Interesting Info On AF

[jackrose]

A lecturer at uni had a discussion about this (many years ago now ). His take was that we are far too well fed and comfortable now and able to menstruate for a much longer time (and more consistently) than in the past.

In days gone by, food may not have been as reliable which would have meant that in times of famine or lack of food the body would need to reserve energy. Also, hard physical labour was more common, putting more of a strain on the body and again the body would need to reserve energy. The natural result of this could have been a missed period here and there.
Then take into consideration the age of onset of menses which is getting earlier and earlier and the fact that women more often than not had more pregnancies (more miscarriages etc) and more children. Having more pregnancies means less periods.

I am not sure whether it is healthier for us to skip a period every now and again or what it means for cancer or other health issues but I think it is fair to say we do menstruate a lot more in the modern day than in the earlier days of mankind. Maybe our bodies are not designed to go through the motions every month for 4+ decades?

[*Efjay*]

yeah that was similar to what this Dr had said. Our bodies were never meant to menstruate as often or as long (age wise) as we do now. So hormonal contraceptives that stop your cycle help put things back into balance some what.
I don't buy it though. I get what she was saying but I still don't think hormonal contraceptives can be good on your body.

But given how long I have been pregnanct or breastfeeding over the years I think I can safely say I have put my own balance back into place as far as my cycles go.