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ArticlesTopic 05
Leaks, heavy days, stains and surprises. A calm plan for every part of the month.
PeriodsExplainer
Shorter cycles are often the first sign of the years before menopause. The international staging system for reproductive aging lists them at the very start. ACOG still counts cycles shorter than 21 days as abnormal bleeding worth an appointment. Here is where short cycles fit, how to count them, and what to bring.
PeriodsQ&A
FDA discourages reusable tampons and authorizes only single-use tampons.
PeriodsExplainer
Period sex is common: in a US national sample of 1,586 women, more than a quarter said they usually had sex during their periods. It isn't birth control, since sperm can live up to five days, and it doesn't protect against infections. Here is what the research found, and why the choice is yours either way, including in perimenopause.
PeriodsEvidence check
Cycle-syncing plans tell you to lift heavy in one phase and rest on your period. A 2020 review of 78 studies found performance dipped only trivially in the days around a period, too little to justify general rules. Symptoms are another story: in a survey of 6,812 women who exercise, frequent cramps, fatigue and mood changes went with more missed workouts. Here is how to find your own pattern.
PeriodsExplainer
A menstrual cup is one option; period swimwear is another if you want nothing inserted. Check product instructions, changing facilities and your flow before heading to the pool.
PeriodsExplainer
A lower prescription schedule may reflect your kidney test. Check the lab result, units and packet with the pharmacist before copying a dose found online.
PeriodsEvidence check
Many women notice worse sleep in the days before and during their period. In a South African diary study, healthy women rated their sleep quality lower over the 3 days before and 4 days of their period, even though the hours slept didn't change. A study of 213 women found three patterns: worse sleep around the period, worse sleep mid-cycle, or no change. Here is what drives it and what to track.
PeriodsEvidence check
Many women with endometriosis spend years being told their pain is normal. Studies across three decades put the delay at 7 to 12 years, longest for women whose pain began in their teens. In interviews, women described pain treated as ordinary period trouble and tests that couldn't see the disease. Here is what the studies found and how to shorten your own wait.
PeriodsEvidence check
Acupuncture is often offered for painful periods. Reviews report less pain than no treatment, but the studies are low quality and actual needling didn't beat sham needling at follow-up. Here is what to weigh before you book a series.
PeriodsChecklist
Ask a professional whether your prescription needs an additional contraception plan.
PeriodsWhat to expect
Spotting a year or more after your last period is common enough to shrug off and important enough not to. A large review found most women with this bleeding do not have cancer, but about 9 in 100 do. Here is what the usual ultrasound and biopsy can and can't show.
PeriodsComparison
Ask your maternity team how the stitch type affects your individual birth and removal plan.
