CBC Books | Posted: February 28, 2024 2:51 PM | Last Updated: March 20
Scientific facts and medical know-how to dispel the shame and misinformation about menstruation
Image | Blood by Jen Gunter
(Penguin Random House)
Most of us know about as much about how the uterus and ovaries function as we do about how the liver works. Add in societal shame around the menstrual cycle and it's not surprising that misinformation is widespread. But, as women's health advocate and trusted OB-GYN Dr. Jen Gunter writes, "you don't have to think about your liver 5 days a month for 30 years, so I'd argue people should know more about the uterus." Enter Blood.
In her new book, Dr. Gunter offers a clear, no-nonsense guide to reproductive anatomy and answers all the questions you never knew you had about menstrual bleeding—for example, where does the blood come from? And where does it go if you miss a period? Why do we even menstruate in the first place? With her expertise and trademark wit, Dr. Gunter debunks myths and challenges patriarchal attitudes toward this natural bodily process, shedding light on:
The endometrium's fascinating connection to the immune system
The brain-ovary connection
Legitimate menstrual products, and the facts behind toxic shock syndrome
Irregular, heavy, and breakthrough bleeding
Period pain
Endometriosis
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Hormonal contraception, menstrual tracking, and FAM (fertility awareness methods)
Abortion as menstrual management
And much more. Surprising, funny, and fact-filled, Blood is an essential and empowering resource from the doctor who "takes the mystery out of women's health and replaces it with evidence-informed concrete recommendations." (Lori Brotto, Canada Research Chair in Women's Sexual Health) (From Penguin Random House Canada)
Dr. Jen Gunter is an obstetrician, gynecologist and pain medicine physician from Winnipeg. She is an advocate for women's health and writes about the intersection of pop culture, science and sex for the New York Times. She is the author of The Preemie Primer, The Vagina Bible and The Menopause Manifesto. Blood: The Science, Medicine, and Mythology of Menstruation is her fourth book.
Interviews with Jen Gunter
Media Video | Canada Tonight : Destigmatizing menstruation and women's health
Caption: Canadian gynecologist Dr. Jen Gunter discusses her career, destigmatizing women's health and her new book, Blood.
Media Audio | On The Coast : Dr. Jen Gunter debunks the myths of menstruation
Caption: Dr. Jen Gunter, also known as the internet's ob-gyn, explains to guest host Amy Bell the importance of discussing menstruation, and dispelling its many myths.
Media Audio | Ottawa Morning : Demystifying menstruation with Dr. Jen Gunter
Caption: In her new book, Blood: the science, medicine and mythology of mentruation, Dr. Jen Gunter goes beyond function to tackle the questions, science, misinformation and societal shame that surrounds women's monthly cycles.
Media Audio | Sickboy : BLOOD: Busting Myths On Menstration With Dr. Jen Gunter
Caption: Ever wondered how a topic as natural as menstruation became a cocktail of myths and misinformation? Buckle up, because today, the fellas dive deep with the fearless Dr. Jen Gunter, a true crusader in demystifying women's health. Best known for her groundbreaking books 'The Vagina Bible' and 'The Menopause Manifesto,' Dr. Gunter is back to debunk myths with her latest masterpiece, 'BLOOD: The Science, Medicine, and Mythology of Menstruation.'From menstruation shame to the impact of the ‘Wellness industrial complex,’ Dr. Gunter sheds light on the social perceptions and misinformation shrouding menstruation. How does menstruation shame manifest and affect healthcare? What myths are perpetuated by health influencers and social media? And, let's get real about menstrual products – can tampons actually cause painful periods? Dr. Gunter, armed with scientific facts, medical expertise, and a fierce feminist perspective, is here to set the record straight. This episode is not just an eye-opener; it's a myth-buster on menstruation, healthcare, and society's skewed views. A conversation that's as enlightening as it is essential – you don't want to miss this one!
BLOOD: The Science, Medicine, and Mythology of Menstruation is available now!
Find Dr. Gunter here:
www.drjengunter.com
Jen Gunter (@drjengunter)
Twitter: Jennifer Gunter (@DrJenGunter)
Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN
Media Video | CBC News BC : Women’s health needs advocates against misinformation, says ob-gyn and author
Caption: Ob-gyn and best-selling author Dr. Jen Gunter is advocating for women's health education. She spoke to CBC's Michelle Eliot about how women can navigate health information online.
Media Video | The National : The truth about hormone therapy for menopause
Caption: Hormone therapy went from being one of the most prescribed treatments for menopausal women to falling out of favour because of links to breast cancer. Women’s health expert Dr. Jen Gunter breaks down how those risks have been overstated and how hormone therapy may not be for everyone but may be good for many.