Podcast junkie? Us too. And our favourites are the ones that get super candid about women’s health: periods, vaginas, hormones, pregnancy, you name it, we’re into it! We’ve chosen our top ten favourites to share with you. Headphones out, here we go...

If you’re going to listen to a podcast about women’s health, you can’t go wrong with one hosted by two open and honest Ob-Gyn physicians who aren’t afraid to dive into the good stuff. Sex, embarrassing stories, reproductive policy, taboo topics... and it’s all backed up by scientific facts. Listening to Dr. Jenn and Dr. Erica is like listening to your friends having a chat, but the kind that really know what they’re talking about. We’re in! 

You’ll find more info and episodes here. 

Everyone has their own period story, which is why we love the concept of this podcast, hosted by Le’Nise Brothers, a registered nutritionist who specialises in women's health, hormones and the menstrual cycle. In the podcast, she sits down with guests to discuss their personal period story, and dispel a few myths and misconceptions at the same time. This one features some great personal stories that we’re sure you’ll relate to. 

Learn more and listen to the podcast here. 

If you’re pregnant, a parent, or thinking about becoming one at some point, Beyond The Bump is a great listen. Hosts Jayde Couldwell and Sophie Pearce get real about all things mum-hood, and get into some really interesting discussions with guests where they ask all the questions you’ve always wanted to. They aim to have you feeling “lighter, more supported and more understood” after you listen. We’re all ears! 

Hormones are a bit of an enigma, so podcasts like this are absolute gold-dust, explaining how to actually maintain healthy hormones in daily life. Healthy Hormones for Women is hosted by Samantha Gladish, whose titles include “Online Nutritionist, Weight Loss Coach and Hormone Fixer-Upper”. Episodes cover everything from effective strategies for balancing hormones, to discussions about PMS, PCOS, menopause, and all that good stuff. 

For all you entrepreneurs and busy business folks out there, Periods & Power Moves might just be the pod for you. Hosted by Vianney Leigh, a “Menstrual Cycle Alignment Guide”, the podcast gets stuck into the stuff you need to know about understanding and aligning your menstrual cycle to avoid burnout and maintain a positive mindset. If your life is a constant hustle, there are episodes ready and waiting to help you tap into your monthly flow and feel more productivity as a result. 

A 10/10 for podcast names, and the content is equally winning. Heavy Flow is hosted by Amanda Laird, and is all about body positivity, periods, reproductive health, feminism and health and wellness topics. There are a wide variety of guests who each dive into some interesting topics, from periods to fertility to birth control to mental health and more. Bring on the Heavy Flow!

A podcast that names its episodes Breakthrough Bleed? Genius. Period, hosted by Kate Clancy, simply explores anything and everything to do with the menstrual cycle, and isn’t afraid to shy away from all things blood, blood, blood. There are some really interesting guests with science backgrounds in past episodes, and although the episodes appear to have paused throughout the pandemic, there’s a great back catalogue of juicy information waiting for you. 

This one could be a favourite if you have experienced pain or problems with your health. Host Hannah Matluck has her own story of battling with pelvic pain, gut issues and hormonal imbalances, but has worked to create a community of others who have their own stories to tell. Including advice from top medical experts and interviews with bold women who share the intimate details of their health, we think you’re going to love this one. 

There’s lots more info and episodes available here. 

Who doesn’t love a monthly party?! This podcast has two experts in women’s health telling all. Because where’s the fun in keeping your period problems to yourself? These conversations are designed to help you understand your body better, and we’re all for that. Hosts Nat and Nicole are friendly, fun and up for a totally uncensored chin-wag about all things period-related. 

… we sure do! This podcast, hosted by Yumi Stynes, gets into the taboo subjects we know and love (but never talk about). There have been episodes on vaginas, anal sex, the clitoris, erotic literature, pubic hair and many more topics that’ll make you clutch your pearls and turn up the volume. 

Found another podcast you think we’d love to hear? Sharing’s caring! Send us your suggestions 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, and much more, delivered through your letterbox. That's a few less things to worry about each cycle!

Yoppie's Top 10 Favourite Women's Health Podcasts

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.

You've got enough going on down below at that time of the month, so don't forget that Yoppie's personalised period subscription box can get organic cotton tampons, 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

The Lowdown: How safe are period delay tablets?

In an ideal world, we’d all have an app on our phone with a period ‘start/stop’ button. Cool to begin menstruating? Click ‘start’. Heading out in a pair of white trousers? Click ‘stop’ and enjoy a blood-free day… the dream!

But of course, life doesn’t work that way. As fate would have it, the times when we want our period least tend to be the times when Mumma Nature kicks in. That’s why some people turn to period delay tablets. While there’s no guaranteed way to delay your period, some do find these effective. If you’ve never heard of them, we’re breaking down what they are, why people use them, how they work, and of course their safety and side effects.

What are period delay tablets and where do you get them? 🤔

They come under different names, but most use a synthetic hormone called Norethisterone, which is similar to the progesterone our bodies produce naturally. With a normal menstrual cycle, progesterone levels fall which triggers the lining of your uterus to shed, therefore causing blood to leave your body. By taking Norethisterone, you maintain the levels of progesterone in your system, and this can lead to a postponement of this shedding. Goodbye period. 

It’s not just for holidays and weddings either; many women may want to delay their period for cultural reasons such as in the Muslim faith and Judaism. Having your period may prevent you from fulfilling certain religious customs, or having intercourse with a partner for a certain period of time. So, even more reason that having some ways to control when your period begins can be empowering for women everywhere! 

There are many reasons people may wish to delay their period, with some of the most common being:

Upcoming social events (we’ve all got that one dress that isn’t period-compatible!)

Particularly stressful life events (for example, moving house)

Basically anything that falls outside the norm of daily routine could arguably be made easier without the added complication of cramps, bloating, and changing tampons or pads regularly.

Different types of tablets may have different instructions, but in most cases the pills contain the hormone progesterone. You would take them around three days before your period is due to begin, or around cycle day 25, and continue to take them for around 20 days after. When you stop, you should expect to get your period around two to four days later.

Is it the same as taking the combined pill? 💊

Not really. If you are taking norethisterone for the purpose of delaying your period, this may not be at the same dose used in contraception. Also, the combined pill contains the hormone oestrogen. That being said, people who use the combined pill for birth control can also delay their periods depending on which type they are taking. Continuous-use options mean you are taking hormonal birth control constantly, with no breaks between packs. Without breaks, you’re unlikely to have any bleeding, and therefore can avoid having a period. 

Extended-use options mean you would normally have a break between packs, which is when your period would come. By taking the next pack immediately after the first, you can delay your period for as long as a month. 

Newer evidence suggests that you don’t necessarily need a pill-free interval, like you used to with traditional versions of the combined pill that advise you to mimic your menstrual cycle and have a week off every month.(1)  If you are unsure of which type of pill you are taking, or want to discuss options for delaying your period, speak to your GP.

Norethisterone is generally considered safe for most people, but it’s always best to chat to your doctor about this, as in some cases it is not advised. For example, if you or your family have a history of blood clots. (2)

While it is not considered dangerous, you should not take more than the given number of tablets, and should not rely on Norethisterone as a way of delaying your period long-term. It’s intended for use on an occasional basis, not permanently. 

Oh and by the way… Norethisterone prescribed for the purpose of delaying your period is not the same as using it for contraception, as it is usually designed so it doesn't interfere too much with your hormone levels and fertility. Therefore you should not rely on it as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. It is not a replacement for birth control. 

As with many hormonal medications, Norethisterone can cause some side effects. Things to watch out for are; low mood, acne, breast tenderness, fluid retention, low sex drive, and even nausea and headaches. If you experience excessive side effects it is best to have your GP check that everything’s OK, and if you should continue taking them. 

If you delay your period, whether by using Norethisterone or from taking back-to-back combined pill packets, you may experience something called ‘breakthrough bleeding’. This means unexpected bleeding due to hormonal fluctuations, and while it can be annoying, it’s usually nothing to worry about.(3) 

At the end of the day, the effectiveness of period delay tablets varies with each person, so you may find they work for you, and if they don’t, speak to your GP about other options.

Have you ever taken period delay tablets? We’d love to hear more about your experience! Let us know on Instagram at @itsyoppie.

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

Edelman  A, Micks  E, Gallo  MF, Jensen  JT, Grimes  DA. Continuous or extended cycle vs. cyclic use of combined hormonal contraceptives for contraception. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD004695. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004695.pub3.

Mansour D Safer prescribing of therapeutic norethisterone for women at risk of venous thromboembolism Journal of Family Planning and Reproductive Health Care 2012;38:148-149.

Dean J, Kramer KJ, Akbary F, et al. Norethindrone is superior to combined oral contraceptive pills in short-term delay of menses and onset of breakthrough bleeding: a randomized trial. BMC Womens Health. 2019;19(1):70. Published 2019 May 28. doi:10.1186/s12905-019-0766-6

The Lowdown: How Safe Are Period Delay Tablets?

Periods tend to hog all the attention when talking about our monthly cycle. They’re a bit like the demanding boss of the menstrual phases. I mean, blood is hard not to notice and you sure can’t miss cramps (gawd, cramps!), but what about the rest of our cycle? Heck, what’s going down in our bodies between the bleeding every month?

Understanding this and how hormones play a part can be empowering. In this article we’re gonna talk about our cycle patterns and the hormones that rule them. Helping you harness that knowledge to your advantage!

To give you a taster of what we’re going to cover in more detail, check out our bitesize chunk below. If you like what you read, keep going as you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. 

The low down on your cycle squeezed into some handy bullet points:

Follicular phase (Known in some circles as spring!)

Your body is workin’ hard to push you out of your period slump and get schmoozing again. Embrace burgeoning energy and enjoy that oestrogen boost!

Ovulation (Think of it as the summer of your cycle!)

All three sex hormones are pumping and you’re a force to be reckoned with. You’re a social butterfly, a powerhouse at work and in the bedroom. You are primed and ready to catch any swimmers that come your way during this fertile window! Enjoy it.  

Luteal phase  (Heading back into autumn)

Right now you’re winding down from summer with progesterone. Don’t feel guilty taking extra time for self-care, relaxing alone and catching up on the jobs you were too busy for in summer. 

Your hormones finally dip and the blood arrives. If you have difficult periods, take time to rest and eat well. Keep exercise routines chilled and let your body renew and restore.

Wanna take a closer look? Ok, let’s go. 

Hormones, what have you done for me lately? 🤔

We may bash our hormones in exasperated tones, “Ughh hormones!” when we’re complaining about our mood, the state of our skin and more. But they don’t deserve the bad rep.

These brilliant chemical messengers are secreted by our glands. Travelling through our bodies via our bloodstream to organs and tissues, they give essential instructions on processes that need to be carried out to regulate our health and behaviour. Obviously hormones aren’t the only factor determining how we feel, but they certainly play into what’s going on in our everyday lives.

Here, we’ll be concentrating on the hormones that rule our reproductive cycle; The big 3

A menstrual cycle pattern usually lasts around 28 days but this can vary, depending on the person. Your cycle may even rarely be the same length, fluctuating each month.

Menstrual cycle patterns revolve around these two main events:

Ovulation (when your body grows and releases an egg)

These events are both part of four phases including:

Follicular phase - oestrogen rules the roost to help your eggs get ready for ovulation.

Luteal phase - progesterone comin’ in hot leading up to menstruation.

Period - when you bleed as your cycle ends and begins again!

Rather than a list, try and imagine the phases flowing in a circle...

Hormonal fluctuations in our bodies during each of these phases trigger physical and emotional changes. They can affect how your skin looks, how you cope with stress, how horny you’re feeling and what kind of discharge appears in your underwear.

Likewise, your cycle can be affected by life events, your overall health, those ten G&T’s you consumed over the weekend, weight gain, your yoga class, all that great sex… you name it!

That’s why working with our hormones (when possible) can give us a powerful advantage. Tracking these changes in your own body as you move through your cycle can give you a really interesting insight into how and why our body does what it does!(1) 

A few days after the first day of your period, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinising hormone) are released. These hormones prompt your ovaries to produce from 15-20 eggs, each housed in their own follicle. (2) Right now, they’re growing and competing on the lead up to ovulation as - usually - only one egg will be released! It’s a bit like America’s top model for eggs… only the best make it down the fallopian tube catwalk.

As one follicle begins to dominate and outgrow the rest it starts pumping out oestrogen, reducing FSH. It also helps your uterine lining develop, ready for the possibility of a fertilised egg. You could also notice an increase in cervical fluid and vaginal lubrication as your body moves towards ovulation in the second week. 

As oestrogen levels begin to rise, this can have the effect of and making you feel more energetic, motivated and sociable.

In purely biological terms, you’re being encouraged to get out there and find a suitable match to fertilise your eggs. Obviously, not everyone wants a cycle to lead to pregnancy and we’re far more than reproductive vessels! But, this doesn’t mean it’s not a great time to get out and about, arrange to catch up with friends and ease out of period hibernation.

Oestrogen is increasing blood flow to your vagina and you may notice cervical fluid becomes clear, slippery and stretchy. Some people refer to it as ‘egg-white’ cervical mucus, because if you stretch it between your fingers it looks suspiciously like egg whites! Oestrogen has now reached its peak. Enter LH (luteinising hormone) and testosterone. 

Just before ovulation, there’s an LH surge, halting oestrogen production (2). This prompts the lead egg to burst from its follicle and sashay down the fallopian tubes. It’s here that it can be fertilized by any sperm hanging around!

All three female sex hormones collaborating can make you feel a little bit invincible! You’re feeling sexier, hornier and more confident. You could notice your skin looking clearer than usual, your features more symmetrical, and feeling more adventurous. Time to wear that super-hot outfit! Testosterone can also boost physical performance which is great for anyone hitting the track or gym. 

Some people notice a little bit of cramping at this time, like they actually feel their egg shooting out of the ovary! This doesn't usually last longer than about 24-48 hours though. 

What happens during the luteal phase? 📈

Progesterone begins to rise and peaks in the middle of this phase (usually around day 21 in a 28-day cycle). At the start, oestrogen is also still high (2). 

Whether you’ve conceived or not, oestrogen and progesterone get busy prepping the inner lining of the uterus to receive and nourish a fertilized egg.

Progesterone can sometimes slow you down, making you feel more introverted and inclined to nights in. But it can also help you feel calm, more relaxed and just happy to just enjoy time on your own. This might be a great time to schedule cosy one-on-ones with friends, nourishing home-cooked meals or just chilling at home with popcorn and a great movie.

If you experience PMS, this can mean tender breasts, bloating, tiredness, feeling irritable or low and craving certain foods. Chocolate, anyone?

A period is both the start and the end of a hormonal cycle. Oestrogen and progesterone reduce to their lowest levels of the cycle.

A sharp drop in progesterone  levels trigger your uterus lining to shed, resulting in a period. After the lining has shed, your cycle begins again. (Although, when tracking your cycle always start from the first, not the last day of your period.)

Mood - Don’t even go there 🙅‍♀️

Without the calming effect of progesterone, you may be feeling tearful, tired, emotional, anxious or unsettled. You can also feel that the arrival of your period is a relief! Ending the bloating and the emotional rollercoaster that’s sometimes felt at this stage in the cycle.

Not everyone has an identical cycle, but observing these monthly changes can make you feel more in control and in tune with your body; always a good thing in our book!

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

Hormonal Intelligence: Understand All The Phases of Your Menstrual Cycle

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. 

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 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 lower than 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!

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, 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?

No one should feel lost when it comes to their menstrual health worries. Much of this subject is still taboo, but at Yoppie, we believe no question should be too embarrassing or too silly! Our in-house expert Dr Brooke Vandermolen, Obstetrics & Gynaecology specialist doctor, is here to answer some of the commonest concerns that women ask their gynaecologist.

Having vaginal discharge is a vital part of maintaining the overall health of the region. It is quite normal for your discharge to change throughout your menstrual cycle, from its colour to the consistency and smell.

This discharge serves many important functions including; cleansing the vagina, getting rid of natural bacteria and any dead cells and providing a natural lubrication to keep sex comfortable as well as preventing any skin irritation or discomfort. (1)

Pay close attention to your discharge, and if you notice it has an unusual colour or smell, or is blood-stained when it shouldn't be, seek advice from your doctor.

2. Why do I need to have a smear test? 🔬

Cervical cancer is an extremely rare, slow growing cancer. Doing a smear test, where a doctor or nurse takes a small sample of the cells in your cervix to be checked under a microscope is a very effective way of detecting abnormal changes in these cells, before they have a chance to become cancerous. It is not a diagnostic test for cervical cancer.

A new addition to the cervical cancer screening program is testing for the HPV human papillomavirus. This virus is known to cause 99% of all cervical cancer, so we now test every sample for HPV before the cells are checked under a microscope. (2)

Having regular smear tests means if there are any changes that develop, it can be caught and treated early without requiring any invasive treatment. 

3. Do I need to shave before visiting the gynaecologist? 🤔

Definitely not! Gynaecologists are not particularly interested in what you chose to do with your pubic hair, and it makes no difference to the outcome of the examination. They will most likely have seen thousands of vaginas, so there is no need to be concerned or embarassed about the appearance of yours! Do whatever makes you feel most comfortable but of course it is perfectly normal to feel nervous before expecting an intimate examination.

4. Does it matter if my period isn't regular? 🙇🏽‍♀️

The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, although it’s normal for it to vary by a few days each month. You don’t need to get medical advice if you have always had slightly irregular periods or you’re still going through puberty.

Periods suddenly become irregular and you’re under 45

Your cycle lies outside of the range 21-35 days

ALL CATEGORIES

LIFESTYLE

YOPPIE'S WORLD

SUSTAINABILITY

HEALTH & WELLBEING

FOR TEENS

NUTRITION

FERTILITY

Yoppie's Top 10 Favourite Women's Health Podcasts

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

Meet Lydia Reeves, Creator Of The Vulva Diversity Project

The Lowdown: How Safe Are Period Delay Tablets?

Hormonal Intelligence: Understand All The Phases of Your Menstrual Cycle

How Alcohol Consumption Can Affect PMS and Your Cycle

Reflexology For Period Pain: Is It Worth It?

Top 10 Questions Women Wish They Could Ask A Gynaecologist

Behind The Brand - The Yoppie Story

Menstrual Pheromones: How Scent Could Be Connected To Your Cycle

Managing Periods With A Disability

Period Poop: How Menstruation Affects Your Digestive System

Boob Check 101: An Easy Guide To Your Breast Health

How To Manage Your Period On Every Type Of Holiday

Period Advice To My Fellow Teens

Your Shame Free Guide To Common STIs