#12: Effects of psychedelics on menstrual and reproductive function

technology and research transforming women’s health and wellness

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Mar 06, 2023

Hello from HealthyHer!

Psychedelics might have a powerful therapeutic potential. Yet, they are under-researched and we still know very little about them, especially about what they could do for women. As the topic of psychedelics becomes increasingly more popular, we need to make sure that both positive and negative potential effects of psychedelics on women’s health are thoroughly researched.

A recent study came out suggesting that psychedelics could help improve women’s menstrual and reproductive irregularities. The study accounts experiences of women diagnosed with amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) who had their periods return following the use of classic psychedelic drugs. The study also gives an account of women who used psychedelics to improve period regularity and manage moods associated with severe PMS. These experiences point to powerful potential that psychedelics could have on menstrual and reproductive function.

While the potential of psychedelics is exciting, it is crucial to note that this research merely provides anecdotal evidence. Yet, it does identify the relationship between psychedelics and menstrual and reproductive health as important avenues for future research.

Want to know more about psychedelics and women's health? We invite you to keep an eye out for next week’s issue of HealthyHer newsletter, which will include a more extended account on the known effects of psychedelics on women’s health and the general state of research on this exciting yet, as we will discuss, under-researched topic. Stay tuned!

A Book for Your Bedtime

Unwell Women: Misdiagnosis and Myth in a Man-Made World by Elinor Cleghorn - the author explores the unbelievable history of medicine for women. The book tells the story of how medicine has failed to support women, going over the ‘wandering womb’ of Ancient Greece, the witch trials in Europe and early understanding of female hormones and medical conditions like endometriosis.

Shout-outs!

🚀 Shout-out Ayesha Ami for speaking up for women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights.

🚀 Shout-out to Kindbody for raising $100M for continuing to improve fertility care via a tech-driven approach. The company aims to make fertility and family-building care more accessible by serving people wherever they are.