00:00 The hosts of the podcast are discussing the topic of menstruation and acknowledging the importance of using inclusive language.

05:30 Menstruation occurs roughly every four weeks and is the shedding of the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, which prepares to host a fertilized egg; it starts around age 12-13 and ends around age 50-53, resulting in an average of 456 cycles or about 6.2 years of menstruation in a person's lifetime, and while the practical reasons for menstruation are understood, the evolutionary purpose is still unclear, as menstruation is rare in the animal kingdom.

11:04 The purpose of menstruation is still unclear, as previous theories about washing out pathogens and the size of the uterus have been debunked, and there is still no definitive answer as to why menstruation occurs.

16:36 The menstrual cycle consists of two different cycles, the ovarian cycle and the menstrual cycle, which work together to prepare the uterus for pregnancy.

22:09 During the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, the endometrium in the uterus becomes more developed and filled with secretions to nourish a fertilized egg, and if fertilization doesn't occur, the imbalance between progesterone and estrogen levels can lead to premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

27:38 During menstruation, the endometrium breaks down and is discharged from the uterus, typically resulting in about five to six tablespoons of blood over the course of five to seven days.

32:56 Menorrhagia is a condition characterized by heavy bleeding during menstruation, which can lead to anemia and other complications, and requires medical attention if bleeding is excessive or prolonged.

38:38 Access to sanitary products for menstruation is considered a human right and is crucial for overall well-being, as it can prevent anxiety and social isolation, and various options such as reusable pads, disposable pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and menstrual discs are available, with pads and tampons being the most commonly used in the United States.

44:10 Hormonal birth control pills can prevent menstruation if the sugar pills are skipped, and it is generally considered safe to continuously stay on birth control without having a period.

49:53 In some cultures, menstruation is considered taboo and women are excluded from certain activities, while in others it is celebrated and seen as a spiritually powerful time, but period poverty is a global issue that affects access to sanitary products, services, education, and overall well-being.

55:28 Menstrual syncing is not proven and is likely due to the variability of menstrual cycles among individuals, and it is possible to get pregnant during your period.

01:01:03 There is a shortage of tampons that can be partially attributed to a Tampax ad campaign featuring Amy Schumer.