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....

Period sex: It's already taboo enough. But with the growing popularity of sustainable period products like menstrual cups, you may have found yourself wondering if it's okay to have intercourse while using one. First off, there’s absolutely no reason to feel awkward or ashamed about having sex during your period. It’s totally natural, and lots of people enjoy it without any issues. However, adding a menstrual cup into the mix does come with its own set of things to consider. You’ve probably heard whispers that using a menstrual cup can make period sex less "messy." And...

Have you ever wondered why you feel on top of the world one week and ready to hibernate the next? As women, many of us experience emotional highs and lows throughout the month, and it all ties back to one thing — our menstrual cycle. More than just a monthly event, our cycle is a delicate interplay of hormones that profoundly affects both our bodies and minds. By understanding the phases and how they shape our moods, we can better navigate and embrace our emotional shifts from week to week.  Now let's dive into how each of...

Let's talk about something that many of us experience but few of us discuss openly: constipation during our periods. If you've ever found yourself feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and struggling to go to the bathroom during your menstrual cycle, you're not alone. This common but often overlooked symptom affects many people, and it's high time we shed some light on why it happens (and what we can do about it). How your menstrual cycle affects your bowels As women, our bodies go through a rollercoaster of hormonal changes every month, and these fluctuations can affect various aspects...

Whether listening during a "hot girl walk" or as a welcome distraction from doing chores around the house, podcasts have become a daily companion for many of us. And with the constant barrage of health information (and misinformation) on social media, they've become somewhat of a lifeline for women looking to empower themselves with credible insights into their health and wellbeing. So, which health and wellness podcasts are worth listening to? Because the options can become overwhelming, we're spotlighting ten of our favorite podcasts that cater to the diverse needs and interests of busy women everywhere....

There are obvious reasons that your period may be MIA — like, of course, pregnancy. But there are other factors that can affect menstrual cycles…and some may cause your periods to stop entirely. Slight cycle irregularities are expected, but amenorrhea (which is defined as the absence of menstruation, causing someone to miss one or more periods) can be a red flag. As we’ve begun discussing recently, lifestyle factors like nutrition can affect menstrual health.  We’ve all heard that not eating enough or dealing with an eating disorder can cause amenorrhea, but the relationship between what we...