The time around ovulation is sometimes termed the “extroverted cycle days”, associated with feeling good, looking good and being a social butterfly. In this blog post, we wanted to discuss the biology behind why this happens and what things are best to be doing around the time of your ovulation.

🎗️March is Endometriosis Awareness Month🎗️ Endometriosis stands as a prevalent yet enigmatic condition affecting approximately 1 in 9 individuals with uteruses worldwide. The journey to an endometriosis diagnosis is often fraught with challenges. Despite its prevalence, the condition is frequently misunderstood and underdiagnosed, often taking an average of 7 to 10 years before individuals receive a conclusive diagnosis (1). This delay underscores the complex nature of the condition, characterised by the abnormal growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, leading to a spectrum of distressing symptoms and significant disruptions to daily life. The delay is often also attributed to the gender data gap and the fact that endometriosis, like many other female-specific diseases, remains elusive based on the lack of knowledge, data, funding and research. Fortunately, recent years have seen a dramatic increase in endometriosis research and innovative technologies stemming from newfound insights, which will help revolutionise healthcare for those affected by this condition, and ultimately the quality of their lives.

One of the themes for International Women’s Day 2024 is a call to "Invest in women: Accelerate progress”. In this blog post, we will be exploring the stark realities faced by women in accessing adequate healthcare and the ripple effects this has on society as a whole; highlighting why EVERYONE (not just women) should consider investing their time, money and energy into benefiting women’s health, one way or another.  

Menstrual migraines and menstrual headaches can be a real pain, literally. They are menstrual-related symptoms brought about by the changes in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle, commonly experienced just before or during menstruation. In this post, we go head first into what menstrual headaches and migraines are, the different types, why they are caused and what you can do to help them and hopefully prevent them.

Ever noticed your menstrual blood is darker in colour than at other times during your period? In this blog post, we discuss the different colours of period blood and what they could mean in terms of your health. 

Have you ever wondered about the possible connection between your menstrual cycle and sexual desire? There can be times when the urge for intimacy is on fire, and other moments when it seems to be in hibernation; but is this linked to the menstrual cycle? In this blog post, we are going hardcore into the intricate connection between sexual desire, and libido, and how this relates with phases of the menstrual cycle.

The winter months can be dark and chilly as it is, but they can also be a time for emotional darkness for some menstruators, with the intensification of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In this blog post, we take a look into why PMS can get worse during the colder months, and what you can do about it.

Are the menstrual cycle and lunar cycle connected? New research suggests they could be…

The speculation that menstrual cycles might be synchronised with the moon has been an idea that has been going around for centuries. And although some might say it is just a myth and something only spiritual people believe in… there may be some truth to it after all.

You may have heard the term “gender health gap,” or maybe you’ve heard the more analytical “gender data gap.” Are both these terms referring to the same concept? Read this article to find out, where we discuss the relationship between the gender health and gender data gap.

At theblood, one of the fundamental things we're committed to is closing the gender data gap in healthcare. One crucial aspect of this lies in understanding the menstrual cycle and its various disorders that can disrupt it. After you have read this article, you will have a good knowledge of how the menstrual cycle functions and what potential bleeding patterns, and menstrual disorders exist.

Ever wondered about those period apps we often rely on? Well, it turns out most have some issues that need fixing, especially when it comes to the app’s design for respecting your privacy. In this blog post, we dig deep into menstruation technologies.

Curious about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)? Our comprehensive guide unravels the facts behind this common menstrual disorder. Delve into the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments for PCOS. Learn how lifestyle adjustments, diet, and exercise can empower those dealing with PCOS. Join us in gaining a thorough understanding of this condition and its management. Your go-to resource for all things PCOS is just a click away!

Which menstrual product is best for heavy menstrual bleeding? Good you asked, because we now know a bit more than we did before. In 2023, a significant stride has been made in the realm of menstrual product research. While it might sound surprising, until recently, menstrual products had never been properly tested with anything resembling real menstrual blood. But thanks to a recent study by DeLoughery et al. at the Oregon Health & Science University, the efficacy of various menstrual products has finally been assessed using human-packed red blood cells. In this article, we'll dive into the details of this study and explore its implications, particularly for those dealing with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB).

Have you ever wondered what's happening inside the body during this tumultuous time? Come and explore with us as we delve into the mechanisms that contribute to the development of PMS and PMDD, gaining a deeper understanding of how our body functions and interacts.

Are you suffering from PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can be a real pain. The cramps, bloating, fatigue, mood swings, and headaches can make it tough to get through the day. But there is hope! There are a number of supplements that can help to relieve PMS symptoms, that are alternatives to conventional drug therapy. In this blog article, we explore which supplements actually work and help relieve PMS symptoms, and explain how they are beneficial for the treatment of PMS and potentially PMDD.

In this blog post we explore the benefits of using a menstrual cup as a sustainable and healthy alternative to traditional period products. It highlights the environmental friendliness, cost-efficiency, convenience, and health benefits of menstrual cups. We will also shed light on the different folding techniques for easier insertion and offer guidance on how to properly clean and maintain the cup. Overall, the menstrual cup is presented as an effective, safe, and affordable option for menstruating individuals.

In this blog post, we explore contraceptive methods with a particular focus on hormone-free contraceptives. Effective contraception is a vital tool for many women (referring to anyone with a womb herein) in order to accomplish their objectives and plan their future. Despite the widespread use of hormonal methods, some women are now looking for non-hormonal alternatives to avoid any potential side effects and pursue more natural options. For those who want to maintain control over their bodies without relying on hormones, non-hormonal contraception offers a valuable option. It's crucial to consider each choice and pick the one that most closely reflects your preferences and values.

In this blog post, Martin focusses on a more specific and intense form of premenstrual syndrome known as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). He will explore PMDD in depth, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, to help you better understand this condition and seek medical help if necessary.

This is the first article of our blog series with our guest author Dr. med. univ. Martin Kiebler about premenstrual disorders. In this article, he is going to give an introduction to the topic and give you an overview about premenstrual syndrome, otherwise known as PMS.