Latest news with #menstrualcycle
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Impact of periods leading some university students to miss six weeks of degree
UK university students miss around six weeks of academic study during their degrees because of the impacts of their menstrual cycle, according to research. Seven in 10 said they feel unable to concentrate on studies or assessments due to period pain, a report from the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) into the 'hidden impact' of menstruation in higher education. Time missed rose to around 11 weeks over the course of a three-year degree for those who have been diagnosed with a menstruation-related illness, such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome. But the survey of students also found that 15% reported having days or weeks during their cycle when they benefit from a mental or physical boost that helps their focus and performance. The report called for 'thoughtful institutional and governmental responses' to an issue affecting half the population, with a recommendation that clearer language is used and explicit references are made to women's health conditions when considering requests for extensions on assignments or time off. Awareness should be raised about the impact of menstruation in the same way as it is for the menopause, with policies, guidelines and action plans to reduce stigma, provide training and signpost support for both staff and students, the report added. Some 950 people in the survey said they had a period in the previous 12 months – the vast majority women, but 1% identifying as transgender men and 1% as non-binary. The report author said, taking into account the participation of a small number of trans men and the fact some women might not menstruate due to taking contraception, they have used the phrases 'people who menstruate' or 'students who menstruate', which they accepted 'may appear clumsy, (but) they most accurately reflect the data'. As part of the same report, 1,571 people, just over half of whom identified as women, were asked about their perceptions of menstrual education and the impact of menstrual cycles and periods. Just over a fifth (22%) of male students said they had received no lessons about menstrual cycles or periods. Women were more likely than men to describe the education on these topics as poor, with the report saying the findings suggest school education 'may be suitable for those who do not have periods but may need to understand them', but that education for women 'could and should be improved'. Rose Stephenson, Hepi director of policy and report author, said: 'The findings from this report demonstrate the hidden impact of periods and menstrual cycles on students' higher education studies. 'This is a particularly serious issue for those who have been diagnosed with menstruation-related illnesses who miss, on average, 11 weeks of academic study over a three-year degree course. 'Menstrual health is not a niche concern. It is a structural issue that deserves thoughtful institutional and governmental responses.' Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, president of Universities UK, said: 'Historically, menstruation has too often been framed as a source of embarrassment, invisibility, or disadvantage. That should no longer be the case. 'This report sets out a challenge to reflect on how systems, policies and assumptions may obscure the realities of those they serve and to shape a more intelligent, humane and responsive academic culture. That is a challenge well worth taking up.' The Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIAHE) said: 'It is important that providers clearly explain how students can seek support for any personal circumstances affecting them, including menstruation. 'Recently, we have seen that many providers have been taking a more flexible approach to students' personal circumstances, encouraging self-certification options and focusing on the impact on the student rather than on specific medical diagnoses. 'We hope that this will encourage more students affected by the issues identified in this valuable research to seek appropriate support.' A Department for Education spokesperson said: 'Our new sex and health education guidance makes clear that pupils should learn the facts about the menstrual cycle, as well as the associated physical and emotional changes. 'Universities are expected to support students' wellbeing, attendance and academic performance, and we encourage them to make free period products easily available across campus.'
Grazia USA
17-07-2025
- Health
- Grazia USA
Why Cycle Syncing Is the Wellness Shift Women Can't Stop Talking About — & How Rael is Leading the Charge
Photo courtesy of Rael For decades, women have been taught to simply 'deal with' their monthly cycles — often reduced to painkillers, tampons, and little else. But in 2025, a growing wave of women are flipping the script, syncing their routines — fitness, food, skincare, and even work schedules — with the natural hormonal shifts of their menstrual cycle. The term? Cycle syncing . And it's more than a buzzword — it's a biological blueprint for better living. At the forefront of this hormone-informed wellness movement is Rael , a women-founded brand turning insights into action with clean, effective products built for each phase of the menstrual cycle. Whether it's soothing heat patches during menstruation or glow-boosting skincare during ovulation, Rael's full-spectrum approach is helping women finally feel in sync with their bodies — and not at war with them. What Is Cycle Syncing? Cycle syncing refers to the practice of tailoring lifestyle habits to align with the four phases of the menstrual cycle: menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal. Hormonal fluctuations across these phases can influence everything from skin condition and energy levels to appetite and stress response. Modern wellness tools like the Oura Ring , Bellabeat , and Incora Health are making it easier than ever to track your body's rhythms — but what comes after the data? That's where Rael comes in. Yanghee Paik, CEO and Co-Founder of Rael; Photo courtesy of Rael 'So many brands focus only on the week of bleeding, but hormonal changes impact us all month long — physically, mentally, and emotionally,' says Rael Co-Founder and CEO Yanghee Paik in an exclusive interview with GRAZIA USA . 'We saw an opportunity to create products that support those shifts in a more thoughtful, intuitive way.' The Science of Skin and Hormones Hormonal fluctuations during the cycle can wreak havoc on the skin — causing dryness during menstruation, radiance during ovulation, and breakouts during the luteal phase. Rael's Cycle Synced Mask Set ($13.99) was designed to meet those needs head-on, with targeted formulas for each week of your cycle. Thanks to Paik's Korean-American background, the brand's skincare line incorporates cutting-edge K-beauty innovation. And powered by Rael's Korean R&D team, they are bringing trending ingredients like azelaic acid-coated Shorticules and spicule delivery systems to U.S. consumers. Take the Microcrystal Activated PM Serum, which was newly launched this week, on July 14. Photo courtesy of Rael 'Spicules have been viral in Korea for delivering 'microneedling in a bottle' results without irritation,' explains Paik. 'We formulated ours with proprietary first-to-US-market Shorticules… and buffered it with barrier-loving ingredients like Cica PDRN, Copper Peptides, and Allantoin.' The result? A revolutionary serum that gently refines texture, calms hormonal breakouts, and respects the sensitivity of cycle-impacted skin. A Phase-by-Phase Approach to Care Here's how Rael breaks down its holistic cycle-care routine: Menstrual Phase (Week 1): Hydrate + Soothe Follicular & Ovulatory Phases (Weeks 2–3): Brighten + Boost Luteal Phase (Week 4): Calm + Clarify More Than Just Period Products While many legacy brands stay siloed in period care, Rael's innovation spans skincare, supplements, and body care — shaped by ongoing dialogue with their community. 'We're constantly listening — to what people are struggling with, what's missing from their routines, and how their needs shift throughout the month,' says Paik. 'Every product is created with a specific phase of the cycle in mind.' Photo courtesy of Rael That intentionality extends beyond product formulas to how Rael reaches its customers. In fact, the brand took an unconventional route early on by launching as an Amazon-first company — an approach that defied traditional wellness marketing playbooks but paid off in a major way. 'When we chose to launch on Amazon, it was considered unconventional for a wellness brand,' says Paik. 'But we knew our customer — she was busy, she was smart, and she wanted access to better products without jumping through hoops.' The result? Rael became the #1 organic pad on Amazon within six months , and has since held the top overall spot in the platform's pad category — proving the power of listening to your audience and meeting them where they are. This intentional product development reflects not only the lived experience of its users but also that of its founder. 'I hope Rael can show the next generation of founders (especially AAPI women) that your lived experience is a strength,' Paik adds. 'It can shape how you build, how you lead, and how you connect with consumers in a meaningful way.' A New Era of Empowered Wellness The rise of cycle syncing speaks to a broader cultural shift: one that honors women's health, rhythm, and autonomy. 'For so long, the menstrual cycle was something women were taught to manage quietly, almost shamefully,' says Paik. 'Now, there's this powerful movement to own it, to align with it, to celebrate it… That's what holistic cycle care really means.' As tech-enabled tools empower more women to track their cycle, Rael is stepping up with solutions that turn awareness into action — proving that when it comes to wellness, syncing beats silencing. GRAZIA' s Favorites Rael Products Best-Selling Product: Most Innovative Skincare: Editor's Pick:
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Top doctor reveals the reason why women suffer worse from hangovers than men
A top doctor has revealed the reason why women experience worse hangovers than men. Dr Amir Khan said certain biological factors mean women's bodies take longer to break down alcohol, meaning they are more likely to wake up with a bad headache after a few glasses of wine. He explained that older women struggle more with the effects of booze than younger women; as their oestrogen levels decline with age. However, Dr Amir revealed that there are certain times during a woman's menstrual cycle when she is less likely to feel the effects of alcohol. Speaking on Lorraine, the NHS doctor explained the enzyme responsible for breaking down alcohol is called 'alcohol dehydrogenase' and that women have less of it than men do. 'They take longer to break down alcohol as alcohol is floating around their body more, so they're more likely to feel effects of alcohol and then get a hangover the following day as well,' he explained. 'They also have less circulating blood so the alcohol is more concentrated.' Dr Amir went on to say that oestrogen plays a big role in how women's bodies process alcohol. 'When you look at the menstrual cycle for the first two weeks of the menstrual cycle, your oestrogen levels are on the up, so you're more effective at breaking down alcohol and less likely to get drunk, less likely to get a hangover,' he said. 'But the second half when oestrogen levels drop, you're more likely to get drunk, more likely to get a hangover.' The GP also explained why women can feel their hangovers more severely as they get older. 'It's true after the menopause as well you might not be able to enjoy those drinks that you used to when you were younger because your oestrogen levels are lower,' he said. 'You don't break down alcohol as efficiently and you're more likely to get a hangover too.' Previously, Dr Amir revealed the daily habit that could harm brain health - and women are most at risk. He warned that constant multitasking, which is when you're doing multiple jobs or tasks simultaneously, can be potentially detrimental to our brain health. 'While we think we are being productive, jumping between tasks stresses the brain,' revealed Dr Amir in a TikTok video which has been watched more than 33,700 times. Speaking to his 67,000 followers, he ran down 'five everyday habits that are quietly ageing your brain'. He began: 'Number one, constant multitasking. 'We think we're being productive, but jumping between tasks stresses the brain. 'It can weaken short-term memory and increase our cortisol levels. 'Over time that can affect our grey matter, which is linked to focus and emotional control.' It turns out that this is a common misconception, as when we focus on one singular task our brain uses both sides of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in harmony. It has long been believed that women are superior to men when it comes to juggling different tasks - a skill historically needed due to them being expected to run a home, raise children, feed their husband and work full time - but recent studies have hinted that men are also able to step up to the plate. Last year, a survey of 2,000 Britons that found 60 per cent of men and women described themselves as being a 'decent multi-tasker'. But this isn't likely true, as a separate study found only 2.5 per cent of people were able to do two tasks at once without a drop in performance. In the comment section of Dr Khan's video, a social media user asked: 'Isn't there research on multitasking and using different parts of your brain being positive?' The PFC is the part of the brain that processes planning, decision-making, working memory, and social behaviour. But when we try to do another task at the same time, the left and right sides of our brain are forced to function independently from one another, and this can cause stress on the organ. According to Dr Jennifer E. Davies, a neuropsychology expert at Brown University, 'What our brains are doing when we multitask is rapidly switching between tasks. While she highlighted that these effects can be temporary, she added: 'Chronically increased blood pressure and stress can have permanent effects on the brain.' 'This constant switching taxes our brain. It essentially tires it out and makes it less efficient. 'This particularly affects our ability to focus our attention in general, even when we are not multitasking.' Writing in a blog for Brown University Health, she warned: 'Multitasking temporarily increases stress levels which raises blood pressure and heart rate. 'Multitasking is also associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety.' Researchers have also found trying to do multiple tasks at once leads to short-term memory problems. Other studies have found it causes significant psychological distress and stress on the heart. However, the professor at Brown University added: 'The only time you can truly multitask is if one of the tasks is fully automated, like walking on the treadmill.' So she reassured: 'It's okay to read a book and walk on the treadmill or fold laundry while watching television'. Instead, she warned against 'bad multitasking' that involves trying to simultaneously do two tasks that require your attention like 'reading your email while attending a Zoom meeting'.
The Independent
11-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Why are women affected more by heatwaves? A doctor explains
Women are more affected by heatwaves due to differences in body fat, hormones, and how they regulate heat, a doctor has explained. Doctor Amir Khan told Lorraine on Friday (11 July) that when the hormone progesterone rises, it can increase women's core body temperature by up to 1°F. 'For women, that's the second half of their menstrual cycle, that's where progesterone is at its highest,' he said. He explained that women also don't sweat as much as men, as they rely on other cooling mechanisms to lower body temperature, such as bringing blood to the surface of the skin. 'Which are slower and less effective than sweat evaporating off your skin,' Dr Khan added. He said women also tend to have higher body fat percentages than men, making it harder for heat to escape.
The Sun
05-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The 6 facts every woman should know about their body – and it could save your life
From puberty to menopause, and everything in between, women's bodies go through a lot. We might know the fundamentals – what a vagina is, what a vulva does and how babies are made – but with the help of dozens of medical experts, journalist Polly Vernon has created an encyclopaedic deep-dive into female biology, from the very basics to the weird and wonderful. The truth is, women have been set up to feel like strangers in their own bodies, thanks to a lack of scientific research. 'Women's bodies were excluded from US clinical trials between 1977 and 1993,' Polly explains. 'For years, we were treated as smaller, stranger versions of men.' The consequences of this oversight have sent ripples into the success of diagnoses and treatment. 'Take mammograms: if it were men's testicles, would they be squashed flat like that?' Polly asks. 'Or smear tests – surely there's a better option than a speculum?' But there are glimmers of change. A DIY cervical cancer test that only requires women to take a swab at home will finally be rolled out on the NHS from January, and for the first time, there are now more female than male doctors in the UK. 'We're nowhere near where we need to be, but things are moving forward,' Polly agrees. Her book, How The Female Body Works, is a call to action for all women to reclaim, understand and demand better when it comes to our bodies. Here's the stuff you may not know. Millions of women live life according to their menstrual cycle, study shows 7 THE PAIN GAME Period cramps, childbirth, endometriosis – we're no strangers to pain. 'I asked if it is feminist folklore that women endure more pain than men,' says Polly, about her interview with Professor Andrew Horne, director of the Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh. His answer? 'God, no, every part of your biological existence involves more pain.' But women put on a brave face. The annual Nurofen Gender Pain Index Report highlights that girls come to expect their pain will not be believed, and many disregard it for fear of wasting others' time. 'There are so many things we just put up with because we think we have to,' says Polly. 'We need to get better at going: 'I need this [pain relief], and I deserve it.' It is recognising what isn't acceptable and never believing, 'It's part of being a woman'.' If you have severe period pain, advocate for yourself. Your GP can help with medications or tests to find the cause. 7 BLAME THE HORMONES How many times have you blamed your mood on being 'hormonal'? And did you know which hormones, exactly, were to blame? There are more than 50 different kinds in the body, and men and women have the same hormones, just in greater or lesser quantities. Hormonal fluctuations impact your emotional state, but also performance, behaviour, daily activities and even injury risk. 'It can all seem a bit mystical, like it has us in its grip and there's nothing we can do about it,' says Polly. But there are definitely things you can do for better hormonal health. 'Get control of your sleep,' advises Polly. 'Make sure you go to bed at a regular time and don't eat or drink a lot directly before. Exercise, and think about nutrition and stress management. Get those in place first and then look at any medication you need.' See a GP if menopause, for example, is getting you down – they can discuss prescribing HRT. FEEL ON THE FIRST Have you ever been told that underwiring, deodorant and even black bras can lead to cancer? 'This is absolutely, categorically not true, just nonsense,' says Polly. But what is important when it comes to cancer is being aware of your own body and any changes. ''Feel it on the first' [of the month] is the best way to remember to check your breasts,' GP Dr Philippa Kaye says. Feel around your breasts, nipples, collarbone and into your armpits. And when you start getting called for mammograms (typically after 50), take up the appointment. 7 SYNC WITH YOUR CYCLES Hormones get a bad rap, but you can harness them positively, too. 'Bang in the middle of your menstrual cycle, just before you're ovulating, your body wants you out there, flirting,' says Polly. 'It drives you to meet people, because it wants you to have sex and get pregnant. It also makes you quite disinhibited and reckless. It's like you're drunk, but on oestrogen.' It's fleeting, though – once ovulation is over, progesterone hits. 'You wonder why you ever said yes to that party. You're thinking: 'I'm awful', 'I'm ugly', 'I'm socially incompetent'. Your body is working on the presumption you are pregnant, and it wants to keep you tucked away to keep that 'pregnancy' safe,' explains Polly. PROTECT YOUR BITS Your vagina is more than a body part – it's a marker of your overall health. 'I'd heard loads about gut microbiome, but the vagina is performing a job of equivalent importance, and it needs to be looked after,' says Polly. The vagina microbiome is a delicate balance of bugs, bacteria and fungi, and if disrupted it could lead to infections like thrush, bacterial vaginosis and UTIs. To keep your vagina in harmony, never clean it with soap. Only use a mild, unscented soap and water for the vulva (outside area), or even better, an emollient. 'It makes me angry that we are sold [feminine hygiene] products we don't need,' says Polly. 'Not only is it a financial con, but it's also a health risk, and ties into the idea that vaginas are smelly and dirty.' Your genitals will prefer cotton knickers over synthetic-fibre thongs, and nothing at night. SQUEEZE THOSE MUSCLES Yes, we know you've heard it before, but you really do need to exercise those pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor naturally weakens in pregnancy and childbirth, and then it weakens again in menopause. This can lead to urinary and bowel incontinence. But it's not something to be dismissed as just 'another part of ageing'. 'Incontinence is not just silly and embarrassing, it keeps women from socialising and from doing their jobs,' says Polly. 'That has extraordinary consequences, because we need to engage in the world if we want to protect our brains against Alzheimer's, for example. "One gynaecologist I interviewed said we should teach girls to do pelvic floor exercises at school.' To find your pelvic floor muscles, squeeze as if you are trying to stop yourself peeing or farting. It's not too late to start exercising them to reduce leaks, even if you already have incontinence. Try apps like Squeezy for guidance.
