Why Women Feel Different Throughout the Month — The Science Explained with Dr. Sarah E. Hill

What if the way you feel every month isn’t “just hormones” — but your brain doing exactly what it was designed to do?For decades, women’s health research has treated female bodies like smaller versions of men’s, leaving critical questions about hormones, birth control, mood, energy, and even attraction unanswered. Brigid sits down with research psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Sarah E. Hill to unpack the science behind your menstrual cycle, hormonal birth control, and why understanding your biology can transform your health.From blood sugar changes during your luteal phase to the surprising ways birth control may influence attraction, libido, and emotional wellbeing, this episode offers practical insights every woman deserves to know.What You’ll Learn In This Episode:Why women have historically been underrepresented in medical researchHow hormonal birth control works—and what it does to your brain and bodyThe surprising connection between estrogen and energy, libido, confidence, and attractionWhat happens when you stop taking hormonal birth controlHow progesterone affects mood, cravings, gut health, and stress sensitivityWhy blood sugar and insulin sensitivity change throughout your menstrual cycleNutrition strategies to support hormone health during the second half of your cycleThe role of walking, stress management, and recovery in supporting healthy ovulationThe important differences between hormonal birth control and menopausal hormone therapy (HRT)Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Functional Nutrition and Women's Health01:23 The Historical Oversight in Women's Medicine06:06 Personal Journey: The Impact of Hormonal Birth Control09:01 Understanding Hormonal Birth Control Mechanisms14:11 The Disconnect in Modern Medicine Regarding Birth Control19:03 Navigating Life After the Pill23:26 Attraction Dynamics: The Pill's Influence on Partner Choice31:26 Men's Attraction to Women: The Role of Hormones37:33 The Invisible Luteal Phase40:09 Understanding the Menstrual Cycle44:57 Symptoms of the Luteal Phase57:07 Nutrition and Insulin Sensitivity01:01:06 Stress and Hormonal Health01:07:05 Hormone Therapy vs. Birth Control01:10:35 Resources and Further LearningResources & Links:+ Watch the full episode on YouTube+ Dr. Sarah’s Website+ Dr. Sarah’s Instagram + Dr. Sarah’s Podcast (The XX Lab)+ Join The Being Collective+ Brigid’s Website+ Brigid’s InstagramIf this episode helped you better understand your hormones and health, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another woman who deserves to know this information.