Optional | Sophia Yen | TEDxBerkeley
You can also follow Dr. Yen on instagram, tiktok, facebook, twitter and youtube or connect with her company Pandia Health (where you can access the birth control algorithm).
https://www.pandiahealth.com/about/
https://www.instagram.com/pandiahealth/
https://www.tiktok.com/@drsophiayen
https://www.facebook.com/pandiahealth/
https://twitter.com/pandiahealth
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