Mercy Gynecologist Dr. Kevin Audlin Discusses "Facts About Periods"

Like it or not, periods are an important part of being a woman—they effectively identify ovarian health.

According to Kevin M. Audlin, M.D., FACOG, board-certified gynecologist and director of The Institute for Gynecologic Care and The Endometriosis Center at Mercy, periods can be annoying and inconvenient but crucial to your health.

If you’re not getting a period, that can mean there’s a problem.

“So, while you are able to have cycles and regular cycles and normal-length cycles, that tells me that your ovaries are perfect, which says that your blood pressure is going to be better,” Dr. Audlin said. “Your risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke is going to be lower and your bone health (will be) better. Your weight can be better controlled. You're going to have better glow, better hair, better sex drive—which is all about ovarian health. A lot of times, when we have patients that unfortunately have diseases driven by the ovaries and periods like endometriosis and fibroids and bleeding, the first thing ladies want to say is, ‘Just take my ovaries out.’ Although that sounds like that's going to be helpful, it's actually incredibly counterproductive to your quality of life and length of life.”

The average starting age for periods is changing—girls now are more likely to get them beginning around 12 years old; also, periods can be worse when temperatures are colder.

View Mercy gynecologist and surgeon Dr. Kevin Audlin’s interview regarding periods.