The world is waking up to the benefits of putting aside a little time each day, week and month for self-care. No longer is it something that gets pushed to the bottom of our to-do list every day; self-care is a priority, and we’re totally on board. Here are some of the most talked about self-care trends for the coming year that you might want to give try.

﻿﻿Sounds fancy, but it’s actually very accessible. ‘Forest bathing’ was a term coined in Japan in the 80s when doctors began to realise the positive physical and mental effects of spending longer periods of time outside and around nature, and began recommending forest bathing as a genuine remedy to ill health. In Japan, they call it “shinrin-yoku”, which literally translates to forest bath, and though it has been around for many years, this year saw its significance grow as people realised the indisputable benefits of being around plants.

﻿﻿CBD is everywhere, but not everyone wants to take it on their tongue every morning. Besides, there are a number of benefits to applying it topically, and in 2020 we will see more and more brands bring their products to market, offering the kind of CBD skin care you’ll want to display proudly on your dressing table. According to Harper’s Bazaar, Google searches for CBD skin care have increased by 367%, and the growing popularity of brands like Ohana CBD is clear to see. 

Forget dragging yourself out in the cold to go to the gym - it’s all about virtual fitness in 2020. Companies offer memberships that can be logged into through your devices, and allow for a variety of classes to be undertaken at home with the help of expert instruction. Whether you’re prepared to pay thousands to join the cult-like Peloton membership, or are looking for something more affordable like personal trainer Kayla Itsines’ Sweat app, you’ll find an option to suit, just in time for the January fitness rush.

Just as forest bathing lacks any actual bathing, so too does sound bathing. You might know them as gong baths, but these unique meditation classes have taken the wellness space by storm recently. Essentially, participants lie in a relaxed state throughout the session, while an instructor uses various techniques (gongs, Himalayan singing bowls, and more) to create specific frequencies of sound. It might sound a little hippy dippy, but there’s a reason so many people keep going back for more enlightening and calming experiences.

Meditation is nothing new, but for those who struggle to find the time (and discipline) to sit cross-legged in their living room, apps could make this self-care activity much more accessible in the new year. Apps like Calm, Headspace and Happy Not Perfect are quickly gaining popularity, and many health professionals are now treating meditation as less of a nice-to-have and more of an essential, for good reason.

It’s no secret that sleep is incredibly important for our health, but many still struggle to get a good night’s slumber. Luckily, technology is on hand to help, with apps monitoring our waking moments during the night, limiting blue light from our device screens that keeps us awake, and even offering pillows with speakers so you can listen to whatever sounds will help you nod off.

Our increasingly polluted world isn’t just harmful to the environment, plants and animals around us, it could also be doing silent and long-term damage to our health. Apps like AirVisual now allow us to monitor the air quality around us, and avoid areas with high levels of pollution, thus increasing our physical health and by extension our mental health. 

While veganism is still very much the topic of the moment, a lot more people are discovering the term ‘plant-based’ and loving it. Switching to a completely vegan diet is difficult, and tends to focus on what you can’t eat, while switching to plant-based focuses much more on what you can eat, and is as restrictive as you choose to be. A recent Netflix documentary The Game Changers has shone new light on this dietary revolution, and while facts and figures in the documentary are still disputed, there’s no denying a plant-based diet has the potential to improve our health in 2020 and beyond. 

The Danish lifestyle fad Hygge has come and gone, but Niksen is just beginning to popularise. If you feel you’re always busy and switched on, then this might be just what you need to relax. Niksen is the “art of doing nothing”, and is exactly what it sounds like; choosing to actively do nothing in order to restore balance and place more value on your downtime. Switch off your phone, forget the troubles of the day, and get your Niksen on.

Sick of your birth control making you ill? Don’t fancy putting toxic chemicals into your vagina? Us neither. Once upon a time women were told how to deal with their period using the limited methods available to us, but over the last few years we have seen a surge in women taking a more natural approach to their monthly cycle, and Yoppie is 100% here for it (and 100% free from toxic chemicals, by the way!). Apps like Clue let women be more in control of their periods, while here at Yoppie we’re helping them ditch the toxic chemicals, one tampon at a time. 

Know of another great self-care trend you predict to be huge in 2020? Shout it out in our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. Now that's an easy win for the NY resolutions.

10 Self Care Trends To Try In 2020

Most women know roughly when their period is on the horizon, but if you’re not a fan of unannounced visits from Auntie Flo, then it may be time to track your period in a more official way. While it will usually remain monthly, the exact characteristics of each period change a lot throughout your life, so keeping track can help you stay on top of unpleasant period admin when things don’t go exactly as they did a few months ago. And of course, there’s now technology that can help make it super simple.

If your periods are manageable and consistent (you lucky thing) then you may never have felt the need to track them at all, but there are a number of reasons why keeping an eye on what’s going on down there can be very beneficial. Here’s why.

Understand your body: From cramping to acne breakouts to changes in your sex drive, lots can happen during your cycle. If your spotty skin drives you mad,tracking when it’s bound to happen can help you feel better about the situation.

Understand your mind: Many women experience mood swings and even increased anxiety and depression at points in their cycle, so just as you would track your bodily functions, it’s also a great idea to track how you’re feeling so you can anticipate any impending low moods. 

Dress accordingly: All the girls with the heavy flows… we feel you! Knowing when you’re safe to wear a skirt and thong, versus when it’s probably best to wear dark jeans and your comfy pants, can make fashion planning so much easier. 

Prepare your pack: It’s time to pick out the perfect assortment of pads and ‘pons! Tracking can help you get the balance right between light liner and super absorbent tampons. No day is the same, and knowing in advance can help you avoid being caught short. 

Know when you’re most fertile: Whether you’re trying to get pregnant or avoiding pregnancy, knowing your fertile days is more than a bit handy. If you’re trying to conceive, that’s when to get down to it. But remember, if you’re actively trying not to conceive, avoiding those days doesn’t mean you still can’t get pregnant, so take precautions.  

Anticipate health issues: Tracking anything odd, uncharacteristic or particularly painful during your cycle can alert you to any health concerns that you might want to discuss with your doctor. Periods can be unpredictable for some, but you know your body best, so if anything out-of-the-ordinary occurs, you’ll know.

Of course! Women have been nailing period tracking in their heads for centuries, and if you’re a pre-internet gal, you may remember adding a red dot to your paper diary when your period was due. If you’re not keen on apps and want to keep it old school, simply knowing your cycle better can help you keep track.

As a reminder, women normally bleed every 28 days, but it can be less or more depending on your own body. We're all different! Bleeding is the most obvious sign you’ll get, so we suggest starting to track your period from the day you begin to bleed. Go into as much detail as you want to, and take note of everything from how many days you bleed for, the lightness or heaviness of your period on each day, any discharge, and what tampons or pads you had to use.

But don’t stop there. After you stop bleeding, your body is preparing to release an egg, then comes ovulation, then your next period. Keep track of how your body feels during the full cycle. Any mood swings, changes in your skin, headaches, anything that would be useful for you to know on a monthly basis, write it down wherever is convenient.

For the modern woman, apps have popped up all over the place that help us to track our periods more accurately, and the symptoms we can expect. One we like is the Clue app, which asks users a series of questions about their period and birth control, and begins to track your cycle with your help until you have a more detailed, personalised picture of your own period. The app helps to predict it for you, alerting you when it’s time to pop your period products in your bag!

How do you track your period? Let us know in our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox so you're never unprepared if things go off-schedule.

Period Tracking For The Modern Woman

Periods have been kept on the hush hush in popular culture. For some reason no one wants to talk about them, despite women the world over experiencing them once a month. Thankfully in recent years this taboo subject has become more accepted as a topic of conversation that won't make people gasp and faint, and it’s about time our menstruation references were updated from those in Judy Blume books. Here are some of our favourite modern mentions…

Watching Anna Chlumsky as Vada in ‘My Girl’ navigate growing up was oh so relatable, and the scene where she gets her first period is equal parts dramatic and hilarious. “I’m hemorrhaging!” is one of the most iconic lines as she bolts downstairs in a panic, and then demanding poor old Thomas J to not come back for 5 to 7 days. We've all been our girl Vada at one point.

My Girl (1991) - I'm Hemorrhaging! Scene (5/10) | Movieclips

Jessi from Big Mouth gets her first period

Big Mouth is never afraid to talk about all the awkward and embarrassing things to happen during puberty. Seriously, go watch it. It's one of the best shows to ever come out of Netflix. In the episode where Jessi gets her first period, it happens on a class trip while she’s wearing white shorts - we’ve all experienced similar unfortunate emergencies ladies! And of course there’s also a giant tampon singing ‘Everybody Bleeds’, because duh.

Big Mouth | Everybody Bleeds

Nobody talked too openly about periods when Grease came out in 1978, so it was ahead of its time when everyone’s favourite Pink Lady worried about being pregnant, and announced that she “skipped a period”. The detail doesn’t go further than that, but in its day this would have been quite the scandal, and being so open about it was just one of the things that made Rizzo one of the best characters. I think we also found our next period mood - "I feel like a defective typewriter" - iconic.

Grease (1978) - A Bun in the Oven Scene (7/10) | Movieclips

This now infamous scene from Superbad divides opinion; some think it portrays periods negatively, while others consider the male characters’ overreaction to be quite a chuckle. It’s not ideal to see a bunch of guys laugh at Jonah Hill’s character after a dancing girl gets her period on his trousers, but nevertheless, it has become an iconic scene, and was even confirmed to be based on true events by writer Seth Rogen. We’d prefer to see more comedy where period blood isn’t made to look like the end of the world, but seeing Jonah try to disguise it as Merlot still makes us giggle.

super bad - stain on you trouser

Ashton Kutcher can pretty much do no wrong, and he absolutely nails it in No Strings Attached by bringing Natalie Portman’s character and her roommates a period mixtape, containing songs such as Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2, I’ve Got The World On A String by Frank Sinatra, and Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis. Simply genius.  Also, let's all agree now that Natalie's character's best friend is one of the most underrated characters ever delivering yet again another iconic period moment with the line "It's like a crime scene in my pants" - girl same.

Period Mix Scene, "No Strings Attached" [Full]

Stephen King’s famous horror novel Carrie begins with some intense bullying, and we’d like to think that in real life girls would be kinder to someone who just got her first period. Carrie’s mother has kept her in the dark when it comes to menstruation, so when it starts in the shower at school she doesn’t understand. Her classmates mock her relentlessly, chanting “plug it up”. This bullying scene really highlights the shame around periods - not cool!

Carrie Presentation Scene

The tampon sandwich in Orange Is The New Black

Even those incredibly comfortable with period blood could feel a little queasy watching this scene. When Piper enters a women’s prison she experiences some brutal hazing, which includes being served a bloody tampon in a sandwich. Orange Is The New Black isn’t afraid to show period blood at various points in the series, and it’s a refreshing change from the prudish norm.

Orange is the New Black - Best and Funniest Moments part 1

Monica briefly mentions “period math”

Friends is still one of the most popular sitcoms, but would you believe that in all 10 seasons, and despite 3 of 6 main characters being women, there was just one single mention of periods? In the episode "The One Where Rachel Has A Baby", Monica does some speedy "period math" to figure out if she is ovulating. A fleeting but important moment, since nobody else wanted to mention periods on one of the most successful shows of all time.

Friends - Monica and Chandler want to have a baby

The world still hasn’t gotten over GoT, and though the series is fantasy, it tends to give a nod to what medieval life would have been like. In one episode, 14-year-old Sansa learns that she is "flowering", (AKA getting her period). But flowering isn’t as joyful as it sounds, because the pressure is suddenly on for her to marry and have children, as it likely would be for a young woman in medieval times.

Kiran Gandhi bleeds during the London marathon

In 2014, musician Kiran Gandhi got her period the night before running the London Marathon. In the name of comfort, she made the decision to run tampon-free, and completed the 26.2 mile race with a visible blood stain between her legs. The photos caused a stir around the world, but her decision to keep running when others might have stopped to clean up or even quit the race, is very admirable, and started a long-overdue conversation about how we view periods. She is a hero in our books. You can watch Gandhi’s own account of the marathon below.

Why I Ran 26 Miles Bleeding Freely on My Period

Got a great period pop culture moment you want to share with us? Give a shout-out in our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. That's more time for Netflix and whatever.

Our Top 10 Period Pop-Culture Moments

You may have seen the TSS (aka Toxic Shock Syndrome) warnings on your tampons and wondered what all the fuss was about. This is a rare but potentially harmful condition, and we’re keen to make sure everyone knows about the risks and potential symptoms so you can feel safe wearing tampons.

TSS stands for Toxic Shock Syndrome, and is caused by toxins produced by staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria commonly found on the skin, inside the nose, and inside the vagina. These bacteria typically exist harmlessly on the body, but in rare cases can invade the bloodstream and release poisonous toxins that can damage tissue, including skin and organs. 

Most worryingly, they can disturb many vital organ functions, which is why TSS is considered to be so serious. While it is considered a medical emergency, it’s really nothing to worry about as long as you know the signs and symptoms, and change your tampon regularly. TSS is often associated with tampon use in young women but it can actually affect anyone, including men and children, so whether you’re a tampon-user or not it’s important to know more about this harmful condition. 

According to the NHS website, symptoms of TSS can start very suddenly and escalate quickly, so knowing the signs to watch out for is crucial. Not all symptoms occur at once, and they include but are not limited to:

A temperature of 39°C (102°F) or above 

Erythema, a sunburn-like rash or redness of the eyes

Badly smelling vaginal discharge when using tampons 

In a BBC News article, one TSS sufferer described when she first noticed symptoms: "The first symptom I had was the headache one evening while I was at university”. She later developed muscle pains and began vomiting. It is important to take note of changes in your body that may be an early indicator of TSS.

While using tampons is the main cause associated with TSS, there are a number of ways it can occur:

Broken skin, such as cuts, burns, boils or insect bites, or a wound after surgery

Leaving tampons in for longer than the recommended time, or using super-absorbent tampons when they are not required

Using barrier contraceptives, such as a diaphragm or cap

Using nasal packing to treat an excessive nosebleed

Having a staphylococcal infection or streptococcal infection, sometimes referred to as a ‘staph infection’ or ‘strep throat’ 

It’s also important to know that TSS is not transferable from person to person, and you do not develop immunity to it if you have had it in the past - you can get it more than once. 

While Toxic Shock Syndrome is rare and shouldn’t be fretted about on a daily basis, it is still considered a medical emergency if symptoms occur. There’s no way to tell if the symptoms you are experiencing are from a different, less serious condition, but it’s safer to rule out TSS by contacting your GP, or NHS 24 on 111, the 24-hour urgent healthcare helpline. 

If instructed, or if your symptoms are particularly bad, it is advised that you go to your nearest A&E department ASAP, or call 999 for an ambulance. If you are wearing a tampon, remove it immediately and tell the medical professional treating you that you have been using one. 

According to WebMD, upwards of a third of all cases of TSS involve women under 19, and up to 30% of women who have had TSS will get it again. If you have had TSS in the past, you should always look out for symptoms and seek immediate medical care if in doubt. 

If you are admitted to hospital with TSS, you may need to be treated in an intensive care unit. Treatment will depend on the severity of the case, but can involve:

Taking antibiotics to treat the infection

Oxygen to help with any laboured breathing

Fluids to prevent dehydration and organ damage

In extreme cases, dialysis if the kidneys stop functioning, and potentially surgery to remove dead tissue

Many people who suffer from TSS will begin to feel healthy again in just a few days, but it can take several weeks before you're considered well enough to leave hospital.

Preventing the risk of TSS can save you a lot of suffering, so here are some things to know about reducing your risk: 

Treat any open wounds quickly and seek the advice of your GP if you notice signs of an infection (swelling, redness, increasing pain, etc.)

Always use tampons with the lowest absorbency suitable for your period

Change tampons regularly (usually packs advise at least every 4 - 8 hours) and always remove the last one at the end of your period

Use sanitary towels on days with a lighter flow

If you use barrier contraception, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how long to leave it in for, and if you’ve had TSS before, it’s best to avoid using this type of contraception 

Use tampons free from harsh materials like rayon, which can increase risk 

Remember, TSS is a serious condition, but as long as you know the signs and use tampons as recommended then it isn’t something to worry about. If you would like to know more about TSS, you can visit toxicshock.com. 

Have more questions? Float them in our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. Easy, simple, and kinder to your body.

Everything You Need To Know About TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome)

Birth control can be a bit overwhelming when you first look for a method that suits your body. Unfortunately for many young women, hormonal options are often the first to be offered by your GP as they are convenient and effective, and it can take a long time to realise the negative effects they could be having on your body, mood and mind. If you’re curious about non-hormonal birth control, or looking to make the switch, here is some information you may find helpful:

While hormonal birth control is just fine for many people, it is simply not an option for others due to negative side effects, health concerns, or if they are breastfeeding, so the main advantage of non-hormonal is often to avoid side effects. In addition, many non-hormonal methods can be used intermittently if the need for birth control is occasional, leaving your body to continue with a natural period cycle. Non-hormonal methods are thought to be less expensive overall, and are available without the worry of renewing a prescription.

Disadvantages of non-hormonal birth control

As in the case of hormonal birth control, non-hormonal has its disadvantages, too. With the exception of the copper IUD, non-hormonal methods often require prior thought, therefore affecting the spontaneity of sex. Some cannot be used during your period, and are thought to be less successful at preventing pregnancy than hormonal birth control methods. If you’re not a fan of inserting things into your vagina, you may find many non-hormonal options to be uncomfortable.

That said, let’s look closer at the options available… 

A diaphragm is a small, flexible silicone cup inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix. It is essential to apply spermicide onto the diaphragm and along its edges before insertion. Some sources state the diaphragm is just 88% effective, meaning 12 out of 100 women can still become pregnant using this method, largely due to incorrect use. It must be prescribed and fitted by your GP, but once you have it, can be reused for up to 2 years before it needs replacing. Note that a diaphragm does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Spermicide is available as a cream, gel or suppository that is placed in the vagina before sex to stop sperm from entering the uterus. It’s not often you hear of people relying solely on spermicide as a method of birth control, and this might be due to its estimated 28% failure rate. When used alongside other methods (a diaphragm, for example) the effectiveness increases. It’s available over the counter, and is usually inexpensive. Again, spermicide does not prevent against STDs, and some women could experience side effects like irritation and potential allergic reactions, so a patch test is recommended before use. 

Condoms are one of the most popular forms of birth control, and are encouraged by health professionals due to being the only method that can prevent the spread of STDs. Male condoms act as a barrier to keep semen from entering the vagina, but their success rate is thought to be around 85%, which means 15 out of 100 people will still fall pregnant while using this method. Condoms are convenient, inexpensive and arguably the easiest method of birth control to find without needing a prescription. 

Much like the diaphragm, the sponge is inserted into the vagina and contains spermicide to stop sperm entering the cervix. It is made from plastic foam with a nylon loop for removal, and can only be used once before being discarded. Failure rates for the sponge are thought to be 9% for women who have not been pregnant before, and 20% for women who have. One of the downsides of using the Sponge is its increased risk of yeast infection and TSS, so it’s important to remove it straight after sex to avoid this. 

There are several versions of the IUD (Intrauterine Device), some containing hormones, but the copper IUD contains none. This is a popular choice for those looking for non-hormonal, effective, long-term contraception. It is a small T-shaped device inserted into the uterus by a healthcare professional, and depending on the type of IUD, does not need replacing for up to 10 years. While this won’t suit people with certain conditions (like a copper allergy, for example), many women find it to be one of the most effective forms of birth control, with a less than 1% failure rate. The copper IUD does not prevent against STDs, and can sometimes cause side effects like heavier bleeding for long periods of time. If your body responds well, however, it can be a great long-term option.

Got a question about non-hormonal birth control? Talk to your GP about the other options available to you, chat in our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. One less thing for the shopping list, right?

Birth Control Basics: Non-Hormonal Options You May Not Know About

Let’s start from the beginning! At what age did you get your very first period?

I was 12 years old! I remember it very well, as the wait was long compared to the other girls in my class. Stressful times!

I actually learnt about periods in my school, we had period education at the age of 11 and I loved those lessons. I loved all the cute packaging and colours! Though, I got a bit stressed because many of the girls in my class already had theirs and knew all about it already.

Do you remember feeling happy to get your first period, or worried about it?

I remember feeling a mixture of both happy and worried. As I was waiting for my period and I also wanted to be able to tell my classmates that I got my period too. But once it came, I felt sad and that I sort of had become a woman (I wish I could be there to tell myself that I had many years to come as a child). I went crying to my mum, saying I didn’t want it and I felt embarrassed! 

How were your periods growing up: light or heavy? 

I remember using a normal-sized tampon, and that was fine! So I guess they were normal, whatever that is...

They are heavier now, but shorter! I’ve just taken out a copper coil that I had for four years, and my period is back to normal. Heavy but short! However, the coil made my periods heavy and long and a bit painful. Which was a bit annoying when I'm naturally blessed with a pain-free, 3 day period. 

Do you experience any uncomfortable feelings when you’re on your period?

I don’t really experience any pain, which I'm very pleased about. However, my anxiety and “two-day depression” is real. During these two days, I’m in a cloudy rainstorm and have a hard time finding anything positive in my life and surroundings. Even though I know it’s my hormones, this can be very difficult to comprehend when feeling down. 

This is probably the thing I’m still struggling with. When I feel like this I usually try to treat myself with some self-care and surround myself with my friends and talking about how shitty I am feeling. Gosh, I feel bad for them, haha!

Are you team tampon, team pad, or something else?

I’m team tampon in the day and team pad in the night! It’s more comfortable that way, and you don’t need to run to the toilet to change your tampon in the morning whilst leaving a trail to the bathroom. Yes, that happens with heavy but short periods...

How does your contraception affect your period?

I decided to go all natural, no contraception!

What’s your number one self-care tip for when you’re on your period?

I love to order a take-away, put my PJ’s on and watch a movie. Preferably a movie I’ve already seen a hundred times before, so I can focus on my food and fall asleep in a food-coma. 

How does your mood change during the cycle?

My mood changes quite a lot during my cycle… Sometimes I don’t really understand it myself, but afterwards, I understand and go to my flatmates for a hug and a laugh. 

What’s one myth about periods that you’d like to dispel?

I don’t know about myths…. But something I would like to share is that whenever I’m in new environments with women my period changes… Moving in with new flatmates and my period cycle is becoming more similar to theirs… This means that we have PMS around the same time, which can be quite intense haha!

Want to share your first period story? Reach out in our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. Easy, simple, and kinder to your body.

My First Period: Felicia Grip

Unless you’ve been doing your research prior to trying for a baby, you might be a little confused about ovulation. After all, as teenagers we are generally only taught about the period part of our monthly cycle; when it is likely to happen, the bodily changes we might notice, how to handle it and what you need to be aware of in this new stage of life.

What they don't often cover in health class, however, is the ovulation part of the cycle. Every girl who experiences menstruation is also ovulating each month, but without the big red sign to tell you it's happening (otherwise known as blood), you may never even be aware of it. 

Ovulation is part of your menstrual cycle and occurs when an egg is released from your ovary. It’s around the time of the month when a woman is most fertile, and therefore most likely to get pregnant. This isn’t always guaranteed, however, as it depends entirely on the fertilisation of the egg. 

Every woman’s body is different, and timing varies for everyone just as it does with monthly periods, but typically ovulation will occur around day 14 of a 28-day cycle. This means that as a rough rule, it’s probably happening either four days before or four days after the middle point in your cycle. While you may never have had a reason to think about this before, knowing more about ovulation and when it is happening in your body can help you either achieve or prevent pregnancy. 

How do you know ovulation is happening? 

Many women don’t have a clue that they’re ovulating, which is why people who are trying to get pregnant often use ovulation sticks or strips (similar to pregnancy tests) to find out the best time to try. 

That said, some women experience various signs that they have reached the ovulation point in their monthly cycle, so here are some things you may want to look out for: 

The basal body temperature (BBT) experiences fluctuations

Cervical discharge appears clearer with a consistency similar to egg whites

Mild cramps or even slight pains occur in the lower abdomen

Light spotting when it is not your period

The signs that you’re ovulating can vary so much from woman to woman, so it is often hard to pinpoint the exact time this takes place in your cycle, though not impossible. 

What is happening to your body pre-ovulation?

If we count day 1 of the menstrual cycle as the day you first start to bleed, the average woman bleeds for three to five days - though remember everyone is different, so if you bleed for longer this doesn’t mean there is anything wrong. Continuing with this timescale, around day 7 of the cycle your hormones have begun to kick in, in order to prepare your ovaries to release an egg. 

From around days 7 to 11, the lining of the uterus thickens in preparation for an egg to potentially latch on. It is during this time that you may notice an increase in discharge, and possibly a change in its consistency. 

After roughly day 11 in the cycle, the luteinising hormone signals the egg to be released from the ovary and begin its descent into the fallopian tube, all the way to the uterus. For those trying to get pregnant, this is when things get interesting. 

At around day 14, when the egg has been released, is the phase known as ovulation.

What is happening to your body post-ovulation?

The post-ovulation phase is also known as the luteal phase, and this is when the aforementioned subtle change in body temperature occurs. After ovulation, and if the egg has been fertilised by a sperm, then the egg implants in the uterus, and pregnancy begins. 

If the egg is not fertilised then it will essentially “expire” in around 24 hours. When this happens, certain hormone levels will start to decrease, which means the lining of the uterus begins to break down and shed. 

This is where the blood comes from when you have your period, and this brings you back to day 1 of the cycle. 

Remember, just as periods are unpredictable from woman to woman, everyone is different when it comes to the timing and signs of ovulation. If you want to find out more about your own ovulation phase and menstrual cycle, it is a good idea to keep a cycle diary in order to plan ahead and monitor changes in your body and mood. 

Wondering what more you can learn about ovulation? Reach out in our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. That's one less thing to keep track of!

Ovulation Basics: What Happens Pre And Post Ovulation

Hi Terese! Why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself and what you do? 

I’m the founder of the jewellery brand Statement by Lann and the co-founder of the project platform My Period is Awesome, which runs menstrual equity projects in South Africa, Namibia and Sweden. And I’ve got an AWESOME project I’m looking forward to discussing with the Yoppie team! As you can tell, I like to do a lot of different things and work with different projects, but the foundation of everything I do lies in menstruation and it’s connection to human rights.

Tell us about this period project you recently launched in Sweden?

I have had this idea for a long time, but only now do I feel ready to set it in motion. This project is all about crushing this existing myth that women hoard sanitary products when they’re offered, for example, tampons free and consequently is the argument used against providing complementary sanitary products to women at work or in other environments. It’s absurd and I wanted to prove the exact opposite. Because to me, access to free sanitary items is actually a matter of human rights. Why would women take more than they need, and not only leave someone else without some but also waste the ones she doesn’t use? I don’t reel off the entire roll of toilet paper when I go to the loo at work or a restaurant as an example. So why should I fill my entire bag with tampons or pads?

The project kicked-off by encouraging one of Stockholm’s most popular restaurants to offer free period products, like free tampons. And it was a success! The project has shown that it is possible to offer period products for free and that it is an incredible added value for companies. We think this project will be a no-brainer and women will be offered free period products at work and in social spaces within a near future and we are looking forward to taking the next step together with actors like Yoppie. And I also would like to thanks, Yoppie for the discount! Thanks to them I didn’t have to dig too deep into my pockets to get this pilot project funded.

It’s truly an inspiring project and we couldn’t be happier to support it. 

Tell us more about why this cause, in particular, is so important to you?

What started as a willingness to help vulnerable women in desperate situations grew into an immense passion for human rights and gender equality. 800 million women menstruate every day, yet menstruation is something that is basically invisible in our society. The behaviour is so deeply rooted in our culture that we do not reflect on it, and we really need too!

Then there is the cycle in itself, which is wonderful to discover and learn how to embrace more effectively. To be able to really understand your body has so many benefits. Imagine if we could adapt our everyday lives more accordingly to our cycle. What a boost for both ourselves as individuals and society! I am very fortunate to have the ability to plan my schedule to avoid tough meetings and presentations during my expected PMS. However, not everyone has that privilege.

I get a lot of power from all the wonderful people who I run projects with! People like the women behind Yoppie. I find a lot of inspiration on Instagram, from all the wise individuals who reflect and share their views. And South Africa of course! I’ve been going back and forth for 11 years and I always feel empowered there. Hopefully, in a few years, I can book a one-way ticket.

I love my jewellery! Particularly our statement pieces. But I actually really love all the jewellery in my collection, to be honest, especially because it is made to shed light on Period Pride and Menstrual Equity! But depending on what I’m doing or feeling that particular day usually determines what I end up wearing. Right now, the Statement Arm Necklace in rose gold is a favourite, but also the Statement Pill Necklace in silver.

Want to talk more about period activism? Head over to our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. That's more time to fight the good fight!

The Happy Period Champion, Terese Lann Welin

Natasha Richardson is a medical herbalist from South London. After suffering from period pain for years she founded a company that seeks to end period stigma and improve how women view their periods. 

Can you start by telling us a bit about Forage Botanicals?

Forage Botanicals helps women have better periods by providing the sex-ed you should have got at school, along with a range of natural products to make your next period something to look forward to, not dread.

While studying to become a herbalist I began to experience terrible period pain. It became so bad that I couldn’t do the normal life for a day each month. This gave me anxiety about when my period would happen and it snowballed into a week of wanting to stay in the house, just in case. I spent many months experimenting with herbs, seeing herbalists and having therapies to find what worked for me. After realising that stress was the biggest contributor to my pain levels I started to educate others about this and create products to encourage rest throughout the month.

Your business really makes us think about the female cycle and periods in general. What’s the biggest misconception adult women have about their periods?

Most women think it’s just normal to hate your periods. I don’t think this has to be the case. In fact, it’s part of my mission to make sure the next generation doesn’t only view their periods as a curse.

We love that. What are some of the benefits of holistic and herbal remedies for dealing with PMS and period pain?

Herbal remedies are able to treat many things at once. This means you can find a herb which doesn’t just deal with your pain but perhaps poor sleep or digestion at the same time. When you view the body holistically these problems aren’t viewed as separate from each other but as two parts of the same problem. It makes it hard for me to recommend a single remedy for a single issue, but given the chance to understand someone’s case thoroughly, the effects can be dramatic and with none of the side effects of drugs!

Your gorgeous Blossom Self Care Kit is designed to ease and manage any PMS, menstrual migraines and period pain. Can you tell us a bit more about it?

The bath salts, candle and tea in the kit helps menstruators create a self-care ritual which encourages rest and relaxation. This is crucial to managing the daily stress we all deal with and allowing for the best possible period experience.

You also offer an online Period Peaceful, which focuses on teaching women how to deal with period problems naturally so you can have a more enjoyable experience. What do you cover during the course?

Over the course of 4 weeks, you are taught how to monitor your period using the fertility awareness method, how to track the symptoms you experience, how to use home and herbal remedies to treat problems you experience, and how to live your life in harmony with the natural changes of the cycle.

Do you think a holistic approach can even help manage hormonal conditions such as Endometriosis, Fibroids, Adenomyosis and PCOS or ease some of the symptoms?

I have treated many cases of endometriosis and adenomyosis and seen these either cease to get worse, get better or disappear completely. I have helped those with PCOS get back regular cycles in which they ovulate and are then able to conceive. I have never seen a Fibroid completely disappear but I have seen them reduce in size so that accompanying symptoms go away.

That is incredible! There’s been so much growing interested in the rise of cycle tracking and cycle alignment. Do you think this direction will be the future of understanding our bodies and our cycles?

I think that we need to be clear that some forms of cycle tracking are not as informative as others. The fertility awareness method is the best and most accurate way to track the cycle. It tells you when you ovulate, when you are pregnant if you have too little progesterone and more. I think this information should be part of the national curriculum.

How can understanding our cycle in more depth help us? Such as activities for certain phases.

We currently expect the same from the workforce every day of the month, every month of the year. But the working world does not allow for rest. We see our busy-ness as a mark of achievement and rest as laziness. It means that our bodies get stuck in flight or fight mode and it contributes to many long-term illnesses. By understanding the natural ebb and flow of the menstrual cycle we can become a society which encourages rest as much as work. This has implications not just for those who menstruate but for those that don’t as well!!

What does the moon cycle tell us about the ebb and flow of female hormones?

The moon cycle follows a similar emotional up and down that the menstrual cycle does. The full moon helps us feel more outgoing while the new moon makes us seek a hermit life. The full moon is similar to ovulation and the new moon is similar to menstruation. This is a metaphor. It does not mean you are bleeding at the wrong time if you bleed at the full moon!

Finally, as a fellow female entrepreneur, who would you say are the women who inspire you and why?

I’m inspired by Brittany Nickerson a herbalist in the USA for reminding me how much I love 1970s aesthetic. She keeps it old-school.

Want to talk more about getting in tune with the natural cycles of your body? Head over to our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period subscription box can get organic tampons (and more) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. That'll help keep your rhythms natural, the easy way! 

Holistic Menstruation Management With Forage Botanicals

So you’ve had the dreaded letter inviting you to your cervical screening exam? Never fear! Whether it’s been a few years since your last exam, or you’re brand new to this medical encounter, we’re breaking down exactly what you can expect at a cervical screening exam. Let’s get to it!

Cervical screening, otherwise known as a smear test, is a short exam which checks the health of your cervix. It’s nothing to worry about, but many women put off going for years due to fear of pain, embarrassment, or because they don’t feel it necessary. It is important that you DO NOT avoid your cervical screening exam for any reason. The test is a preventative measure to catch any signs of cervical cancer as early as possible, and anyone with a cervix in the UK should get regular smear tests from age 25 onwards. 

The nurse or doctor conducting your test will take a small sample of cells from your cervix to check for any abnormal changes. If these are discovered early, they can be monitored or treated to prevent them turning into cervical cancer later. They will also be checking for human papillomavirus, otherwise known as HPV.

HPV is the name for a very common group of viruses. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by infection from certain types of HPV, so your smear test helps identify any cells that need treatment.

You can get HPV from a sexual partner from any kind of contact with the genital area, not just from penetrative sex, and most people will get some type of HPV during their lives, so don’t worry if you are found to have this.

Cervical screening exams are usually done by a female nurse or doctor, but if not, remember you can request a female doctor at any time, to make you feel more comfortable. They can answer any questions you have before they begin. If you want to see what happens during a test,this short animation on the NHS website is helpful.

Firstly, you’ll be asked to undress from the waist down behind a screen. This may feel a bit awkward, but you'll be given a sheet to put over you.

Next, you’ll lie back on a bed, usually with your legs bent, and feet positioned close together, letting your knees fall apart. Being so exposed can feel uncomfortable, but try to remember that your nurse will have seen many, many vaginas before yours!

They will insert a tube-shaped tool called a speculum into your vagina, probably using a small amount of lubricant to allow it to slide in easily. When they open the speculum, it usually feels much wider than a tampon, but shouldn’t be painful. If you do feel pain here, you can ask your nurse to use a smaller speculum size.

Once the speculum is inserted, your cervix will be visible and ready for the test to begin. A small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix using a soft brush. Though the instrument used is soft to the touch, the very act of anything touching your cervix can feel unpleasant, so you may wish to take some deep breaths during this part, which should only take a few minutes at the most, if not seconds. 

Remember: You can ask the nurse to stop at any time if you feel uncomfortable or experience any pain, and begin again when you feel more relaxed.

Once the nurse has collected the cells, the speculum is removed and you are free! You will probably be given some tissue to wipe away any remaining lubricant, and then you can re-dress behind the screen.

Some things you may want to do before and during the test to make it easier:

Wear something long that can be pulled up, such as a skirt or a long top

Bring along a friend or partner who can put your mind at ease

Practice some breathing exercises you can use during the test

Bring something to read or listen to, to take your mind off of what’s going on

Don’t be afraid to tell the nurse if you feel embarrassed, as they are usually very understanding and will help you through the process

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