Think back to the first time you got your period. The experience was probably scary, overwhelming…and embarrassing.  Of course embarrassment *shouldn't* factor in when you’re experiencing something so natural, but when you’re coming of age, embarrassment is a part of most major life experiences (especially those that involve blood flowing from your vagina). Part of the embarrassment around periods, especially that first period, involves *when* it actually happens for you. As someone who hit puberty young, I know how shameful it can be to get your period before most kids in your class do. On the...

If you’ve ever found yourself cursing your knees, hips, or even your elbows for aching more than usual when Aunt Flo comes to town, you’re not alone. Joint pain during your period is a real thing, and no, it’s not all in your head. In fact, there’s some solid science behind why your body feels like it’s falling apart once a month. So, let’s break down why this happens and, more importantly, what you can do about it. Why do my joints hurt more on my period? It's a question that pops up for many women...

Your period shows up, does its thing, and then disappears — only to make an unexpected comeback two weeks later. Cue the panic. If you've ever found yourself wondering, Can you get your period twice in one month? — you're not alone. It's a question many people with periods have asked, especially when their cycle suddenly decides to go rogue. The short answer? Yes, it’s possible. But whether it’s normal or a sign of something off depends on a few factors. Let’s break it down: what’s happening, why it might be happening to you, and when...

One of the many things nobody told me about the postpartum period was how I would need a ton of those super-thick, hospital-grade maxi pads after bringing home my baby daughter. (I should’ve grabbed as many as my arms could carry more before being discharged!) Turns out I was clueless about something called “lochia” — which I simply referred to at the time as my six-week-long abnormal period. This was a three-stage bleeding cycle that required way more than my usual moderate-flow maxi pads. While I certainly wasn’t familiar with lochia, it turns out this kind of...

You know those squishy globs of blood that sometimes appear when you have your period? The ones that make you wonder if you’ve shed way more than just your uterine lining? Those are period blood clots, and they're actually quite common during menstruation.“Period blood clots are basically a mass of blood mixed with the tissue of the uterine lining and other blood cells,” explains Jessica Ryniec, M.D., a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist at CCRM Fertility in Boston. “They form when blood pools in the uterus or vagina and coagulates.” Coagulation (or blood clotting) is when...

Monthly periods often come with a range of unwelcome guests — cramps, mood swings, and for many women, an unexpected companion: period diarrhea. Sure, it’s not exactly something we talk about in polite company, but it's a reality for countless women who find themselves making more frequent trips to the bathroom during that time of the month. Understanding a bit more about why this happens can make a world of difference when trying to plan a day without worrying about unexpected interruptions. So let's dive into this common yet rarely talked about aspect of menstruation and...

Sometimes, there’s nothing more distracting than an itch in a very private spot, especially during that time of the month. The cramps, the mood swings, and all the other period symptoms can feel like more than enough to handle — then along comes an uncomfortable itch right on the labia. It's uncomfortable, distracting, embarrassing, and sometimes a bit concerning. But here's the thing — it's a common issue that affects countless women, and there's no shame in seeking solutions. Knowing why it happens, what can be done, and when to get some extra help can make...

You know the drill — you're sleeping peacefully when suddenly you wake up feeling like you've just run a marathon in a sauna. Your pajamas are damp, your sheets are soaked, and you're wondering what on earth is going on with your body. Well, you're not alone, and there's actually a pretty good explanation for this monthly sweat fest. Many women experience night sweats before their period, and understanding the reasons behind them can help you manage this common issue effectively. What do hormonal night sweats feel like? Hormonal night sweats can feel like your body's...

Menstrual cramps. If you’ve ever had them, you know they can range from mildly annoying to utterly debilitating. When cramps hit, it’s natural to question everything about your period routine — including your choice of menstrual products. One common concern is whether tampons might make those monthly aches even worse. The answer? It’s complicated. Let’s unpack this together and see what science (and experience!) can tell us about the relationship between tampons and menstrual cramps. What causes menstrual cramps? Before diving into the tampon debate, it helps to understand why cramps happen in the first place....

Periods often bring a mix of uncomfortable symptoms — cramps, bloating, mood swings — you name it. But one that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves is leg pain. For many of us, it can range from a dull, nagging ache to sharp, shooting sensations that disrupt our daily routine. If this sounds familiar, understanding what causes it and how to manage it can make things a little easier.  Why does leg pain happen during menstruation? Leg pain during your period might seem unusual, but it’s actually more common than you’d think. It happens because...