We’re well past calling menstruation “the curse,” but there is no denying the pain associated with our monthly period — also known as dysmenorrhea.More than half of women who menstruate experience pain for one to two days each month. While the discomfort is usually mild and manageable, some women experience not only severe pain, but diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness. Since one of the key signs of fertility in a woman is having a regular and consistent menstrual cycle, some people might equate painful periods with “good fertility.” (Probably because regular, albeit painful, periods aren’t easily forgotten!)The...

So, you’ve been on birth control for a while, be it oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) or an intrauterine device (IUD). Everything is going well, until one day, you notice you’ve missed a period.  Ugh, the last thing anyone on birth control wants is a pregnancy scare. After all, why else would the word “control” be baked into this popular term for contraception? First of all, don’t panic (I know; it's easier said than done). There are a few reasons why a missed period can occur while you’re on birth control, and pregnancy is only one of them....

Most women experience some array of unpleasant symptoms while menstruating. Many of us feel tired or constipated. Some report a loss of appetite or trouble sleeping. And let’s not get started on the bloating and cramps! It turns out that these seemingly unrelated symptoms all have a common cause: Hormonal changes.  While you can’t control your hormones on a whim, there are small, manageable lifestyle changes that can help minimize hormone-related symptoms like period bloating. Here’s what you need to know about why period bloat happens and what you can do about it.  Why am I...

Let’s face it: menstrual cramps can be a real pain in the... well, you know where. When that time of the month rolls around, many of us find ourselves reaching for anything that might offer some relief. One age-old remedy that often comes to mind is the trusty water bottle. But here’s the million-dollar question: should it be warm or cold? Today, we're diving into this heated (or should we say chilled?) debate to help you find the best water bottle solution for those pesky cramps. Warm water bottles for period cramps Warm water bottles have...

Let’s talk about something that’s become a game-changer for many women: menstrual cups. If you’re new to the world of eco-friendly period care products or considering making the switch, you may be wondering, “Can I sleep with a menstrual cup?” The short answer is a resounding yes! Not only can you sleep with a menstrual cup, but many people find it to be a liberating and worry-free experience. Now let's dive into the details and explore why menstrual cups are becoming the go-to choice for nighttime protection during that time of the month. What is a...

It’s no secret that we, as women, experience significant changes to our moods, energy levels, and sleep patterns due to hormone fluctuations throughout our menstrual cycle. There are actually four distinct phases of the menstrual cycle — menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal — and each one is responsible for hormonal shifts (and subsequent symptoms) that can also impact our eating habits.  But have you ever wondered why your appetite decreases significantly during your period? Let's take a look at how and why this happens, and what you can do about it. No appetite during your period?...

You may have heard of dysmenorrhea — the technical term for painful cramps or period-related symptoms that bubble to the surface once a month. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may be able to manage them with some lifestyle adjustments or by turning to your OB/GYN for added support.  According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about half of women live with dysmenorrhea in some capacity. But not all women have dysmenorrhea that’s caused by the same triggers.  Primary vs. secondary dysmenorrhea Primary dysmenorrhea is related specifically to a menstrual period, occurs before...

Menstrual cramps: 80% of women experience them at some point in their lifetime. At their best, they bring slight discomfort; at their worst, significant pain that can impact your daily life (also known as dysmenorrhea).  If this describes what you experience during your monthly cycle, you’re in the right place. The good news is that there are natural ways to help ease period cramps, including stretches and pressure points you can do from the comfort of your home.  In this article, we'll explore some effective techniques that can be easily incorporated into your self-care routine throughout...

From menstrual cramps to heavy bleeding, periods usually aren't an enjoyable experience for anyone. Not only can they be painful, but also exhausting, and frankly, annoying to deal with for days at a time. The same can be said for contracting a urinary tract infection (UTI), whether it's for the first or fifth time. But what about a combination of the two? Can having a UTI can actually mess with your period, and vice versa? We spoke with the experts about the connection between UTIs and periods, so you'll know what to look out for the...

For centuries, menstrual pain has been a topic shrouded in silence and misunderstanding. Many women have struggled to articulate the intensity of their monthly discomfort — even to healthcare providers — and they are often met with dismissive attitudes, a lack of empathy, or worse: medical gaslighting. But what if there was a way to bridge this gap in understanding? Enter the period cramp simulator, a device that's sparking conversations and changing perspectives on menstrual pain. The concept is simple yet revolutionary: allow individuals who don't menstruate, particularly men, to experience a simulation of period cramps....