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The Period Party Podcast · EP. 298 · July 26, 2023

The Gut-Brain Axis Connection to Migraines

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podcast guest

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Diane Ducarme is the Founder & CEO of Nectar Health, a company dedicated to adding years to the lives of those suffering from migraine disease. Diane’s journey is as impressive as it is diverse. With an MBA from Harvard Business School, a Master’s in Science Engineering Technology, and Mathematics, and studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine in China, she brings a unique blend of expertise to the field of women’s health. Diane’s passion for making a difference and drive to understand the impact migraines have on individuals worldwide led her to found Nectar Health.

In this episode, Diane and I talk about the complex nature of migraines, the strong correlation between migraines and menstruation, the connection between contraceptives and migraines, misconceptions around migraine treatment, Diane’s pioneering approach to migraine treatment and management, and so much more!

Episode Highlights

Watch on YouTube

Resources Mentioned

Fix Your Period

How Fix Your Period Supports Women Coming Off Hormonal Birth Control

Nicole's work has always centred on helping women understand what hormonal birth control does to the body — and how to support your hormonal health after stopping. Here's how the app helps.

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Post-Pill Cycle Tracking

Track your cycle as it returns after stopping hormonal contraception — monitoring regularity, blood quality, and symptoms to understand what your natural cycle looks like.

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Hormone Health Assessment

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Post-Pill Support Protocol

Fix Your Period Premium includes Nicole's Birth Control Pill Support protocol — covering nutrient repletion, gut healing, and hormonal rebalancing after stopping hormonal contraception.

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Hormone Education

Nicole's signature Period Pillars cover what hormonal birth control does to the body and how to support your natural hormonal function as it returns.

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Nicole.AI

Fix Your Period Premium includes Nicole.AI — trained on Nicole's methodology — giving you personalised guidance as you navigate the post-pill recovery process.

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Personalised Protocol

Fix Your Period Premium unlocks your personalised protocol from your assessment results — giving you a targeted starting point for your post-pill hormonal recovery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from this episode — and how Fix Your Period can help.

What happens to your hormones when you stop the pill?
When you stop hormonal birth control, your body needs time to reactivate its own hormonal feedback loop. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, and some women experience a 'post-pill syndrome' involving acne, hair loss, irregular cycles, or mood changes as their natural hormones reassert themselves.
What nutrients does hormonal birth control deplete?
Hormonal birth control is associated with depletion of B vitamins (particularly B6, B12, and folate), zinc, magnesium, selenium, and CoQ10. Replenishing these after stopping the pill is an important part of hormonal recovery.
How long does it take for cycles to return after stopping the pill?
Most women see their cycle return within 1–3 months of stopping hormonal contraception. However, some women — particularly those with underlying hormonal imbalances like PMOS (formerly PCOS) or low progesterone — may experience a longer recovery period.
Is there an app to help women coming off birth control?
Yes. Fix Your Period's free Hormone Health Assessment gives you a personalised picture of your current hormonal health. Fix Your Period Premium unlocks Nicole's Birth Control Pill Support protocol, Period Pillars education on what to expect, and Nicole.AI for ongoing guidance.
Can I use Fix Your Period while still on hormonal birth control?
Yes. The cycle tracking and assessment features are available at any stage. Fix Your Period Premium — including the Period Pillars and protocols — is valuable whether you're still on contraception or planning to stop.
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