Vanity Fair once described me as a “masculinist health guru,” which I find kind of amusing. They essentially accused me of hating women—while I’m dressed in a flashy rental sports car, sporting a short suit, and mingling with figures like Andrew Tate.
If you’ve been following my work for a while, you might notice that much of the advice I share with men could easily apply to women. It’s a bit awkward to admit that, honestly.
Recent studies have indicated that hormonal contraceptives can actually shrink the brain. Yes, you heard that correctly: your brain gets smaller.
When it comes to the damaging effects of hormone-disrupting chemicals, the messaging seems to be everywhere these days: “The end of a man is the end of a woman.”
Estrogen Risks
Many might think of estrogen as just a concern for men. Women’s hormones, right? But the truth is, they pose risks for women too. Women can have elevated estrogen levels, and excessive exposure can lead to serious issues—think menstrual irregularities, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and even cancers of the breast, vagina, and uterus.
I also specifically address women’s concerns. For instance, I’ve highlighted the hazards of hygiene products that contain harmful chemicals and heavy metals. The worst part is that these products often come into contact with sensitive vaginal tissue, allowing significant absorption into the body.
Both vaginal and scrotal tissues are notorious for being absorbent. This is why these areas are frequently used for drug delivery over skin regions like the arms and stomach. Not ideal, right?
Instead of proudly wearing t-shirts that say “I’m with her” or “the future is female”, maybe consider wearing a pink hat or—honestly, I haven’t even looked at Jean Carroll’s autobiography.
Understanding Endocrinology
Now, as we talk about a more equitable love for intimacy, I’m offering tips primarily aimed at women. This isn’t about suggesting a fancy organic wool pillow or gourmet pork, or even a stylish red light machine.
Women, I urge you to read a book.
The field of endocrinology—essentially the study of hormones—has a long and storied history. While we only identified hormones in the early 20th century, humans have manipulated them for thousands of years.
Castration, for instance, was the first hormonal therapy and marked a point where specific tissues began to define sexual development. Castrated bulls were known to become less aggressive, and the same outcome can be observed with certain individuals.
This kind of unintentional endocrinology persisted over millennia, especially in historical contexts like Imperial China, where eunuchs filled vital roles in courts, leading to widespread castration.
But it wasn’t until the 20th century that endocrinology truly emerged as a science. Significant breakthroughs came from discovering hormones and developing new, more refined treatment methods than simply chopping away with knives.
A Significant Discovery
Of course, I’m referring to hormonal birth control—this, in my view, represents one of the most pivotal hormonal interventions in human history. No hormonal birth control, no sexual revolution—it fundamentally changes everything.
The scale of this influence on women’s hormonal lives is astounding. An estimated 39% of women in the U.S., or about 18.5 million women, were using hormonal methods as of 2018. A survey from 2013 indicated that about 80% of sexually active women aged 25-34 in the U.S. will try hormonal contraception at some point.
When birth control was introduced, the biological and social consequences were not entirely understood. We are only beginning to comprehend the full implications.
While our understanding of certain social dynamics has improved, many biological effects remain enigmatic, compounded by significant corporate interests that stifle honest research and discussion. Pharmaceutical companies don’t profit from natural methods like abstinence.
Rising Concerns
In recent years, social media has fueled a backlash against hormonal birth control as women, especially younger ones, share experiences of weight gain, mood swings, and relationship issues.
This is a real phenomenon. Women’s sexual attraction fluctuates with their menstrual cycles. Many find traditionally masculine traits more appealing when they’re ovulating. So, if someone meets their partner while using birth control, they might begin to question their attraction after stopping usage. It’s a genuine concern that some have cited as a reason for divorce.
Recommended Reading
I won’t bombard you with negative health statistics or studies regarding hormonal birth control. Instead, I encourage you to buy a book: “This is Your Brain on Birth Control: How the Pill Changes Everything” by Sarah E. Hill. It provides a thorough examination of the biological changes resulting from hormonal birth control, changes that are rarely discussed when women obtain prescriptions.
Brain Implications
But let’s delve into something I find quite troubling. Research highlighted recently shows that using hormonal contraceptives can shrink the brain. Yes, you read that correctly. MRI studies demonstrate that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex—a critical area for emotional regulation—was significantly thinner in women using hormonal contraceptives.
This finding has various implications, potentially influencing women’s behavior, including their political actions. As I argue in my upcoming book, The Last Men: Death of Liberalism and Masculinity, the shrinking brains of millions of women in the U.S. might contribute to increasing political polarization. And I’m not joking here. This calls for immediate further investigation.
Fortunately, the changes to the ventromedial prefrontal cortex appear to be reversible. Stopping hormonal contraceptives allows the brain to return to its normal thickness.
Depression Risks
However, other research suggests some changes might not be reversible. Women using hormonal birth control face elevated risks of depression. If a woman starts taking the pill in her mid-20s and later discontinues it, her risks revert to normal levels. But if she begins using it in her teens, she may carry the risk for life. This is indicative of the lasting impact hormonal birth control can have during critical developmental periods.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Your body, your decision—just as the familiar feminist mantra goes. However, the most responsible action you can take is to arm yourself with accurate information, enabling you to make a fully informed choice.
Do yourself a favor: whether you’re using hormonal birth control, considering it, or have a daughter or family member who might be, please check out that book.
Expand your knowledge before deciding to limit it.
