Latest news with #menstrualcycle
Health Line
6 days ago
- General
- Health Line
What Causes Two Periods in One Month?
If you have a shorter menstrual cycle, you may get your period twice in the same month. But bleeding between periods can also occur with certain medical conditions. A typical adult menstrual cycle ranges from 21 to 35 days, and the typical menstrual cycle for preteens and teens can last 38 days or longer. However, every woman is different, and each person's cycle can vary from month to month. During some months, your cycle may last for more or fewer days than the previous month, or it may start earlier or later than it has before. If your cycles are on the shorter end of the spectrum, you could have your period at the beginning and end of the same month with no reason for concern. But if you experience bleeding outside of your usual menstrual cycle and suspect you're having a second period, the first thing you should do is figure out if it's spotting or menstrual bleeding: If you're having menstrual bleeding, also known as your period, you should expect to soak through a pad or tampon every few hours. The blood may be dark red, red, brown, or pink. If you're having spotting, you won't bleed enough to fill a pad or tampon. Blood from spotting is usually dark red or brown. After you've determined if you're having spotting or menstrual bleeding, you can start to explore what may be causing your increased bleeding. This article reviews potential causes and treatment options. What causes two periods in one month? Increased bleeding may be caused by a shorter menstrual cycle, or by a health condition that causes vaginal bleeding. Causes of a shorter cycle If your cycle suddenly becomes shorter, it could be due to any of the following: anovulation (lack of ovulation) hyperthyroidism hypothyroidism onset of menopause (also known as perimenopause) uterine fibroids or cysts uterine polyps cervical polyps stress extreme weight loss or gain birth control illness Conditions that cause extra bleeding If you usually have a regular cycle, a change in your cycle, such as suddenly having two periods in a month, could indicate a medical condition. Some health conditions cause bleeding that can be mistaken for a period, including: Pregnancy can cause spotting. Spotting during pregnancy can occur, but you should tell your doctor about any bleeding during pregnancy. Sexually transmitted infections can cause discharge and bleeding. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods. Perimenopause can cause heavier and more frequent bleeding, it can also cause lighter or less frequent bleeding. While our hormones may become more unbalanced during this time, they should regulate once you've reached menopause. Miscarriage can cause heavy bleeding. If you suspect you're pregnant and begin to have bleeding similar to a period, call your doctor. Cervicitis. Cervical infections that are not sexually transmitted can also cause bleeding. What are the risk factors for unusual menstrual bleeding? If you have just started getting your period due to puberty, it's possible that you will be irregular for a year or two, which means you may possibly experience two periods in one month. If you are an adult and have a family history of fibroids, cysts, or early-onset menopause, you're at an increased risk of having two periods in a month. However, an increased risk does not mean you will definitely experience it. When should you see a doctor about irregular menstrual cycles? While two periods in one month is not always a cause for concern, it's a good idea to consult a doctor anytime your body's rhythms seem out of whack. For example, you should see a doctor if you: experience pain in your lower abdomen that doesn't go away after a couple of days have very heavy periods spot or bleed in between periods (which is often mistaken for two periods in one month) experience pain during sexual intercourse have more menstrual cramping than usual notice dark clots during your period What are the complications of more frequent menstrual cycles? There are a few complications that may arise from irregular periods. Anemia One health issue of more frequent bleeding is anemia, which occurs due to a lack of iron in your blood. Your doctor can check your iron levels to determine the cause of your abnormal bleeding. The symptoms of anemia can include: fatigue headache weakness dizziness shortness of breath rapid or irregular heartbeat A singular experience of two periods in one month will not necessarily cause anemia. The condition is usually triggered by prolonged heavy bleeding, such as several months of heavy periods. Difficulty tracking ovulation Having two periods in one month may make it difficult to track your ovulation, especially if this experience is unusual for you. If you are not planning on becoming pregnant, practicing safe sex is essential. Difficulty becoming pregnant If you are trying to become pregnant, abnormal bleeding can add complexity to the process. Consult with a doctor if you are actively trying to become pregnant and are experiencing heavy or irregular periods. How are frequent menstrual cycles treated? Your treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your frequent bleeding. If you naturally have shorter cycles or if you've recently started menstruating, you won't need treatment. If anemia is a concern, your doctor may recommend iron supplements. One possible treatment for periods that occur too frequently is hormonal birth control. This type of birth control can help regulate your periods and help resolve anemia issues caused by heavy bleeding. Here are treatments for other possible causes of frequent bleeding. Hypothyroidism If you have hypothyroidism, it means you have an underactive thyroid gland. Your body can't make enough of the thyroid hormone. Your doctor will prescribe a thyroid hormone replacement therapy that you can take by mouth. Hyperthyroidism If you have hyperthyroidism, it means you have an overactive thyroid gland. Your body makes too much thyroid hormone. Several treatments are available for this condition. Your doctor will suggest what they think is best for you. Menopause During perimenopause or the menopausal transition, your doctor may prescribe hormone therapy and estrogen replacement therapy. These treatments can help regulate your periods until they slowly disappear as menopause progresses. Fibroids and cysts Your doctor may recommend a few different treatment options if you have uterine fibroids or cysts. These can include: Intrauterine device (IUD). An IUD is a form of birth control that can help relieve heavy periods. However, it won't shrink fibroids. MRI-guided ultrasound surgery. This procedure is performed while you're inside an MRI scanner. It's considered noninvasive, and doctors can use it to remove the fibroid or cyst. This procedure is only done in specialized clinics. Uterine artery embolization. This is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the blood supply to the uterus, which causes the fibroids to decay and shrink. Myomectomy. There are different types of myomectomy, which is a surgical procedure to remove fibroids. In a hysteroscopic myomectomy, the fibroid is removed through the cervix. No incisions are needed. In a laparoscopic myomectomy, small incisions are made in your abdomen to remove fibroids. An abdominal myomectomy is an open abdominal surgical procedure. Hysteroscopy. During this procedure, a thin tube with a light on the end is inserted through the vagina. This allows a doctor to look inside the uterus and diagnose the cause of abnormal bleeding. A doctor may also be able to treat some causes of bleeding during a hysteroscopy. Dilation and curettage (D and C). This procedure involves the dilation of the cervix, which allows a doctor to scrape the uterine lining to remove any abnormal tissue. Endometrial ablation. This surgery involves the removal of the endometrial lining of the uterus. It is not usually recommended if you wish to have children later in life, as it can cause complications. Hysterectomy. A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists. These are medications that can help treat fibroids. They block estrogen and progesterone and put you into a temporary postmenopausal state. This stops the fibroids from growing and can make them shrink. Your doctor may use this treatment to help prepare you for surgery. Stress Lifestyle changes can greatly affect stress levels, which in turn can affect menstrual cycles. To help relieve stress, try exercising frequently, practicing meditation, or engaging in talk therapy. If you're feeling stressed because you're overcommitted, ask for help. Finding the time to relax is important to your health, so don't feel bad about saying no to additional projects or responsibilities. Extreme weight loss or gain Talk with your doctor about possible reasons for a dramatic change in weight. They'll work with you to help you manage your weight. Reaction to birth control Hormonal birth control introduces hormones into your body. This can affect your menstrual cycle and cause spotting in between periods. You may need to try a few different types of birth control to find one that works for you. It also takes a few months for your body to adjust to a new method of birth control. Have a discussion with your doctor about what you should expect when starting a new birth control method. Preparing for your doctor's appointment Changes to your menstrual cycle can indicate a health problem, so it's important to discuss abnormal bleeding with your doctor. They will likely ask a lot of questions about your symptoms. By being prepared for your appointment, you can help your doctor find the correct treatment as quickly as possible. Here are some questions your doctor may ask: How long are your cycles? Is this typical for you? If your shorter cycle isn't normal for you, when did the changes to your bleeding start? How long does the bleeding last? What color is the blood? How heavy is the bleeding? How quickly does it fill a pad? Are there clots? If so, how big are they? Do you have any other symptoms? To calculate the length of your cycle, start counting on the first day you bleed. This will be day one. Your cycle will end on the first day that you start bleeding again. Many smartphone apps are available to help you track your cycle. If you have a history of irregular bleeding, tracking your cycles on an app can help you identify a problem more quickly. It can also make it easier to share your cycle information with your doctor. The takeaway In certain situations, such as puberty and perimenopause, having two periods in one month may not be cause for alarm. However, if you're familiar with your cycle and have noted recent changes, or if you just feel like you're bleeding more than you should be, talk with a doctor. They can help get to the bottom of your issue, and if warranted, can help you balance your hormone levels and regulate your bleeding.
Health Line
7 days ago
- General
- Health Line
What Does a Vagina Taste Like?
A healthy vulva — which includes the labia and vaginal opening — might taste or smell sweet or sour, metallic or bitter, salty or sharp. You might even notice faint hints of what you last ate. The taste can even vary throughout the month, thanks to your menstrual cycle. Blood can affect the way it tastes, as can the white discharge that's common with ovulation. But as long as you don't experience any unusually strong scents — think fishy odors or whiffs of something foul — your smell and taste are fine, whatever they may be. Read on to learn more about what it may taste like, why it might change, and what you can do if the taste or smell seems off. Some vaginas taste metallic or have a penny-like flavor The vagina — that is, the internal canal — is naturally acidic. That's a good thing. It's how the vagina balances the bacteria that blossom down below. But that natural acidity can translate to some flavors that are stronger than neutral. Some people might describe this as a metallic or penny-like flavor. Others may even call it a 'battery' taste. A metallic taste may actually be more common in the days after menstruation, as trace amounts of blood may still be in and around the vagina. Blood naturally has a metallic taste because of its iron content. Vaginas aren't supposed to taste or smell like flowers or fruit If Mother Nature had intended for your vaginal area to smell like a flower stand or freshly-cut fruit, that's what your vulva would offer. Instead, the natural smell and taste are as close to neutral as your body can get, if not without hints of sweat, musk, and body odor. After all, the vulva is often under layers of clothing, and anything that has been damp for a while can develop a stale smell or taste. That doesn't mean anything is wrong. It's just the nature of bacteria, body fluids, and vulvas. Your only concern should be a fishy vaginal odor or an otherwise foul profile Certain conditions or infections can cause foul smells in your vaginal area. Bacterial vaginosis, for example, often causes a yellow or gray discharge and a strong, unpleasant vaginal odor that people might describe as fishy. Trichomoniasis, a type of sexually transmitted infection, can also cause odors that closely resemble dead fish. Unusual discharge may also occur. If you or a partner detects a truly unpleasant odor, it's time to contact a gynecologist. They can investigate the possible cause and provide treatment to restore your smell and flavor. If something tastes off, it's most likely because of your vaginal pH The taste can be a lot of types — salty, bitter, metallic, sour — but what it shouldn't be is funky. If your vaginal area suddenly develops strong odors or tastes, it could be that there's a disruption in your natural pH balance. The vagina does a good job of maintaining the bacterial status quo. But the bacteria may skew when a new bath product or medication upends it. That can lead to inflammation, itching, or even infection, which can all cause unusual smells and tastes. A change in vaginal taste could be because of your diet Some foods affect how your vaginal area tastes, but the list is short — and no, it doesn't include pineapple. Asparagus, which can make urine smell strong, might also affect the way you taste. Anecdotal reports describe it as 'grassy' or 'green.' Curry and other heavily-spiced foods may also have an impact. These foods often produce sweat with a distinct smell. Sweat in your groin may interfere with your vulva's natural aroma and taste. Alcohol and tobacco use can also affect vaginal taste Your vagina may taste a bit off if your partner goes down on you after a night of drinking. That's because alcohol can increase perspiration. It might even affect the taste of that sweat and your body fluids. Depending on the type of drink you had, the taste may be bitter or sour. Sugary drinks, for example, might interfere with your taste. Tobacco use might affect how much you sweat and your perspiration potency, which can affect your natural smell and flavor. For example, tobacco use might cause acidic or bitter flavors. It may even cause a sour or stale taste. Your skin and hair can also absorb the odors of smoking tobacco, so the pungent smell may affect your taste. In some cases, a change in vaginal taste stems from your hygiene practices The vagina is a self-cleaning entity. Left alone, it can and will care for itself and maintain a healthy pH balance, so long as outside forces don't interfere. You need only wash the outside — the vulva — with mild soap and water when you bathe. If you don't follow regular hygiene practices or wash yourself regularly, you may develop unusual or off-putting smells and tastes. To properly wash, rinse the vulva and groin with warm water. You can use soap if you want — just be careful not to get any inside your vaginal canal. Spread the lips of your labia apart and use a washcloth or your hands to clean around the folds. Also, wash your anus and the area between your anus and your vaginal opening. If it isn't clean, this area can affect the odor and taste of your vagina. Skip the specialty washes and so-called 'feminine hygiene' products Because your vagina does such a good job taking care of its own health, you really don't need to use any specialty products to help it along or mask any odors you think are bad. (Again, if you think your taste or smell is repellent, contact a doctor instead of using body spray to cover it up.) Many soaps, gels, and washes may seem well-intentioned, but they can worsen a condition or infection if there is one. They can also upend your natural pH level, which might invite bacterial growth. It's a good idea to leave the 'feminine hygiene' products, like washes, sprays, and deodorizers, on the store shelf and let your body and vagina fend for themselves. If you really want to change the way your vagina tastes, try this No scientific studies suggest you can change your vulva's taste or confirm ways you might do this. Temporary sprays and washes might mask or deodorize briefly, but there's little you can do permanently. If you're determined to find a way to make your vaginal area smell or taste more flowery and fresh, you might try to: Limit certain foods before sex: Asparagus and spicy or heavily-flavored foods might cause scented sweat or body odor. Limit alcohol and tobacco use before sex: Tobacco and alcohol can affect body odor and sweat, too. Ultimately, these foods may make the area taste more bitter, sour, or metallic. Don't eat right before it's time to go down: If your partner wants to pop a piece of gum and spit it out just before doing the ABCs on your clitoris, by all means, let them. But keep in mind that what you eat affects how your vagina tastes. It's a good idea to skip eating 30 minutes before they plan to go downtown. Try not to worry: How you taste and smell is typical unless you're getting whiffs of dead fish or rotting seaweed. The bottom line Your vulva's natural scent and flavor aren't like anyone else's, and they can change throughout your life, even monthly. As long as you aren't having symptoms of an infection, your smell and taste are just fine. But if you're worried that your odor might be off, talk with a healthcare professional. They can look for any underlying concerns, whether it's a matter of hygiene or an untreated infection.
The Guardian
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
New research into menstrual cycles offers hope of reducing ACL injuries
'I've had not one, two, but three ACL tears – all three have been on my period.' Those were the frank words of the double World Cup-winning former United States international Megan Rapinoe, speaking on her podcast A Touch More with Sue Bird & Megan Rapinoe on 8 May, as they expressed their exasperation at how long it has taken for more in-depth research to be conducted regarded the relationship between menstrual cycles and serious knee injuries in female athletes. Finally, though, something is happening. Trying to help address the issue, with the ultimate aim of reducing instances of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, is a new, year-long academic study at Kingston University in London, which has received funding from football's world governing body, Fifa. Starting in June, the university's sports science experts Dr Simon Augustus, Dr James Brouner and Dr Michelle Richards, and the project's lead, PhD student Blake Rivers, will analyse hormone concentrations from blood samples collected from 20 to 25 adult female players, aged between 18 and 35, and then examine how they perform specific movement tests at different stages of their individual menstrual cycles. 'We know the hormones fluctuate within those different phases of the menstrual cycle and some of them might be related to things like increased ligament laxity or decreases in neuromuscular control,' says Dr Augustus, senior lecturer in sport biomechanics. 'What we want to do then is to correlate that with how they perform certain physical-performance tests so, in terms of being able to identify ACL injury risk, we do things like change-of-direction tests or a landing test, and really we want to see whether the changes we see in terms of physiology, in terms of the hormone profiles, whether they extend through to changes in their functional movement patterns and how they actually perform these various tasks which might be ones that are indicative of injury risk.' ACL injuries have been prominent in the sport for decades but the issue has been brought into sharp focus in recent years after a string of high-profile cases, such as when the former Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas tore her ACL on the eve of the last European Championship finals at a time when she was widely considered to be the world's best women's player, or when the England captain Leah Williamson suffered the same injury and missed the 2023 World Cup. However, it is much more widespread than those headline cases: in the Women's Super League alone, there are 14 players out with ACL injuries. Experts are not expecting to be able to completely eradicate the problem but the science will aim to help reduce the risk, as Dr Augustustold Moving the Goalposts: 'There are going to be certain injury occurrences that are unavoidable, if you get a bad tackle, your leg is in the wrong position, no matter how much science we can do in terms of the research. 'The ones we might have the potential to intervene with, and lower the rates of, are the ones that seem to happen when players are performing an action on their own, where there are no external forces, no external contact, so ones like when they are changing direction or landing from a header, when they seem to be slightly off-balance. 'These are the ones where, if we can get a really good holistic understanding of the load-demands that are placed on the skeletal and muscular systems, and the various factors surrounding that, if we can really understand how those contribute to the loads placed on the player, then – whether via strength and conditioning, load-management or looking at players' techniques as they develop up through the age groups – these are the ones that we might be able to intervene with and help prevent.' That said, there is not expected to be a one-size-fits-all model for how to mitigate hormonal changes during a player's period. As Dr Augustus explains: 'The important thing to say with this is it's extremely variable within women. If you think about a menstrual cycle, the 'average', which probably doesn't really exist, is 28-35 days, and we know that within naturally ovulating and menstruating women, there should be a certain profile, but even within that, there's going to be a huge variation in terms of how those hormones are released within the individual. 'That's even before we start to think about the many different types of contraceptives that the athletes could be taking, and different contraceptives will do different things to those hormone profiles. So, again, what we're really going to have to get to grips with is making sure we understand the individual profiles of the athletes we're investigating, because that's going to be key if we're going to make meaningful conclusions.' The findings of Kingston's study will be sent to Fifa next year and Dr Augustus added: 'For them to back it and give us some finance to do the project justice is great for us and great for everyone that is pushing towards a greater understanding of these types of things in the women's game. Studies have looked at this before but have potentially not been performed very well. 'The work we're doing is a smaller part of a much bigger jigsaw puzzle in this area. We hope the findings we produce will help contribute, ultimately, to reducing ACL injury rates, but it's part of a much wider effort. There are a lot of different factors.' We want carnage! It's tactically going to be crazy, which I think is what we want. It will make everyone laugh and it is entertaining. My players want to play in it. We'll have to learn the format as we go. The first one will just be utter carnage and fun' – the Manchester United manager, Marc Skinner, discussing his side's upcoming participation in the inaugural World Sevens Football competition in Portugal. Flocking to Switzerland: Ticket sales for July's Euros have reached 550,000, Uefa has revealed, seeing the tournament edge closer to surpassing the record cumulative attendance for the women's event from 2022 in England which was 574,875. Overall, there are 673,000 available tickets for the tournament, meaning that just over 120,000 remain, with under two months to go before the event kicks off in Switzerland. Of the tickets sold so far, 137,000 were purchased by fans from outside of Switzerland, which is forecasted to see an injection of at least 180 million Swiss Francs into the local their prizes: The Spain and Arsenal midfielder Mariona Caldentey was named as the WSL's player of the year at the league's inaugural end-of-season awards night on Sunday, while the Netherlands and Manchester City forward Vivianne Miedema was awarded goal of the season for her curling strike into the top corner at Villa Park. The English second-tier's player of the year prize went to Isobel Goodwin of London City Lionesses, while an award for the best matchday experience went to Manchester City. Swanson announcement: The United States forward Mallory Swanson has announced she is pregnant. The 27-year-old and her husband, Dansby Swanson, a Major League Baseball player, revealed on social media they are expecting their first child and said the news was their 'greatest blessing'. Mallory Swanson, who helped the USA win gold at last summer's Olympics, has not played for Chicago Stars this season, because of what had initially been explained as personal reasons. The latest Women's Football Weekly podcast will be out on Tuesday. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Barcelona scored nine goals as they wrapped up their 10th Spanish league title and their sixth Liga F triumph in a row, with their 9-0 win on Sunday away at Real Betis, who were relegated with the defeat. Here is Alexia Putellas scoring the seventh after a nice one-two. The WSL season is over, and here's our unrivalled writers' review of the 2024-25 campaign. Good news for Sarina Wiegman and England – three key players are back in the squad after injury. Tom Garry has more. And will a long winless run and 11th-place finish in the WSL cost Tottenham manager Robert Vilahamn his job?
The Sun
11-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The symptoms to expect at every stage of your menstrual cycle – from sexy dreams to manic cleaning and when you look youngest
MOST of us are familiar with the 'standard' period symptoms - cramps, bloating and fatigue. But our hormones can impact us in ways we may never have considered. 6 The biggest drivers are the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which change our behaviour and mindset over an entire month, not just the few days that we're 'on'. Giulietta Durante, a menstrual cycle nutritionist at Hormones in Harmony, compares the four stages of our cycles to seasons of the year. Your bleed week is winter, follicular is spring, ovulation is summer, and the luteal phase, in the run up to your period, is autumn. While cramps, cravings, pimples and exhaustion might be the most common symptoms to occur, Giulietta says there are actually many others to be aware of. And knowing about them ahead of time can help us prepare for what's to come. She tells Sun Health: 'Everyone has a different experience of their cycle, so what we're talking about is a generic, fairly average cycle.' Women have around 480 periods in a lifetime, according to the NHS. Here's what you can expect from your next… WINTER: YOUR PERIOD WEEK The first week of your cycle is marked by your period. This can be uncomfortably heavy for some women, while others might not bleed too much. But the symptoms experienced can often be similar… You feel calmer Ever noticed that you're a little more relaxed during your bleed week? 'Our brainwaves are different during our period; they are actually calmer,' reveals Giuletta. She explains that during the first three or four days of your cycle, oestrogen and progesterone are very low. 'Oestrogen gives us energy, drive, motivation, ideas and inspiration,' she says. 'But not having that is also quite nice sometimes, because your brain just shuts up for once.' Rather than fighting your tiredness and pushing on, try relaxing a little more; you could even meditate or listen to calming music. You might also want to simply curl up and hibernate, much like you do in winter when it's cold and wet outside. 'It's also fine to do that in your 'inner winter' when you're on your period,' adds Giulietta. 6 SPRING: THE FOLLICULAR STAGE Towards the end of your period, oestrogen starts to rise. And for many people, mood and energy are on the up! You make plans Suddenly, you might find you're super keen to get out and meet up with friends. Essentially, you become a 'yes' woman. 'You feel like this switch has been turned on and you have more energy,' says Giulietta. 'You're starting to think about the future a bit more and meeting up with people and you're just back in the world a little bit more.' It reiterates how important it is to listen to your body and rest during your period week. Giulietta adds: 'We feel good during spring because we've had the rest during our winter and we've had a contrast of emotional states.' 6 You eat less Post-period, you might spot a noticeable change in your appetite. 'Oestrogen is an appetite suppressant. And as you start coming out of your period, you're not as hungry,' says Giuletta. 'These are the days when you're like, 'I can have a smoothie for breakfast, a little lunch and maybe an egg for dinner'. And then you wonder why you can't eat like this all the time. 'But you can't because your hormones massively influence your appetite.' If you want to practise fasting - prolonged periods of time with no food - then now's the time. Giulietta adds: 'We need to fast according to our cycle; so fast when your oestrogen is rising. 'And then those days before your period, forget fasting. It's going to be really tough. 'I think the problem is that the diet industry is modelled around male physiology, and they've never really looked at how to eat for the female body and even fasting.' When heavy periods could be something sinister WHEN it comes to periods, there is a textbook definition of normal - but then there is also what a normal period looks like for you. For some (lucky) people, these definitions overlap; for others, they don't. The NHS recognises a 'normal period' as losing between 30 and 60ml, or six to eight teaspoonfuls, each month. A 'heavy' period' is anything more than 80ml, and 'very heavy' is 120ml-plus. Another, arguably simpler, way of working out whether your period is heavy is to count the number of pads or tampons you use. Having to change a pad or tampon every one to two hours, or emptying a menstrual cup more often than is recommended, is a sign your period is heavy. An NHS test can also help reveal whether your periods are heavy and if it's worth seeing your GP. Dr Fran Yarlett, GP and medical director at The Lowdown, said: "Heavy periods can be normal for some people. "But if your periods have changed and become heavier, this can signify medical problems." This could be: Early-stage cervical cancer Fibroids (non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb) Perimenopause (the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause) Hypothyroidism (when the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones Endometriosis (tissue similar to that in the womb grows in other areas of the body) SUMMER: OVULATION It might be short, but the small ovulation window in the middle of your cycle can also bring with it a bunch of symptoms. From heightened libido to changes in your appearance, you might notice the following... Your libido increases Giuletta says that during this time, oestrogen is peaking and you are fertile. In fact, the likelihood of falling pregnant is highest during your ovulation window. 'This is the time all your biological signals are like, 'Right, we are ready, baby!',' she says. 'Your libido pops up all of a sudden, and you might have some really funny thoughts about random men or women.' Giuletta adds: 'You pull out all the stops - whether you want to or not - because those hormones are so, so strong. 'You're flirty, noticing people on the street and you might even notice you get more attention yourself.' To keep up this energy, Giulietta says you need to eat correctly. 'We do have a really high need for fats and proteins and we need a lot of antioxidants,' she says. 'If you're not quite eating the right things, you can also experience hunger.' Find healthy fats in nuts, seeds and avocado; protein in lean meats, eggs, dairy and fish; and antioxidants in colourful fruits and vegs. 6 You dress differently With this mid-month flirty confidence, you might even notice that you feel better in yourself and in what you wear. 'I always notice it in the way I'm dressing,' says Giulietta. 'I could have worn the same outfit in my 'autumn' or during my period, and then I felt like a sack of potatoes, but during 'summer' I feel good in that same outfit.' You look younger It's not just about how you feel. During ovulation, Giulietta says you may look younger too! 'We have oestrogen receptors on every cell of the body and they influence loads of things,' she says. 'Oestrogen is actually very linked to holding water and plumping up skin cells. 'So when you've got higher oestrogen, you just look younger.' 6 AUTUMN: THE LUTEAL PHASE Once ovulation is done, your body is building back up to another period. It's during this phase or 'season' that you may notice the most hormonal symptoms, such as fatigue, irritability and carb cravings. You may notice these too… You clean manically As your hormones lower, Giulietta says you may be gearing up to hibernate again and therefore have a lot of drive to get things done. 'You know in a week's time you'll be on your period and that's when you want to chill,' she says. 'There is a nice energy to it sometimes as well; it's a get-things-wrapped-up-energy, which I really like too. 'I look around me and I think, 'The washing machine drawer - this has to be cleaned now!'' 6 You're ruthless If you have a project at work that needs editing or you need to have a difficult conversation with a friend, save it for this phase. 'Oestrogen makes you see the world through people-pleasing eyes and everything's amazing,' Giulietta says. 'You say 'yes' to everything, you do everything and then during the luteal phase, oestrogen drops and you don't have your oestrogen goggles on anymore. 'You see through the bulls**t and it's now very easy to make clear decisions because you can see things very clearly at this point.' How to combat agonising period pain By Isabel Shaw, health reporter LIKE many women, I experience severe discomfort during my periods (to put it mildly). From dull and achy cramps right up to intense pain that feels unmanageable. Since the tender age of 12 when my periods began, I've relied heavily on painkillers and my trusty hot water bottle to get me through the worst days of the month. But more often than not, medicines and medieval heating devices do little to ease my symptoms, forcing me to miss social events and even work. In fact, a 2017 YouGov survey found 57 per cent of women who suffer from cramps say period pains have impacted their ability to work. This is hardly surprising, given research from University College London (UCL) has shown that period cramps can be as painful as having a heart attack. So in my quest to live a pain-free life, I'm forever on the hunt for cramp-relieving hacks. I tested four products which claim to relieve menstrual cramps. I took into account my pain level, value for money and how easy and convenient it was to use. Daye CBD tampons (pain reduction score 4/10, value for money 6/10, convenience 9/10) Myoovi (pain reduction 8/10, value for money 8/10, convenience 7/10) Beurer TENS & warmth menstrual pain relief (pain reduction 9/10, value for money 9/10, convenience 6/10) Recovery Therm (pain reduction 8/10, value for money 5/10, convenience 5/10)
ABC News
11-05-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Why premenstrual dysphoric disorder diagnoses are on the rise, particularly for women over 35
After years of drastic, unexplained mood swings in the lead-up to her period, a Perth mother was handed a lifeline in the form of a four-letter diagnosis. Kris Stanley, 36, went to the doctor in 2021 when she started feeling suicidal every month. The appointment was the first time she had heard of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, commonly known as PMDD. "It was like someone had turned the lights on," she said. "It was almost liberating … to have something to research, to sink your teeth into. Among other symptoms, PMDD can cause severe depression and anxiety during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, due to a sensitivity to the natural changes in hormones. Kris would try to push through this quick onset of depression and helplessness for the sake of her family. "As a mum we don't always get the opportunity to put the rest of life on hold," she said. "We always have to overcome and be as strong as we can be. "I'm a pretty strong person but PMDD has definitely brought me down a few times." When she got her diagnosis, it gave her license to talk openly with her sons and partner about what was really going on, teaching them not only about PMDD, but the phases of the menstrual cycle in general. She said it's a topic not worth sugar coating. "I like to give the boys a heads up so they can be a little bit more understanding," Kris said. "The more information they're armed with and the more empathetic they can be as humans and as men towards their loved ones, then hopefully we can get a little bit more understanding for women in general when they're going through something that is pretty full on." Dr Niamh Leonard was the general practitioner and women's health specialist who identified Kris's symptoms as PMDD. She has noticed a steady rise in diagnoses over the past few years and a peak in patients aged 35 and older. "It's a time when women often have young families, maybe getting back into the workforce or trying to further their careers and are really unable to function properly," she said. "It's a very difficult age and time." There's a suite of reasons that could explain why people are often diagnosed later in their reproductive life. Dr Leonard said it could be a link to perimenopause or the fact the condition was only recognised as a psychological disorder just over a decade ago. But she said the cultural issues surrounding women's health cannot be ignored. "Many women have masked for so long," Dr Leonard said. "Women in general just try to push through and sometimes they're afraid to speak about how dark their thoughts are at times. "To have the diagnosis and be feeling better and to be functioning that's all women really want." During its short time in the public eye, awareness of PMDD is steadily growing. Many of Dr Leonard's patients are now coming to her practice having already heard of PMDD because they've spoken to a friend or seen a post on social media. Kris says legitimising the experience of PMDD cannot be overstated. For her the education and diagnosis came late, but she feels it's a case of better late than never. "If talking about PMDD helps one other woman get a diagnosis and not feel like she's going crazy or not feel like there's no point in living anymore I think that's the goal," Kris said. "Not feeling alone in it makes it easier to overcome."
