As if menstruators don’t have enough to worry about, a recent study has unveiled a concerning issue: tampons, one of the most widely used menstrual products, may contain several toxic metals, including arsenic and lead.

If you're wondering why your mental state seems to take a rollercoaster ride during your period, you're not alone. Menstruation and mental health are closely linked, with hormonal fluctuations playing a significant role in mood swings and anxiety during periods.

We get that the last thing you might want to do when you're on your period is exercise - especially if you experience any pain. However, some gentle, basic movements could help alleviate menstrual cramps. 

When it comes to managing menstrual symptoms, syncing the foods you eat with your cycle can be incredibly beneficial. By understanding and incorporating certain foods into your routine, you can support your body’s needs and enhance your overall well-being during this time.

The first time I saw a menstrual clot, I was a preteen. It was during one of my first menstrual cycles,  and I was totally unprepared. I had no idea what it was — my sex ed class hadn’t taught me a thing about this — and I was terrified! I was too embarrassed to ask my mom for help and I had no idea what to do. Luckily, I now know period clots are normal.

Living in the age of convenience and consumerism has a toxic underbelly. There have been incredible chemical advancements to make a myriad of products more efficient and effective than ever before, but at what cost? Experimenting with new man-made substances leads even the most prestigious researchers and scientists into somewhat uncharted, chemical waters. 

I learned about the fertility awareness method from a friend over six years ago. My immediate reaction was “I could never do that” — it didn’t seem safe enough, like a less “responsible” choice than something like taking the birth control pill or having an IUD. 

As period-havers, we move through our menstrual cycles with ups and downs of energy and productivity as our bodies adjust to continual hormonal shifts throughout our cycles. Here’s how to navigate your menstrual cycle and all the phases that come with it.

Knowing the impact of the rise and fall of your hormones on your mood throughout your cycle can allow you to create healthy routines, boundaries and practices to contribute to a more grounded and empowered menstrual experience. 

The ritualistic aspect of having a regular period has provided a lot of information and guidance to me over the years. Knowing that my period is going to come around a certain time allows me to plan, both emotionally, logistically and physically. Its imminent arrival reminds me and allows me to rest, and nourish myself with certain foods and specific movements. But that deep awareness can be hard to tap into when the menstrual clock doesn’t seem to be wound right each month. 

Let’s kick things off with a quick recap: UTI stands for urinary tract infection, an irritating  bacterial invasion that can bring on symptoms like burning during urination, frequent bathroom trips, and funky-smelling urine. Not exactly a party we’re looking to crash.

The timing of your period is out of whack, your libido isn’t quite what it used to be and oh my god, why is it so hot in here?! Babe, don’t panic - it could be perimenopause.