If you are a menstruating human, you are no stranger to the period poops. They are unpredictable, always unwelcome, and seem to come as a surprise almost every month, even though you’re kind of expecting them.  It turns out, that if you get a hint that your period’s on its way based on how many times you’re running to the bathroom, it’s not just a coincidence. And for all you IBS girlies out there, you really know what we’re talking about. There are hormonal reasons behind this: Your bowel habits fluctuate along with your hormones throughout...

As women, many of us may have historically viewed our cycles, especially our periods, as “curses.” But it turns out, they can be our superpower if we’re willing to fully lean into each stage and give our body what it needs in those moments.  Part of what sets women apart is that we operate off of two biological rhythms instead of one.  Woman’s second biological rhythm: The menstrual cycle  Everyone has a circadian rhythm, aka your 24-hour “biological clock” that controls your sleep-wake cycle, hormone production, energy, metabolism, body temperature, and more. However, women have a...

After spending your teenage years dealing with the predictable hormonal changes that come with puberty, the last thing anyone wants as an adult is a bunch of pimples. Unfortunately, acne is extremely common in adulthood. Not only does this skin condition affect 80% of the U.S. population during their lifetime, but about 50% of women experience acne in their 20s, and 25% of women report breakouts in their 40s. What can be deeply frustrating about adult acne – also known as “hormonal acne” – is that sometimes it feels like it just won’t go away. “I...

Everyone’s fertility journey is unique and different. But if you’re going through in-vitro fertilization (IVF), there’s probably one thing that you have in common with everyone else: how much you hate those meds. IVF often entails taking lots of hormonal medications, via pill and through injection. When preparing for embryo transfer (the final step in the IVF process), the medications help your uterus prepare properly for pregnancy and ensure that an embryo has the best chance of implanting. But even the purest, clearest desire for a baby doesn’t quite take the edge off of stabbing yourself...

One of the many revelations from Rescripted’s 2023 State of Sex Ed Report is how under-educated women are about their menstrual cycle. This particular finding was further confirmed by Perelel, the first and only women-owned and OB/GYN-founded vitamin company designed for different stages in women’s reproductive life cycles.  In a study conducted by Perelel, respondents established a very clear knowledge gap among women when it comes to their menstrual cycle. Many remain unaware that there are multiple phases, or that there are numerous ways to support themselves during their cycle.  Some of the more staggering results...

The path to parenthood can be filled with complexities, uncertainties, and challenges. No matter where you are on your journey you deserve to feel supported, empowered, and educated during the process. In seeking additional guidance, two roles that frequently come up are fertility coaches and fertility consultants. While their names may sound similar, these professionals have different levels of experience and offer different types of support.  In this article, we'll break down the key differences between a fertility coach and a fertility consultant to help you make an informed decision about the right support for your...

Maybe you had an incredibly special relationship with your mom and want to recreate that bond with a daughter on your own. Maybe you’ve always envisioned having a baby boy and can’t shake that image. Or maybe you already have multiple children of one sex and long to experience parenting the other. Of course, sex and gender aren’t the same, and you can’t truly know your child’s gender identity before or even shortly after birth. But when expectant parents envision their families, it can be really hard to accept that the image in your head won’t...

Throughout history, getting your period has almost always been synonymous with the female experience. Schools would often split health classes up by gender, with the girls watching awkward videos about menstruation and receiving even more awkward lessons about how to use tampons and maxi pads.  While cisgender men and transgender women cannot menstruate – menstruation is impossible for those born without a uterus and vagina – limiting periods to a female-only experience is an outdated practice. Menstruation is not and should not be related to one’s gender identity, especially now that gender-affirming care is under attack...

From age 11 to 22, I played competitive sports after recovering from a rare autoimmune condition called Dermatomyositis. Distance running, swimming, basketball, softball, rowing, volleyball, and more — I couldn’t seem to get enough. I was so ingrained in sports following my illness, that I didn’t realize how much of a toll being an athlete was taking on my body, specifically my iron levels.  It wasn’t until high school when I started experiencing strange symptoms like fatigue, headaches, thinning hair and nails, and shaky legs that I finally began to take note.   When I initially described these symptoms to...

Experiencing a miscarriage can be a highly traumatic event that stirs up strong emotions, and it's only natural to wonder how it might affect the intimate moments with your partner. But remember that you're not alone in this; many couples encounter similar challenges. When it comes to the question of when it's okay to have sex again after a miscarriage, there are some important considerations we'll help you navigate. Although the actual time frame you should wait varies by person, the general recommendation is to wait two weeks to have sex after a miscarriage, according to...