Living with periods

Diagram of menstrual cycle phases

What is the menstrual cycle?

Your menstrual (or period) cycle may sometimes be as unpredictable as the weather or it could follow a pretty regular pattern. Let’s take a better look at its different phases, so that you can be prepared for whatever your body may throw at you.
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‘Normal period cycle’ – What’s your menstrual flow?

It’s common for women to worry that their period cycle isn’t ‘normal’. When they first start, periods do take some getting used to. Find out how long they tend to last and how often you’ll get them.

How to avoid period leaks at night

Waking up to discover period blood on your sheets isn’t the best way to start the day — who wants to do laundry first thing in the morning? But it doesn’t have to be that way! We’ve got you covered with how to get the best protection and some tips and tricks to keep you snoozing through the nights of your period.
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Can you go swimming on your period?

Swimming on your period is totally doable. Yes, really. In fact, it’s a brilliant way to ease cramps and improve your mood. Here’s our poolside pointers for how to be confident swimming on your period – let’s dive in.

Can women exercise on their period?

While exercising during your period might be the very last thing you feel like doing, there are a stack of reasons why it’s a really good idea.
Illustration of a woman hugging a hot water bottle

What causes period pain and menstrual cramps?

We often ask the question – “why do periods hurt?” – especially while feeling bloated or worse for wear. Here, we will talk about the causes and symptoms of period pain, so you’re completely clued up.
Woman lying in bed wearing a shirt and lace pants that show her liner on.

What does brown discharge mean?

Although it may look daunting, brown vaginal discharge usually isn’t anything to worry about.
Woman holding hot waterbottle

What helps period pain?

Period pain isn’t ideal but there’s also a lot you can do to make it better. Let’s take a further look.

Is it possible to stop or postpone a period?

Let’s face it, Mother Nature doesn’t always have the best timing. Whether you’re going on holiday, to the pool or just want to stop your flow for a night: sometimes the start of your cycle is bound to clash with an important event. And while there is no on/off button for our period, there are some ways that may help you to delay it.
Woman looking exasperated due to period coming

Signs of your period coming

There can be nothing more frustrating than waiting for your period to come. Predicting just when you’ll be reaching for an ultra towel, some paracetamol and your favourite period-appropriate underwear can be tricky.
"What is period poop?" text on a blue background

What is period poop?

Have you ever noticed that there’s something different about your period poos? Well, you’re not alone.

How does stress affect periods?

Stress is something we all experience from time to time, and it can often have a negative impact on us both physically and mentally.
Digital drawing of feet on a scale

Why do I bloat and gain weight during my cycle?

Do your jeans start to feel a bit tighter in the days leading up to your period? Many of us may notice a slight weight gain before periods and bloating throughout our cycles – in fact, it’s very common.
Tally chart to track periods

How long can a period last?

2 day periods? 1 day periods? Or maybe even 2 periods in a month? Our menstrual cycles can surprise us and throw the unexpected our way. But just how long is a period supposed to last?
Photo of a woman in a blouse and underwear, holding half a grapefruit in front of her panties - Bodyform

Personal hygiene, periods and how to feel good

For many of us, living with periods may mean changing our routines according to our menstrual cycle. But does our monthly flow make personal hygiene even more important? Should we wash differently or more often? We’ve got you covered with all the answers!
Hand holding positive pregnancy test

How is Fertility Affected by Endometriosis?

For the many women affected by endometriosis, who also want to become mothers, thoughts around fertility can be concerning. To help put some of your worries at ease, let’s just look at how it could affect your fertility, along with some options on how to talk about the issue
Woman holding pillow against her tummy as she can’t sleep because of period cramps.

How to get rid of period cramps at night

Period cramps keeping you from getting a good night's sleep? Don't worry, you're not alone! While some of us may not experience any symptoms, others may suffer from unbearable pain. But fear not, fellow sleep enthusiasts! We've got expert tips and tricks to beat period cramps, so nothing can come between you and your well-deserved rest.
Period pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period pants and V-Flow indicators on a pink background.

What period product is best for my heavy flow?

Periods can be a lot to handle, especially when you have a heavy flow and are unsure which products to choose. But it doesn’t have to be so complicated. We’ve got you covered with which period products are best for you and what you can do to manage your heavy flow.
A flat lay showing different types of contraception such as condoms, birth control pills & intrauterine device arranged in a neat row.

Types of contraception and how they can affect your period

Are you thinking of starting or changing to a new type of contraception? Unsure how it will impact you? We’ve got you covered with all the basics on contraception types and how they may change the way you experience your period.
Woman on her period laying on her side trying to fall asleep.

Period insomnia: why is it so hard to sleep during your period?

A lot goes on around our menstruation – from cramping and mood changes to restlessness. That’s right, most of us have been there: tossing and turning the nights before and during our period hoping to catch at least a little shuteye. But just because periods don’t sleep, why shouldn’t we?
Row of pads showing the different period blood colours: red, pink, dark brown, orange, grey and black.

Period blood texture, colour, and smell: what does it all mean?

You may have already come across bright red, light red, or dark brown period flow. But what about pink, yellow, orange, grey or even black? Menstrual blood comes in all sorts of colours, smells, and textures — even sometimes including clots. So, what do they mean and how to know what’s normal? We’ve got you covered!
Image of a woman's jeans and underwear - Libresse

‘Normal period cycle’ – What’s your menstrual flow?

It’s common for women to worry that their period cycle isn’t ‘normal’. When they first start, periods do take some getting used to. Find out how long they tend to last and how often you’ll get them.
Illustration of underwear on a washing line - Libresse

Is Your Vaginal Discharge Normal?

Knowing whether your discharge is normal is pretty simple once you’ve got the facts and know your cycle. So here they are.
How to apply

How to use a tampon

It’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed when you first try inserting a tampon, but like most things in life, it just takes a bit of practice. Trust us that after a few tries, you’ll be a tampon pro!
Cartoon of tampons arranged in rows with strings dangling.

How to remove a tampon

So you’ve mastered using a tampon for the first time! The next stage is working out exactly how to take it out.
Colourful underwear stained with period blood, surrounded by soap bars, bubbles and detergent bottles.

How to remove period blood stains

The occasional leaks and stains are just another part of life with periods. We’ve all dealt with them at some point, whether it’s on our clothes, mattress, sheets, or favourite pair of underwear. It may seem like a lost cause, but don’t be hasty to throw anything in the bin just yet. We’ve got you covered with ways to remove and prevent these pesky surprises!

Can stress delay your period?
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