Worst. Year. Ever. We can all agree 2020 has been a big fat thumbs down for most people. Period poverty has risen in the UK due to the pandemic, adding more worry to an already stressful year, but there have been more than a few positive period-related stories to come out of 2020, too. Here are our top 10 menstrual health moments of the year…

Workplaces used a quiz to become more period-friendly 📝

In September, MyPeriod.org.uk and the Scottish government launched their website to educate and remove stigma around periods in the workplace. There’s an interactive test that employers can take to discover how period-friendly their workplace is, and how to improve. Businesses receive a Gold, Silver or Bronze certification, and learn about hidden health concerns like endometriosis, PCOS and menopause. Massive menstrual win!

Chelsea became the first football club in the world to tailor their Chelsea Women training schedule to fit the players' menstrual cycles. The move was made by Manager Emma Hayes to enhance performance and reduce injury rates after she noticed the players’ energy and mood was affected by their cycle - relatable. They’re tailoring everything from training to nutrition to help them play at their very best. A goal for 2020!

Rishi sorted us UK menstruators out this year by scrapping the tampon tax, and it’s about bloody time. Under EU laws, tampons and sanitary towels have been categorised as a ‘luxury’ item instead of essential, meaning EU member states cannot reduce the tax rate below 5%. It has been confirmed that after the Brexit transition period ends, sanitary products will be zero-rated for VAT. Finally! 

Pantone launched their new shade: Period 🟥

Pantone always makes a big splash about their ‘Colour of the Year’, and though this wasn’t the chosen one for 2020 (damn you, Classic Blue!) it’s a bold addition to their range. Pantone’s new shade is apparently inspired by periods, and we know what you’re thinking; do the folks at Pantone think anyone’s period blood is actually that bright? Well, it’s the thought that counts, and we love it. If you’re planning a fresh lick of paint on your feature wall for 2021, might we suggest Period?

Big Mouth got SO real about using tampons 🙊

Big Mouth never fails to entertain with its all too real (and sometimes horrifying) portrayal of puberty. Season 4 did not disappoint. One of our all-time favourite moments was when Jessi got a heavy period at summer camp, and inserted a tampon for the first time. As usual, Big Mouth didn’t miss the opportunity to perfectly personify Jessi’s vagina, giving it a voice (thanks Kristen Wiig) and a hilarious, charming personality to talk her through the process. If only we all had a genital cheerleader during our first tampon experience. 

Emma Roberts opened up about endo and egg freezing 🥚

Actor Emma Roberts showed off her baby bump this year while getting candid about her health. After years of undiagnosed endometriosis, she finally found an explanation for her pain, and opened up about how it had unknowingly affected her fertility, to the point where she was advised to freeze her eggs. In the last few years we’ve seen many celebs discuss their endo issues, and we’re all for people shining a light on this frequently ignored condition. 

Bonnie Scotland became the first country in the world to provide free period products for all. In November, MSPs approved a bill making it a legal duty for local authorities to ensure free tampons and sanitary pads are available to anyone who needs them. MSP Monica Lennon has been campaigning to end period poverty since 2016, and it’s needed this year more than ever. It looks like the rest of the UK could follow suit soon, fingers crossed. 

A cricket team became the first to be sponsored by pads 🏏

Cricketers from the Indian Premier League team, the Rajasthan Royals, became the first major sports team to sign a sponsorship deal with a sanitary pad brand, and started wearing their logo on their jerseys when their tournament began in September. They’re keen to help fight stigma around periods, and what a way to do it. Howzat!

There were promising advances in treating PMDD 🤞

Anyone who suffers with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) knows that it can be debilitating, which is why it’s welcome news that preliminary research is showing a promising new treatment. Swedish researchers found that a drug blocking progesterone could help, after conducting a study of 95 women. This isn’t enough to get definitive answers, of course, so a lot more research needs to be done, but it’s a step in the right direction. 

Yoppie released applicator tampons and more! 🎉

And how could we not mention our very own fist-pump moment of 2020 - we released our first sustainable cardboard applicator cotton tampons, alongside a new personalised recommendation period box subscription service. Every period is different, and we’ll keep striving to offer complete flexibility and a bespoke approach to your cycle as we move into 2021. This is just the start of many more exciting developments at Yoppie HQ - watch out!

Thought of a great menstruation moment from 2020 that we don’t have on the list? Let us know over on Instagram at @itsyoppie so we can share on social media! 

Yoppie's Roundup: The Best Menstrual Health Moments Of 2020

Isn’t it about time we start celebrating vulvas instead of treating them like a taboo subject? That’s what artist Lydia Reeves is doing, and we are loving it.  

Lydia is a body casting artist based in Brighton, UK, and the creator of The Vulva Diversity Project; a 200-strong collection of vulva casts and 100 stories from their owners, all sharing their insecurities and journeys with this intimate and rarely-discussed part of the body. At Yoppie, we love to talk about all things vagina, so this was right up our street. Our editor Caitlin caught up with Lydia to find out more about the project, the most common insecurities, and how we can all feel better about our vulvas.

“Labiaplasty is now the fastest growing cosmetic surgery around the world.” (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery)

Hey Lydia! Tell us about your background, and how you came to start the Vulva Diversity Project?

I’ve always had an arty background. I studied Fine Art at uni, and have continued with art since I graduated over 6 years ago. My art has always involved bodies, periods, and basically anything I feel people should speak about more. 

I started The Vulva Diversity Project because, growing up, I was severely insecure about my body, and my vulva was the one place I was most insecure about. It affected my teenage years and even my adult years in terms of who I slept with and who I let in. This project stemmed from those feelings, as I wanted to do something that would help people celebrate their vulvas, and not go through what I went through. I want to show the huge variety, because as a straight woman growing up, I just didn’t see other vulvas, apart from in porn - and I think a lot of people are in the same boat.

“In 2016, 45 per cent more labiaplasty procedures were carried out than in 2015, according to data gathered by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS)... Concerns [have been] raised over young girls choosing to have surgery on their genitals because of body insecurities that stem from social media and pornography. Leading adolescent gynaecologist Dr Naomi Crouch [says] girls as young as nine were seeking the cosmetic procedure because they were distressed by the appearance of their vulva.” (Independent.co.uk)

Labiaplasty is now the fastest growing cosmetic procedure in the world. Why do you think this is?

Even if we leave porn out of it for a minute, if you grow up without seeing another vulva, you could think “oh, they must all look like mine”. A lot of people who came in to get cast have said this. We know every face is different, so why do we think all vulvas look the same? 

Other common thoughts are “Is mine normal? Do other people look like this? What is it meant to look like?” When I first Googled this I saw before and after pictures of labiaplasty, and that’s not going to put anyone’s mind at ease if they look like the ‘before’ image. 

I think in recent years there may be a more diverse range of vulvas in porn, but certainly when I was young, all you saw was the classic ‘pornstar’ vulva; very tiny labia, tiny clitoris, all pink, no hair, pink bum hole! People might seek out labiaplasty because they feel like they need to be ‘fixed’ or made ‘more desirable’. Children are researching labiaplasty as early as nine years old… you’ve barely started puberty at nine. 

Even if you don’t see, for example, boobs in the flesh, you know all boobs are different to some degree because you can tell, even under a jumper; big boobs, small boobs, saggy boobs, and so on. You can roughly see the shape even when they’re covered up, and the same can be said about other parts of the body, but your vulva is this place of mystery! 

“According to NHS figures, in 2015-16, more than 200 girls under 18 had labiaplasty and more than 150 of the girls were under 15.” (BBC.co.uk)

Are people nervous to get their vulva cast?

It depends on the individual; some are completely comfortable getting their vulva out, they just don’t care, but that same person may be shy about getting their boobs out, and vice versa. I always chat to them for a while about why they decided to come for a cast, their background, any insecurities they have, and I share my story too if I feel it’s appropriate, so they understand why I’m doing this. Before anyone has taken any clothes off I always make sure we get to know each other better, so it’s not as nerve-racking. I don’t want anyone to feel like they just walk in, meet me and take their pants off - it’s a much more friendly process!

Alongside the casting, you ask subjects to write about their relationship with their vulva. What are the most common insecurities you’ve read? 

When I started the project, I naively thought everyone would have the same insecurities as me. Just as people thought all vulvas are the same, I somehow thought all the insecurities would be too. I was surprised that everyone had a completely different story. 

It’s hard to pinpoint the most common, because the stories are all so different. To give you an idea, I’ve had a lot of stories about overcoming sexual abuse, insecurities about the size of labia, stories about parents taking them to the doctor because they think their vulva looks weird, which shows a lack of education on the part of parents. I’ve had a few non-binary people come in, and a transgender woman who was born with a penis, and has had surgery to have a vulva in her later years. I’ve also had a man come in who was born with a vulva, and still has one. 

All the stories have been super interesting, and I’ve got a book in progress with an index of over 50 topics that have been spoken about, with page numbers so people can read about specific stories.

“A labiaplasty is surgery to reduce the size of the labia minora – the flaps of skin either side of the vaginal opening. Some women want a labiaplasty because they do not like the look of their labia. But it's completely normal to have noticeable skin folds around the opening of your vagina.” (NHS.uk)

We love that you are able to showcase vulvas in such a creative and beautiful way. What were you hoping to achieve with the project, and what do you hope people can take from it?

I want to show the aesthetic side, and that vulvas are so different, but also share the stories behind them. There could be two vulvas that look similar, but those two people may have gone through something entirely different. I think it’s just as important to share the stories so people can read them and maybe discover something they have in common.

My exhibition has been postponed to next summer due to COVID-19, but I’m also in the process of making a book with photographs of all 200 casts, and 100 of the stories collected. Since exhibitions are location-dependent, the book will allow these stories to be shared worldwide - hopefully it will spark many interesting conversations. 

I'm hoping this will help people feel less alone in how they feel about their vulva, or what they have been through. I’m hoping it starts conversations between friends and families, but if people don’t want to talk about it, they can still read the stories and take something valuable from it. Even if they don’t relate to any of it, it’s about realising that everyone looks different, has been through something different, and feels different - and it’s all completely normal and OK.

This is such an important thing for young girls to see. Do you think young boys can benefit too? 

Absolutely. This isn’t just for people who have vulvas, I think this can be so educational for everyone. Every sex, every age, whatever anyone might have been through, it’s for everyone. 

There is a huge lack of education about the variety of vulvas and experiences. A handful of people who came in to get cast said their insecurity stemmed from a man or boy making a nasty comment about their vulva. Some people just don’t know that every vulva is different, and it would be super helpful if everyone was educated on this.

How can we as a society solve the issue of vulva insecurities?

Another project I’m working on with a friend of mine is trying to get this education and my vulva casts into schools. It’s all fine being educated as an adult, but by then you might have years of negative thoughts to unpick. If you learn that all vulvas are different when you’re young, you might not develop the negative thoughts in the first place. Even if it’s just one lesson in your whole time at school, I think that would be a huge improvement. 

I think it’s about talking - talk to your friends, talk to your kids, educate as much as possible. I’d love to bring this into schools and show my casts. I think a lot of kids think it’s embarrassing to talk about, but when something is spoken about by a teacher, it becomes less of a big deal. I know I wouldn’t have wanted to talk about it as a kid because I was shy, but I would have sat in the lesson and thought “Oh, it’s OK, I’m normal!” - sometimes that’s all it takes.

What advice would you have for a young person with insecurities about their vulva?

Luckily, nowadays one of the pros of social media is that more people are talking about the issue and there are lots of great accounts now to do with vulva positivity, varieties of vulvas, and so on. I would say get to know yourself, and look at your own. I think a lot of people avoid ever looking down there and hide it away, and I don’t think that helps. Even if you initially don’t like what you see, get to know yourself, how you look and how you work - all of that will be so helpful for the future. 

If you can, just talk to people. Ask your friends. I know that’s quite a big thing for some people, and they might not feel comfortable with it, but if you have a close friend that you can discuss insecurities with, that can sometimes be a life-changing conversation. Even if your friend doesn’t have insecurities of their own, you can still have a conversation, and perhaps feel like a weight has been lifted when you speak about it out loud. 

And also… buy my upcoming book when it’s out! I’m hoping it will help and encourage body positivity.

Absolutely! Where can people find you and stay updated about the project and your book? 

I’m on Instagram at @lydiareeves_artist, and there’s more information on my website. There’s a whole section on The Vulva Diversity Project. Also, the project I’m running with my friend, where we’re trying to get this into schools, is called The What Is Normal Project. You can find it on Instagram @whatisnormalproject.

If you're curious about genital confidence or what vulvas can look like, ask away over on Instagram at @itsyoppie! Don't forget that Yoppie's personalised period subscription box can get organic cotton tampons, PMS supplements, and much more, delivered through your letterbox. That's a few less things to worry about each cycle.

Meet Lydia Reeves, Creator Of The Vulva Diversity Project

If you’re one of the thousands of people in the UK who have signed up for Go Sober for October, committed to Dry January or otherwise pledged to quit booze for a month (or longer), good on you! For some it’s a breeze, and for others it’s quite a struggle to go a while without a drink. However easy or difficult you may be finding it, it can do wonders for your health and overall wellbeing.  

But what about when you’re on your period? Many of us will likely drink as normal throughout our cycle, but could your hormones affect your alcohol consumption, and vice versa? Let’s take a look-see.

Yup, we got the short straw here girls. It’s common knowledge that a woman’s blood alcohol level will almost always be higher than a man’s, even when they have consumed the same amount. This is a fact confirmed by Drinkaware, and it’s because women tend to have a smaller build than men, with a higher proportion of body fat. This hasn’t always been known, as prior to the 1990s most alcohol research deliberately excluded women due to the instability of their menstrual cycle.

Jenny Valentish, author of the book Woman of Substances, found a connection between our menstrual cycles and alcohol habits, which could be the key to helping more women with alcoholism get the help and treatment they need. During her research, she actually found that female recovering alcoholics are more likely to relapse due to hormones affecting the way female bodies crave and absorb alcohol.

That’s also why research suggests that when we experience PMS, we may find ourselves drinking more alcohol during this time, as we attempt to booze away our bad mood.

Don’t drink and bleed! Just kidding. But let’s get one thing straight before we go further: a little bit of alcohol is rarely a problem. As with any health-related issue, laying off the alcohol is advised in a general sense, but we all know it’s the excess and frequent binge drinking that we need to watch out for. 

To that end, excessive drinking could definitely be negatively affecting your periods. In fact, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, regular heavy booze sessions can cause irregular periods or even skipped periods. This happens because alcohol can temporarily increase levels of estrogen and testosterone, disrupting typical hormonal fluctuations that happen during ovulation.

If you are trying to conceive, it’s also good to know that regular and excessive alcohol intake could be affecting your ovulation in the same way, and therefore your fertility. Think ahead and plan your drinking around your ovulation. Your sauvignon blanc around your sexy time, if you will. Better yet, reduce your alcohol intake for a prolonged period of time to encourage more regular ovulation.  

If you’re wondering how much alcohol it takes to disrupt your cycle, there’s no data to tell us when to stop and each person’s body is different, so it’s about listening to your own body. You’ll probably want to stay under the recommended daily limit of 2-3 units, and perhaps take a few sober days each week. 

Probably not. Some women believe that as alcohol is known to dull some physical pain, it can lessen the intensity of cramps. This logic falls apart when you realise alcohol is a diuretic, meaning that it dehydrates your body - that’s why you get the horrible hangover the next morning.

Being dehydrated actually tends to worsen cramps, so it’s always best to avoid alcohol if you are experiencing bad cramps, or supplement with plenty of water to hydrate.

If you find yourself becoming more drunk more quickly while on your period, having irregular periods, or experiencing bad cramps, alcohol may be to blame, and the simplest way to avoid these symptoms is to reduce alcohol intake, or have some sober time.

If you do want a drink though, it’s best to avoid fruity cocktails that are usually high in sugar, as this can create a spike in blood sugar which worsens the effects. Choose non-alcoholic mocktails that aren’t made up of mostly fruit juice, or things like sparkling water or tea if you want to order a drink socially. Coffee can worsen PMS symptoms and anxiety, so try to avoid this if you can.

If you’re out for a special occasion and want a couple of alcoholic drinks in moderation, it’s all good. Just drink plenty of H2O alongside and you’ll be good to go. Cheers to that! 

Got questions about having a drink while on your period? Let us know over on Instagram at @itsyoppie. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll always do our best to direct you to the info you need. 

P.S. If you’re struggling with alcohol in any way, this page has a lot of great advice, resources and support. 

You've got enough going on at that time of the month so don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic cotton tampons, PMS supplements, and much more, delivered through your letterbox. That's a few less things to worry about each cycle!

Fact checked by Doctor Brooke Vandermolen.

How Alcohol Consumption Can Affect PMS and Your Cycle

There are all sorts of alternative therapies out there to explore for period pain, and when it gets really bad, you might be tempted to try a few on for size to see if they make a difference to your pains and overall wellbeing. Let’s take a closer look at reflexology, the pressure points involved, and whether or not this can be an effective relief for period pain. Prepare your tootsies!

What is reflexology and how does it work? 🧐

Reflexology is essentially a foot massage, but with a little more strategy to it. By applying specific amounts of pressure to the feet, it is believed that you can connect to organs and systems throughout your body, and influence them to promote certain health benefits.

Some swear by this technique, while others claim a lack of scientific evidence to make the effects plausible. At the end of the day, whether it's effective or a placebo; if it works for you, it works for you. While the science does put this technique into question as a legitimate medical treatment, there’s nothing to say that your toes can’t be the key to your tummy ache, so give it a go - you never know! 

Though some say that reflexology has helped them fix back problems and fight cancer, these suggestions should be taken with a pinch (or two) of salt, as there is no scientific evidence to show that there is any truth to these claims.

That said, reflexology is thought to be able to help with reducing general pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and improving wellbeing. In fact, some strong studies have shown that reflexology can have many beneficial effects on anxiety, so it’s certainly worth a try if you suffer from any of the above.

Reflexology is essentially massaging the feet, so it’s considered a very safe and even enjoyable therapy to receive, even if you have a serious health condition. That said, it’s recommended that people speak to their doctor if they suffer from certain health issues, such as circulatory problems, blood clots or inflammation of the leg veins, gout, foot ulcers, thyroid problems, epilepsy, or anything else you may be concerned about. And of course, if you have a case of the ol’ tickly feet syndrome, you may want to avoid!

Lastly, if you’re pregnant and keen to visit a reflexologist, definitely let them know before your session, as some pressure points are thought to induce contractions… best avoid those!

Some who receive reflexology have reported mild side effects such as lightheadedness and emotional sensitivity, so keep this in mind if you choose to try it.

Pressure points and where to find them 🗺

Studies vary on exactly which pressure points affect each part of the body, but typically it is thought that key points on the soles of the feet affect specific areas. For example, the outside arches of the feet are thought to be linked to back pain, so this is where your reflexologist might concentrate their efforts if you have an achy back.

The below diagram from Massagaholic gives a general overview of which areas you may want to focus on if you are targeting a specific condition.

It’s the big question! And the answer is… maybe. Some studies have found reflexology could be as effective as taking ibuprofen, and that in itself could be enough reason to give it a try, as many of us would agree that an alternative to popping pills is usually best.

There is evidence to suggest that focusing on reflex points in the feet could affect the endocrine system and possibly even the reproductive system, which is responsible for hormone production. If this is the case, reflexology could in fact help alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) - yes please!

How to use reflexology for period pain 🦶

Want to give it a try next time you’re reaching for the hot water bottle and the painkillers? Then you’ll likely want to focus on one particular spot, named ‘Liver 3’, which is thought to soothe cramps and regulate menstruation. You’ll find this one about an inch below the spot between your big and second toe.

If this doesn’t work for you, you don’t need to give up entirely on using pressure points. There are other places on the body that could be more effective for you - here’s a quick guide you might find handy.

Have you ever tried reflexology for period pains? Did it work for you, or is it a lot of woo-woo? Let us know your thoughts over on Instagram at @itsyoppie! Still, you've got enough going on at that time of the month even if you aren't getting a foot rub, so don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic cotton tampons, PMS supplements, and much more, delivered through your letterbox. That's a few less things to worry about each cycle!

Reflexology For Period Pain: Is It Worth It?

Think you only use your nose to seek out the nearest bakery? Oh no. There’s a lot more going on in there… so say some scientists. The rest aren’t so sure. Let’s dive into the topic of pheromones, what they do, how they change throughout our cycle, and whether or not they even exist in humans in the first place.

A pheromone is a chemical produced by animals that changes the behavior of another animal of the same species. Whether or not that same superpower extends to humans is a hot topic, and regularly debated in the science community.

Animals secrete pheromones that can send messages like:

“Please remove yourself from my presence”

Humans have our voices for that kind of talk, but we do still secrete our own pheromones through sweat and, it is thought, our nasal septum. Scientists have long considered that human pheromones have the ability to trigger slight mood changes, rather than an animalistic mating call. It’s pretty obvious they don’t send us into a sexual frenzy like some perfume brands might have us believe, but they do seem to do… something.

Zoologist Michael Stoddart made the observation back in 1990 (The Scented Ape, University of Tasmania) that humans possess denser skin concentrations of scent glands than almost any other mammal, which would suggest that we have more connection to scent than we might think. Why would we need all those scent glands if we weren’t giving off some serious pheromones?

While the science is still debated, it has since been found that pheromones can in fact affect mood and sexual feelings in women, albeit very subtly, through the odour produced during our menstrual cycle. Interesting…

The short answer? Maybe. We’ve all heard the tale of BFFs with synchronised periods, and in fact a University of Chicago study seemingly connected the synchronisation of a group of women’s menstrual cycles to what they called ‘unconscious odour cues’. They did this by exposing a group of women to the scent of sweat from another group of women. In doing so, it appeared their menstrual cycles either slowed or sped up depending on when the sweat was collected, i.e. before, during or after their ovulation period. The findings claimed that pheromones collected before ovulation shortened their cycle, while pheromones collected during ovulation appeared to make it longer. Pretty cool… if it was true. Unfortunately in recent years the study has come into question, and may not be accurate enough to draw any real conclusions.

Can your cycle influence your scent… and make you more attractive?

It’s what perfume makers have been boasting about for years - increase your sexual attraction with just a spritz! Unfortunately there is no science to back up these claims, just very good marketing.

Research on scent in relation to attractiveness, though inconclusive, is fascinating. Firstly, there may be evidence to suggest that you become attracted to specific types of people at various points in your cycle, with one study finding that female sexual preferences change depending on whether or not they are ovulating.

Then there’s the small matter of how birth control affects this; Swiss researchers studied people taking birth control (which, remember, essentially stops you getting pregnant by flooding the oestrogen receptors, so they downregulate the production of other hormones) and found that, strangely, women felt more attracted to people that they wouldn’t normally consider to be “their type”. This suggested that oral contraceptives demolish the cyclic attractiveness of odors which actually supports the role of the menstrual cycle on odors and human sexual behavior.

This might explain your sudden monthly attraction to Phil Mitchell from Eastenders. No? Just us?

Apart from your potential attraction to someone unexpected, the most compelling evidence involving female pheromones actually relates to men and their attraction to women who are ovulating. This happens through subtle scent components given off from various points around our bodies. Ovulation is our most fertile time of the month, so this would make biological sense if the aim was to get pregnant, but is it true?

One study found that when body odours given off by females were collected at various times throughout the cycle, and ranked by a group of single men and men who were part of a couple, the ovulation odours seemed to improve social perception among single men, while impairing social perception among pair-bonded men. What does this mean? Well, if you’re ovulating, you may appear more attractive to single men, but your partner is unlikely to take any notice - sounds about right!

So what do you think? Are you convinced by the research on pheromones and your menstrual cycle? Let us know your take on this controversial subject over on Instagram at @itsyoppie! You've got enough going on at that time of the month so don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic cotton tampons, PMS supplements, and much more, delivered through your letterbox. That's a few less things to worry about each cycle.

Stoyanov GS, Matev BK, Valchanov P, et al. The Human Vomeronasal (Jacobson’s) Organ: A Short Review of Current Conceptions, With an English Translation of Potiquet’s Original Text. Cureus 2018; 10: e2643–e2643.

Verhaeghe J, Gheysen R, Enzlin P. Pheromones and their effect on women’s mood and sexuality. Facts, views Vis ObGyn 2013; 5: 189–195.

MCCLINTOCK MK. Menstrual Synchrony and Suppression. Nature 1971; 229: 244–245.

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Gangestad SW, Thornhill R. Menstrual cycle variation in women’s preferences for the scent of symmetrical men. Proceedings Biol Sci 1998; 265: 927–933.

Kuukasjärvi S, Eriksson CJP, Koskela E, et al. Attractiveness of women’s body odors over the menstrual cycle: the role of oral contraceptives and receiver sex. Behav Ecol 2004; 15: 579–584.

Oren C, Shamay-Tsoory SG. Women’s Body Odor during Ovulation Improves Social Perception in Single Men. Chem Senses 2019; 44: 653–662.

Menstrual Pheromones: How Scent Could Be Connected To Your Cycle

Periods are a common thread connecting us through all walks of life. That said, no two periods are the same, just as no two people are the same. Disabilities present differently for each person, so whether you have a physical or an intellectual disability, you may find that the traditional period advice doesn’t exactly apply to you.

Let’s start by clarifying what we mean by ‘disability’ - it’s a broad term. The dictionary definition is “a physical, mental, cognitive, or developmental condition that impairs, interferes with, or limits a person's ability to engage in certain tasks or actions, or participate in typical daily activities and interactions”.

For some with disabilities, managing their period might be no problem at all, but for others, the simple act of changing a tampon could be something that requires much more forethought and creativity than the rest of us apply to the task.

There’s a wide spectrum of physical disabilities, and within each category, individual abilities vary. It could take us an entire book to list all possible types of physical disability, so here are just a few examples; multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, epilepsy, visual impairment, cerebral palsy, limb amputation, and more.

Some barriers often faced by those with a disability include:

Lack of educational materials that cover advice for women with different abilities and body types

Insufficient infrastructure in public bathrooms to aid all abilities, which can make basic hygiene procedures more challenging and increase risk of health problems

According to menstrualhygieneday.org, although people with physical disabilities can experience menstruation in much the same way as non-disabled women, they are often found to have more negative symptoms such as heavy periods (menorrhagia) and painful periods (dysmenorrhoea).

The management of menstruation can prove difficult for some with limited physical functions. After all, tampons can be a fiddly business at the best of times! Though applicators can make things slightly easier, inserting and removing one, or doing the same for a menstrual cup, just isn’t an option for some. Plus, those who have the help of a carer for hygiene may not feel comfortable with someone else doing this.

In many cases, sanitary towels (and perhaps period-proof underwear) are the best choice, though they can still be challenging to change. They present a less intrusive option for carers, and can be essential for those who do not have sensation below the waist and therefore can’t always tell when their period is on its way, or already there.

We love this account by writer Melissa Blake, who talks about the logistics of getting her period while in a wheelchair.

Some disabilities you can’t see, and when it comes to intellectual disabilities such as Down syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, developmental delay, and more, women and girls are up against a number of barriers that make menstruation a stressful experience. These include a lack of ability to gather information on periods, lack of educational materials that cater to varying learning requirements, and sometimes a lack of understanding about what is happening to their body.

Many of us have grown accustomed to our periods and can handle them on autopilot, but if you actually think about what goes into managing them, there’s a lot! Some steps include keeping track of when it’s due, being prepared with appropriate sanitary products, changing the products (which can be messy!), disposal of used products, knowing about things like toxic shock syndrome (TSS), dealing with laundry when inevitable leaks happen, pain relief for cramps, remembering the correct daily intake of birth control pills to manage symptoms, and of course, there’s low mood and mood swings, which can be even more difficult for someone with an intellectual disability.

Typically, if someone is independent with their toileting, they are usually also able to manage their menstrual care, however this isn't always the case. Still, it can be useful for carers or family members to track the periods of those with disabilities to ensure they are always healthy, since your menstrual cycle can be an indicator of other health problems, and those with intellectual disabilities may not recognise tell-tale signs or feel comfortable sharing them to seek help.

Tracking allows the person to be prepared for their next period, and can even help manage the symptoms of their disability. As an example, up to 20% of people with intellectual disabilities also have epilepsy, and seizures can be linked to hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle. By tracking this, carers can monitor the likelihood of issues.

Whatever difficulties you face with puberty, periods, and the emotions that come with them, you can be sure that most girls and women have experienced the highs and lows (well, mostly lows!) of periods, and that’s something that will always unite us - making it forever acceptable to ask a stranger for an emergency sanitary towel!

Do you have a disability, or care for someone with a disability? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories on managing periods - you can chat to us over on Instagram at @itsyoppie or in our private FB group. Whatever your particular circumstances, you've got enough going on at that time of the month so don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic cotton tampons, PMS supplements, and much more, all delivered through your letterbox. That's a few less things to worry about each cycle!

Managing Periods With A Disability

It’s time to talk about ‘that which shall not be named’. Nope, worse than Voldemort… it’s those pesky period poops. Yoppie’s not afraid to talk about the icky stuff, so we thought it was time to address this mysterious phenomenon that ranges from mildly inconvenient to downright disgusting.

You may have experienced some iffy digestion while on your period, and if you’re one of the not-so-lucky ones, the occasional ‘period poop’. Your digestive system is affected by your menstrual cycle due to fluctuating hormones, and sometimes it’s tough to decipher between period cramps and digestive discomfort, since cramps often feel like pressure in the abdomen, and both can bring on contractions around the uterus and bowel area.

All this is caused by prostaglandins, a group of lipids that control processes like blood flow, formation of blood clots, and induction of labour. That’s right, sometimes it’s hard to tell if you’re in labour or just about to poop your pants - aren’t periods fun?!

Not everyone experiences symptoms quite as dramatic as this - although some of the stories in this Cosmo roundup go into heavy detail - we love it! One study found 73% of respondents experienced period-related gastrointestinal symptoms ranging from more frequent bowel movements (1), to constipation or diarrhoea. IBS sufferers or those with other digestive issues could experience worse symptoms like abdominal pain and excessive diarrhoea during this time.

Here are some things you might notice during your period:

Prostaglandins are responsible for your increased frequency of bowel movements, as cells in the lining of the uterus produce more prostaglandins before your period, which stimulate muscles in your uterus to help it contract and shed its lining. Excess prostaglandins enter the bloodstream and can do the same to your bowels (2). Hence, period poop.

… smellllly poo, what are they feeding you?! Hormones are typically the culprit of period poop, but dietary changes can also be blamed. Progesterone increases feelings of hunger and causes cravings for certain foods (chocolate, anyone?). An increased intake of junk food is bound to have negative effects on your bowels. You know; smelly farts, smelly poos, all that stuff.

Feel constipated at certain points during your cycle? Once again we can blame hormones for this. Low prostaglandins and high progesterone leads to slow digestion and a lot less poopin’ (2). If this happens to you, up the fibre in your diet around your period.

More likely during your period is diarrhoea, thanks to excess prostaglandins making everything in your belly contract (2). What fun! Having diarrhoea and your period at the same time can make things rather messy, and losing blood and fluids can affect your energy levels, so it’s important to take it easy, drink a lot of water to boost hydration levels, and maybe cut the caffeine out for a while.

Cravings can be the cause of smelly poos, but they can also be responsible for mild to severe bloating (2). Excessive sugar, greasy food, and fizzy drinks can all make bloating much worse, but you will know your own bloat triggers, so try to limit those particular foods around this time and substitute some gut-friendly foods and herbal teas to calm the bloat.

When you’re using your pelvic muscles to poop, it can feel like your tampon may shoot out, Nerf gun-style. Perhaps it’s even happened a few times. Tampons can become dislodged if you strain for a poo, so some women prefer to remove and replace with another when they’re done.

If you’d rather not waste a fresh tampon, you might want to eat foods that prevent constipation so stools are easier to pass. If you have diarrhoea and some poo ends up on your tampon string, you should always change this to avoid harbouring harmful bacteria that can cause vaginal infections.

Here are a few things you can do to make period poop a little less intense every month:

Keep track of digestion: Learn which symptoms are likely to recur so you can plan ahead, eat accordingly, and if necessary, give your GP a log of your symptoms

Eat more fibre: Adding fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet can keep your system regulated

Get physical: Exercise may be the last thing on your mind during your period, but moving around helps relieve bloating and discomfort

Take ibuprofen: Useful for cramps, and it acts as a prostaglandin inhibitor to lessen symptoms

Manage anxiety – we know that this can manifest itself by worsening symptoms like diarrhoea. Techniques like hypnosis, and CBT can be effective at help these feelings too (2). 

Period poop should never get in the way of daily life, so if your symptoms are affecting you more than they should, talk to your GP for advice on what you can do to help the situation, and discuss medication that may help, like hormonal birth control to reduce PMS symptoms.

Also, talk to them about any severe symptoms so they can rule out conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and more. Bowel issues like IBS or inflammatory bowel syndrome can also flare up during your period. If in doubt, go speak to them - and just call them gastrointestinal issues if saying ‘period poop’ makes you squirm! 

Do you suffer from the dreaded period poop?! Let us know how you manage it, over on Instagram at @itsyoppie! Don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic cotton tampons, PMS supplements, and much more, delivered through your letterbox. That's a few less things to worry about each cycle!

Period Poop: How Menstruation Affects Your Digestive System

So you’ve booked your holiday, bought your essentials, created the WhatsApp group with the gang, and you’re ready to go. Then it dawns on you… your period is due.

We’ve all experienced the gut-wrenching heartbreak of this realisation and cursed our new white bikinis, but with a little forward planning, you can make your upcoming trip just as relaxing as you’d hoped, period or no period.

Look at your calendar and figure out the exact arrival and departure date of your menstrual friend, then plan your holiday activities around the light and heavy flow, the cramps, the PMS, and all that other fun stuff. But! Remember travel plans can be stressful, and stress can lead to cycle disruptions, so try not to be annoyed if things don’t go to plan.

This guide should help you get organised for all occasions and possibilities, no matter what type of holiday you’re heading to.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast and can’t resist a few nights in the middle of nowhere, then period planning is useful as there may not be toilets or pharmacies nearby your campsite. You can take your trusty tampons and towels with you, but a reusable cup could be worth a try as they can be left in for up to 12 hours, making them perfect for the loo-free wilderness.

When it comes to staying clean, baby wipes are a popular choice for a camping trip that’s lacking showers, but best steer clear if you are prone to bacterial vaginosis (BV) or other infections. Keep anything scented or soapy away from your vagina and simply use water instead. And of course, clean your hands with sanitiser before and after changing your tampon or cup.

The key is to be at one with nature, not contribute to its litter, so don’t throw away any used menstrual products. Instead, put them in a plastic bag, seal it, and take them back to civilisation. Luckily, Yoppie's organic cotton tampons come with or without applicators, meaning you only need to take what you need.

Keen for an adventure-filled holiday that’s a little more active than your average? If your activities are fairly remote, then the camping rules above will apply, plus you’ll want to think about how your period typically reacts to an increase in exercise.

After all, physical exertion can change our period characteristics; you could experience anything from a heavier flow to skipping a period to excess discharge, so you’ll want to pack for all possibilities.

Tampons are always a solid choice, but if you tend to see excess discharge when exercising you may want to stock up on some of our super-soft organic pantyliners too, to help you feel cleaner throughout the day.

Jetting off somewhere warm and beachy? You lucky thing, you! On those warm, poolside holidays, most opt for tampons as they’re a nice discreet option for when you’re wearing a swimsuit, plus they are trustworthy for going in the water. 

Blood doesn’t tend to flow outside the vagina due to counter-pressure from the water (think of it as a temporary seal), but most people feel more confident using a tampon to avoid accidental leaks. If you’re worried about a heavy flow, sometimes a small liner can be discreet enough inside your bathing suit, and make you feel more secure while taking a dip. 

Having your period doesn’t mean you must sit out the family water volleyball game. Prep in advance, and be confident that you can join in the fun regardless. Worst that could happen? You leak a little and grab a nearby towel to clean up. No big deal. 

 Longer-term travel means that, chances are, you’ll be bleeding at some point during your trip. With lots of essentials to fit into your backpack, the aim of the game is saving space and keeping it light. 

Count out the number of tampons you’ll need for the time you’re away, plus a few extras, and grab a compact travel pouch to keep them in. The applicator-free Yoppie range is a backpacker’s dream; they’re small, travel-friendly, and made with 100% certified organic cotton which naturally breaks down much faster than plastic. While travelling, you can dispose of them in the bin guilt-free, knowing they’re planet-friendly. 

As well as sanitary products, there are a few other things you’ll want to add to your bag if you’re expecting your period. Here’s our easy-peasy packing list: 

pH balanced soap for cleaning "down there"

Hand sanitiser for on-the-go hygiene when changing tampons

Toilet paper or tissues to clean while camping

Your favourite snacks, so cravings don't catch you out!

Does your period fall during the week you’re on holiday? Let us know your tips and tricks, and how you got on, over on Instagram at @itsyoppie! Don't be stuck without a stock of essentials when you're packing for your holiday; our fully personalised period subscription box will mean you always have what you need on hand, from organic tampons to PMS supplements, and plenty more to help you ride all the phases of your cycle.

How To Manage Your Period On Every Type Of Holiday

Struggling to catch those Zzz’s? There are so many lifestyle factors and other health conditions that define our sleeping patterns, but for women, the menstrual cycle can be one of the most affecting elements of a good night’s rest. Here, we’re breaking down the ways your period could be keeping you up at night, and what you can do about it.

PMS never stops bringing the fun during our cycle, and by fun, we mean irritation, frustration, and heightened anxiety. Turns out PMS could also be to blame for our tossing and turning. According to the Sleep Health Foundation, 7 in 10 women claim their sleep pattern changes before their period, with the most common times being 3-6 days before.

In 2018, a study found that women who suffered with PMS had the poorest sleep quality, and this is thought to be because it is around this time that progesterone levels are lower. Progesterone’s role is to get the body ready for a pregnancy, so it tends to rise after ovulation and dip closer to your period. Some women even experience such negative PMS symptoms that it leads to insomnia.

What to do about it: If your period is keeping you up at night, counteract this by getting to bed a little earlier the week before your period, to prepare your body and get some extra hours of rest. 

Though hormones are usually to blame for all this bad sleep, sometimes it’s simply the monthly cramps and other symptoms that are directly affecting our slumber. 

The Sleep Foundation states that menstrual problems like cramps, bloating, headaches, heavy bleeding, and pain can come with sleep problems because of these external discomforts. Just as anyone would experience sleep disturbances if they had severe cramps in any other body part, some women struggle to fall asleep with the constant cramping in their uterus - understandable, really.

What to do about it: Take a hot water bottle to bed, and make use of over-the-counter pain medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease cramps and other nightly pains that could be keeping you awake. Don’t suffer all night long when you could numb the pain and enjoy a few more hours of shut-eye.

REM sleep (known as Rapid Eye Movement sleep) is the phase where we begin to dream, and we get the deepest, most restful sleep. It’s incredibly restorative for both the body and the brain, so too much disruption to REM sleep means you will feel less rested in the morning. Studies have linked excessive PMS symptoms with a reduction in the amount of REM sleep women are able to experience, so it’s really no wonder we can wake up feeling knackered.

What to do about it: If you know you will struggle to focus during the day while on your period due to lack of sleep, try to plan your non-important tasks for these days so you can relax a little - nothing too technical, physical or stressful! 

Straight after your period, you may notice you enjoy a few decent nights of sleep. Score! This is the time in your cycle when your body is more likely to respond to the melatonin found in your body - the hormone that sends us to sleep. After this phase comes a rise in estrogen levels which, you guessed it, affects our sleep once again. No rest for the menstruating! This is also the reason that one of the most effective treatments for PMS symptoms is taking the combined contraceptive pill, which can stop you from ovulating, and do away with this troublesome hormone fluctuations! 

What to do about it: Keep a sleep diary (recommended for at least 3 months) to figure out which points during your cycle you are struggling to sleep. By having a diary of past sleep disturbances, you can create a calendar that predicts when this will happen in future.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a more serious form of PMS which can bring about severe depression and anxiety. In these cases, the body can sometimes have a lesser response to melatonin in the body when in the luteal phase, which can lead to reduced quality of sleep. And we all know how that goes; less sleep puts us in a bad mood, the bad mood affects our sleep, and the cycle continues.

What to do about it: PMDD is a condition that is best discussed with a doctor to figure out the best treatment options, so if you are talking to your GP about this, be sure to bring up any sleep issues so they can help.

Your ‘basal body temperature’ is described as the lowest body temperature attained during rest, and during certain phases of your menstrual cycle (*ahem* thanks ovulation!) the base level can change. This happens because, as the body prepares to release an egg during ovulation, body temperature decreases. Once the egg is released, progesterone levels rise sharply which increases the basal body temperature.  

The Sleep Foundation says that our core temperature rises by around half a degree, which may not seem like a lot, but if you have ever tried to sleep in summer heat or you experience night sweats, you’ll know why this can become troublesome. 

What to do about it: Keep your bedroom cool and sleep in thinner pyjamas with a lighter duvet. The Sleep Foundation recommends you sleep in a room that is around 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also try taking a warm bath or shower before bed to essentially trick your body into feeling sleepy. This is often effective as your body heats up in the water and then quickly cools when you go to bed, meaning you can fall asleep faster.

Lack of sleep can be frustrating at best, and downright dangerous at worst, so it’s important to take steps to right the problem if it turns to insomnia, or the lack of sleep persists. Do you have any tips for getting more sleep when on your period? Let us in on your secrets over on Instagram @itsyoppie! 

You've got enough going on trying to get decent shuteye, so don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic cotton tampons, PMS supplements, and much more, delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. That's a bit less to worry about when you're trying to get some shuteye...

Walsh S, Ismaili E, Naheed B, et al. Diagnosis, pathophysiology and management of premenstrual syndrome. Obstet Gynaecol 2015; 17: 99–104.

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