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From Hot Mess to Hot Yoga: Why Exercise Is Your Period’s BFF
Let’s face it: irregular periods feel like that one flaky friend who cancels plans last minute — every single time. 🤦🏻♀️The good news? Exercise might be the ✨magical✨ calendar invite that gets your cycle back on track. Here's why working out works, and once we break down the science, we’ve made notes on easy, winter-friendly ways to sweat without freezing your buns off ! How Exercise Brings Aunt Flo Back on Schedule 🏋🏻♀️ 1. Balances Hormones Your hormones are like that drama-filled group chat—one message out of place, and everything spirals. 🫠Exercise helps balance insulin (which controls blood sugar) and cortisol (the stress hormone). When these two are out of whack, they can throw off your reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone, making your period unpredictable. Regular workouts hit mute on the unnecessary chaos, helping your hormones sync up. 2. Reduces Stress (Bye-Bye, Hormonal Chaos) Stress is your period’s arch-nemesis. When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol, which can disrupt the signals between your brain and ovaries.Exercise not only lowers cortisol levels but also releases endorphins, your body’s ✨feel-good chemicals.✨ It’s like a natural mood booster that helps your period find its way home. 3. Improves Blood Flow (Because Your Uterus Deserves Love Too) Exercise keeps your circulation🩸 game strong, ensuring that all the key players—your uterus, ovaries, and the whole gang—get the blood flow they need. Better blood flow means fewer cramps and a smoother menstrual cycle overall. Think of it as sending your reproductive system a care package filled with everything it needs to function like clockwork!4. Boosts Ovulation (The OG of Period Health)If you’re not ovulating regularly, your periods can go AWOL. Exercise, especially moderate-intensity workouts, can help regulate ovulation by keeping your hormones in sync. When ovulation is on point, your cycle follows suit like a well-rehearsed routine.In short, exercise isn’t just about sweating it out—it’s about becoming your body’s ultimate ✨hype woman,✨ cheering it on to function at its best! 👯 Winter-Friendly Workouts That Don't Make You Want To Hibernate With winter knocking at our doors (and us knocking back hot chocolate like it's a sport), finding ways to keep moving is key.🔑 The trick is finding ones you’ll actually enjoy! Depending on where you are in your cycle, try a combination of these low-high intensity workouts, through the month. 1. Yoga: Hot Studio or Home Style 🧘♀️ Yoga is the MVP of winter workouts – especially when you’re menstruating. Focus on getting in ample stretches that help your muscles relax. Our go-to styles for a period workout – The Hip Hugger & Lace Bikini – both have padding all the way to the back, to avoid leaky-disturbances in your workout! 🩸Not only does yoga keep you warm & stretchy, but it also boosts blood flow to the pelvic region, which is a big win for period regularity. Bonus: You can do it in fuzzy socks! 2. Walking… But Make It Cozy 🚶♀️Bundle up, pop in your favorite podcast or your fave hype-me-up playlist (try out our fave), and take a brisk walk. The crisp air can actually feel refreshing (as long as you’re not dressed like you’re headed to Antarctica). 3. Indoor Dance Cardio 💃 Turn your living room into a disco with dance cardio workouts🕺🏻A cheeky YouTube playlist can get you grooving before you know it! Plus, it’s hard to feel cold when you’re busting moves like nobody’s watching. 🤷🏻♀️4. Strength Training at Home 🏋️♀️No gym? No problem. Grab some resistance bands or use your own body weight to slay some squats, push-ups, and planks. It’s like having your very own winter boot camp—minus the frosty air. ❄️ Pro Tips to Stay Motivated! - Layer up smart: Sweat-wicking fabrics are your winter BFF. - Buddy up: Misery loves company, but workouts with a friend make it way less miserable. - Set mini-goals: Even 15 minutes counts. Think small, win big. The Bottom Line Exercise isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good—and that includes your periods. Plus, with these winter-friendly ideas, you can crush your workouts without turning into an icicle. So grab your yoga mat, lace up those sneakers, and show winter who’s boss. Your body (and your cycle) will thank you. 💪🩸
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How Winter Messes with Your Period (Yep, It’s a Thing)
If you’ve noticed your period acting all weird in winter, let us tell you – you’re not imagining things. Turns out, your menstrual cycle isn’t immune to the cold. From worse cramps to irregular cycles, winter does some sneaky stuff to your body! So, grab your heating pad, and let’s dive into the why & how of winters wrecking your🩸vibe. ❄️Winter = fewer daylight hours = less vitamin D The "sunshine vitamin" keeps your bones happy and your hormones balanced. 🌻 When your vitamin D dips, your reproductive hormones (like estrogen and progesterone) can start acting up, making your period irregular or longer. So, if your period’s gone MIA or is playing hide and seek, the winter sun—or lack of it—might be to blame. 🥺 Then there’s melatonin—the sleepy-time hormone your body makes when it’s dark. Winter’s long nights mean more melatonin, which is great for napping😴 but not so great for keeping your period on track. Too much melatonin can interfere with ovulation. So, if your cycle’s all over the place, thanks, winter. 😪 ❄️Cramps Are Worse? Of Course They Are If your cramps feel like they’ve cranked it up a notch during winter, you’re not imagining things. Cold weather can shrink your blood vessels (yep, even the ones down there), reducing blood flow to your uterus and making cramps feel more intense.🫠 Basically, it’s like a cramp apocalypse. Science backs it up, too—a study in Menstrual Disorders found that women reported worse cramps during colder months. 😓 The good news? Exercise can help. I know, it’s freezing, but even light activity increases blood flow and releases endorphins—your body’s natural painkillers. 🌸 If the fear of leaks are getting in the way, we gotchu covered – Lace Bikini & the Hip Hugger are customer favourites for workouts, since their padding goes all the way back! So, maybe consider a quick stretch instead of curling up under a blanket for 12 hours straight. Maybe. ❄️SAD Times, Literally Winter doesn’t just mess with your body; it messes with your brain, too. Enter Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), that fun little bout of winter-induced melancholy. 😩 Stress from this increases your cortisol levels, which can throw off your hormones and lead to irregular periods. We’ve all experienced this first hand too – when we’ve had a stressful month, our cycle tends to skip a beat! Plus, more painful PMS. 🩸 ❄️Comfort Food? Not as comforting to cramps Winter has a way of making you crave all the comfort foods— hot mac and cheese, anyone? Here’s the catch though: Diets high in salt & sugar can make your period worse. 🍕Salt = Extra bloating 🍩Sugar = Blood sugar crashes So swapping out a gooey brownie for a few bites of dark chocolate can help ease cramps. Still a win, right? ❄️How to Survive the Winter Period Chaos So, what can you do to survive winter’s assault on your period? Here’s the quick survival guide: 1. Get some sun: If you can’t, consider a vitamin D supplement. Your hormones will thank you. 2. Stay active: Even a little bit of exercise can help reduce cramps and keep your hormones balanced. 3. Eat smarter: Swap the salty, sugary snacks for foods rich in magnesium. (Yes, chocolate counts.) 4. Stay warm: Heating pads, hot baths, cozy blankets—whatever keeps you warm will help those cramps chill out. Winter might throw your menstrual cycle off its game, but with a few smart moves, you can keep it from totally ruining your vibe. 💃🏽 And hey, just remember—spring is right around the corner!🌸
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Community Spotlight: A customer's guide to finding your Nushu!
We get it – Choosing the right period panty, especially when it's a matter of trusting an underwear to give you better absorbency (and value for money) than pads, can feel like a gamble! 🎲 ❓“How do I pick the right style?” ❓“Does this one work overnight?” ❓“Should I size down?” Who better to answer your questions, than someone who’s tackled the same questions you have, and finally found their match? 🤷🏻♀️ Meet Nupur – a Nushu customer who went from being a curious sceptic to a strong Nushu-advocate! 💜 From comfort to absorbency, she’s sharing her journey so you can confidently pick the best style for you. ✨In conversation with Nupur, Pune✨ 👉🏼Nushu: What products were you using before Nushu? Nupur: Initially I was using pads & I would always experience rashes, itchiness & just overall I would be very uncomfortable. Then I switched to the menstrual cup, which wasn’t really comfortable either – insertion was super uncomfortable and it was just too messy. 👉🏼Nushu: What convinced you to try the Nushu period panties? Nupur: I actually discovered them on an Influencer’s reel & it grabbed my attention. I went through the website & I was really curious to try it out. In fact I was so curious, not only did I convince my mom to buy it for me, I convinced her to buy it for herself too! At the time I was using a menstrual cup & I really wanted an alternative that wasn’t invasive, but didn’t give me rashes either. I was a bit unsure on how to pick size, and that was really my only apprehension, but I figured it out. 👉🏼Nushu: So how did you go about finding the right style? Nupur: I had help from your team in figuring out everything I needed to know, honestly. Some things I needed to know were: 🩸Flow: My flow is not too heavy, except maybe on day 1. So I knew I might not need a super-heavy absorbency style, a heavy one might work. 🩸Style Preference: I was completely okay with a Bikini-style, I didn’t feel like I needed something high-waist. 🩸Size: I spoke to the team to figure out what size I should go for. But I went for the same size I usually wear with all panties. Taking all these factors into consideration I figured Bikini Brief would be the best fit for me & my mom. So we tried one each first & then within a month, we ordered more pairs of the same style! 👉🏼Nushu: What was your experience like? And your mom’s? Nupur: They were so soft and comfortable! I don’t get any rashes or redness. Not once have I leaked through them. No wetness either! It’s the same for my mom – she is undergoing menopause, so her periods are heavy and erratic, but even she was able to wear it for about 12 hours without leaking! I’ve already recommended this product to so many friends of mine already - they need to try it out! 🩸Quick tips & questions to ask yourself:🩸 👉🏼How heavy does your flow get? To determine this, consider how many pads you go through on a given day. Pick your style basis this thumb rule: > 1-2 pads: Not too heavy/Light (Go for Cheeky Lace) > 3-4 pads: Heavy-ish (Go for Bikini Brief or Lace Bikini) > 5 & above: Super Heavy (Go for Hip Hugger or Lace Hipster) 👉🏼Lace or no lace? Lace styles: Lace Hipster, Lace Bikini & Cheeky Lace No-lace style: Hip Hugger & Bikini Brief 👉🏼Size? Generally, go for your regular panty size. Our sizing is similar to popular brands like Jockey and M&S. But, just to be sure - double-check your hip measurements & verify with our size guide. For any questions at all, just hit the WhatsApp icon you see on the screen & drop your query! We’re here to help you pick the style & size that’s perfect for you💜
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Debunking period taboos around the world
Menstruation myths have been pulling the strings on how women navigate festivals across cultures for ages. 🤧 From being told to skip the temple to steering clear of the kitchen, period stigma only worsens the discomfort. It's mind boggling how universal this experience is for women! But we’re here to bust these taboos and break the cycle—because it's time to flow freely without the nonsense! 💪🏼 🩸India: “Impure" Blood Myth: In India, menstruation myths run rampant, especially during religious festivals like Diwali, Navratri, or Durga Puja. Women are often told they can’t enter temples or take part in rituals while on their period because they’re seen as "impure." 😖 Reality Check: Let’s set the record straight: menstruation is a natural bodily function, not a spiritual disqualifier! Thankfully, more people are calling out this nonsense, and movements across India are working to flush out these outdated beliefs. 😮💨 ✨Nepal: Chhaupadi Myth: Chhaupadi – Menstruating women are banished into isolation, often sent to unsafe huts, claiming that periods bring bad luck and impurity. 😵 It’s practised particularly during Tihar. Reality Check: Chhaupadi is illegal, but it’s still happening in some rural areas. Activists are fighting hard to put this harmful practice in the past, because isolating women in unhygienic sheds is not just unfair—it’s downright dangerous. The idea that periods bring misfortune? Total myth. ❌ 🪭Japan: Jinxing Sumo Myth: Menstruating women can jinx Sumo wrestling matches during festivals like Obon 👀 Reality Check: These ideas are ancient, but that doesn’t make them accurate. Periods don’t affect luck, wrestling, or festivals! Younger generations are stepping up and challenging these backward superstitions—because it’s high time women fully enjoy these traditions without fear of being bad luck charms! 🪽 🌙Middle East: Menstruation and Ramadan Myth: In many Middle Eastern countries, women on their periods are told they can’t pray during Ramadan, since menstruation is considered a ‘time of impurity’ (see a pattern?). While skipping fasting is allowed, the stigma around periods often makes women feel ashamed for menstruating during holy days. 😓 Reality Check: Yes, religious texts may grant women a pass on fasting during their period, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less spiritually worthy. Let’s drop the shame and understand that periods are just another part of the natural cycle of life. 🌀 🎊Africa: Exclusion from Festivals Myth: Menstrual blood is 🚨"dangerous”🚨 – weakening men/warriors, affecting fertility or the health of their harvest. They were also considered to reduce the potency of spiritual practices. 🫤 Reality Check: These beliefs are rooted in ancient superstition (if warriors didn’t give that away), not science. Back then, menstrual blood was considered “mystic” – there was little scientific awareness. Activists across Africa are working to shift this narrative and ensure women are welcomed in every aspect of cultural life—no matter what time of the month it is! 🩸🩸🩸 🌱It’s Time for Change Festival season shouldn’t come with a side of exclusion! Period myths are being 🔨smashed🔨 from India to the Middle East, as women reclaim their right to fully participate in cultural life (as they should!!!). ⚡ The takeaway? Menstruation is natural, and women have no reason, backed by science, to be sidelined during festivals—or any other time! Ditch these outdated taboos and make sure to celebrate without shame – you have every reason to! 🥳 Sources: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4408698/ https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/12/9/749 https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/water/brief/menstrual-health-and-hygiene https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/05/menstruation-myth-why-are-african-women-still-paying-for-it/
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Community Spotlight: Does Nushu work for Postpartum?
Postpartum is a wild ride that no one can fully prepare you for – the physical & emotional recovery can be overwhelming & exhausting! Today, we’re chatting with Rashida, a new mom who’s sharing her unfiltered journey through postpartum. She gives us the real scoop on what it’s like navigating her physical recovery to managing the effects of childbirth!🌻 🩸In conversation: Rashida Wardhawala, Mumbai, 34🩸 👉🏼Nushu: How has your postpartum journey been so far? Rashida: This is the first time I’ve given birth, so it's been difficult, but manageable. I think it's been tough mostly because of the last-minute surgery I had to go through – I wasn’t planning on caesarean, but it had to be done due to last minute complications. Recovering from the effects of surgery as well took a while. 👉🏼Nushu: What has surprised you the most about the postpartum experience? Rashida: I had purchased the Nushu period panties in advance, so I was prepared for a heavy bleed. Most of the ‘surprises’ came from surgery recovery – it was painful to sit, it was painful to stand, or walk. I was experiencing headaches & back aches constantly! It took about 40 days to recover. I also started bleeding immediately & bled for throughout, which is normal. Initially for 2-3 days, I used the pads the hospital gave me since they would take care of the whole process. I’d have to change pads every 4 hours, that’s how heavy the bleeding was! Then once I was able to change myself, I started using Hip Hugger! It was so much more comfortable & convenient! Since the fabric is softer, it was easier to sit comfortably. Walking was easy too, since the pads would brush against my thighs. I could also wear it for longer than a pad - I wore it for about 12 hours straight before washing it. It made a significant difference! 👉🏼Nushu: What were your biggest concerns or priorities when it came to postpartum care? Rashida: I was more concerned about not being able to feed my baby immediately. I didn’t really have any other concerns since I was already on a fixed diet from the hospital & everything was taken care of. 👉🏼Nushu: What gave you the confidence to choose period panties to manage postpartum? Rashida: I had not tried it before but I spoke to someone from your team before buying them. I knew the style I purchased was meant for heavy bleeding, so I wanted to give it a shot. Fortunately it worked! 👉🏼Nushu: How has your experience been so far? Especially in comparison to pads/ disposable panties? Rashida: I was able to wear it for 12-15 hours without leaking, whereas I had to change pads every 4-5 hours. I did not experience any itching or wetness – overall made my experience with postpartum so much easier than it would have been with pads! It’s more durable, flexible & comfortable than pads. Plus, washing it is quite easy – I wasn’t machine washing them, but even then, it took a couple of minutes at most. 👉🏼Nushu: Would you recommend period underwear to other new moms? Why? Rashida: I already have! Given how comfy & soft they are, I’ve recommended them to expecting moms & just women who bleed in general. A common question I get is, “Will it feel wet or sticky?”, but I reassure them that I’ve never felt uncomfortable or any wetness myself even after wearing it for long hours. Great value for money! Postpartum can be a daunting experience – physically and emotionally challenging.😓 The least we can do is to offer a comfortable solution to manage your postpartum bleed. 🌸 Our super heavy absorbency styles – the Hip Hugger & Lace Hipster are designed to absorb the heaviest of flows!🩸🩸🩸 So go checkout Rashida’s favourite, the Hip Hugger!✨
Learn moreEstrogen: The grand-mistress of your body!
Estrogen is the spotlight hormone when it comes to women’s health, and for good reason!! Most women think estrogen only controls their menstrual cycle, but the truth is - It affects women's health from A-Z!! We’ve summarized all that estrogen offers: ⏱️ Keeping Your Menstrual Cycle on Track One of estrogen’s most well-known roles is to regulate your menstrual cycle. This hormone helps prepare your uterus for a possible pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining with blood & mucus. 🩸 During the first half of your cycle, estrogen levels rise (mood elevates) ⬆️ triggering ovulation. If pregnancy doesn’t happen, estrogen levels drop (hello PMS) ⬇️ and you get your period! 🌼 Reproductive health Estrogen plays a key role in teenage development - hello boobs 👙. In adulthood, it keeps your vaginal tissues 🍉healthy and lubricated!🍉Nobody likes an itch they can’t itch, right? 🪄The Ultimate Skin Care Product Ever noticed how your skin is at its ✨glowing best✨ when you’re nearing ovulation (check out our blog post on cycle phases)?It’s all thanks to the big E, which maintains skin elasticity and hydration, giving collagen production a natural boost! 🚀When estrogen levels drop⬇️, collagen production drops⬇️, and your skin can become drier and prone to wrinkles. 🥰Influencing Mood and Mental Health Any woman who bleeds knows – mood swings be swinging(!!!) around your period or during menopause! Estrogen affects brain chemicals like serotonin that regulate your mood. Fluctuations in estrogen can lead to mood swings and the onset of PMS 😓 Conversely, your serotonin levels are getting the natural boost they need nearing ovulation, because this is when estrogen peaks, making you happier, calmer & more outgoing! 🥳Check out our article on menstrual moods for more information on hormones & moods. 💪🏼Affecting Metabolism and Weight Estrogen impacts how your body processes carbohydrates and fats. It also influences where your body stores fat, usually around the hips and thighs. Changes in estrogen levels can affect your weight and body composition. Consuming foods that naturally boost estrogen, can support overall weight management goals. The bottom line: Estrogen is more than just a hormone; it’s a vital part of your health and wellbeing! From regulating your menstrual cycle to keeping your metabolism under check, this hormone touches so many aspects of your life!! 🍎Understanding how estrogen works can help you make informed choices about your health, whether you’re navigating puberty, pregnancy, or menopause 🌼 Sourceshttps://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/estrogens-effects-on-the-female-bodyhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538260/https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277177
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Community Spotlight: A period with PCOS
Living with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) can feel like an uphill battle – from unpredictable cycles to symptoms like weight gain & excruciating cramps. It’s a condition that impacts both the body and mind for millions of women!We sat down with a Nushu customer who knows these struggles firsthand—but also hacked her way into managing her symptoms like a pro!! 💜If you struggle from PCOS, dive into Sabana’s story of strength & patience – we promise you a wholesome, insightful read at the very least :) In conversation with Sabana Ahmed, 23, Guwahati (An English Major & Nushu Customer) 👉🏼Nushu: How did you discover you had PCOS? Sabana: I got my first period when I was in Class 10. After that, when I didn’t get my period for another 3-4 months, I knew something was wrong. When I went to a gynaecologist, she diagnosed me with PCOS. She had prescribed meds, which made my flow much heavier & much more painful! I bled for almost 3-4 weeks too! So I switched doctors & consulted my current gynac, who only recommended lifestyle shifts which ultimately helped! 👉🏼Nushu: What symptoms do you find the most challenging? Sabana: I experienced weight gain, extremely heavy bleeding and excruciating cramps. My flow is so heavy that when I used to use regular Stayfree pads, I would have to change every hour! The cramps were so bad that I wouldn’t be able to stand for more than 10 mins, I was literally bedridden for days. Now in the last 2 years, the duration of my period has come down to 6 days, is more regular than it used to be, and the first 3 days are heavy. The cramps aren’t as bad as they used to be either! 👉🏼Nushu: What lifestyle changes helped manage your symptoms? Sabana: I’ve been managing them for almost 10 years now, so since the beginning, I’ve experimented with a few diets that a lot of people recommend when managing PCOS. What worked for me honestly, was just maintaining a balanced diet. Many people say that if you have PCOS, you should avoid dairy products since they worsen inflammation. Or that you should avoid too many carbs. For me abstaining from any of these things never helped. I also realised that when I was consciously trying to abstain, at some point I would give in & then go overboard! So instead of abstaining. I always advocate & practice portion control. If I’m craving ice cream, I won’t stop myself, I will just have a bit of it. I personally need rice at least once a day. So I include it in my diet, but in control. My family has always been quite health conscious so it's fairly easy for me to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. 👉🏼Nushu: What prompted you to start using period underwear? How does it compare to other menstrual products you’ve used in the past? Sabana: I used to use the regular pads, and I would always get rashes with most brands. I also can’t wear a pad for more than an hour, which was super inconvenient and uncomfortable. I tried using the cups, but honestly it's just not for me. It's too uncomfortable to insert. I wanted something more comfortable, something that wouldn’t leak or give me rashes & I could wear longer! When I came across Nushu, it seemed to be a much better alternative, so I bought a few pairs! Honestly – best decision I made! 👉🏼Nushu: How does period underwear help with managing any heavy or irregular bleeding associated with PCOS? Sabana: I bought 2 Hip Huggers, 1 Lace Hipster & 1 Bikini Brief. They were so comfortable! Initially I was worried it would leak, so I kept checking the first 2 cycles. By the 3rd cycle I was confident I wouldn’t leak, and I never have. 👉🏼Nushu: Have you noticed any changes in your comfort or confidence levels? Sabana: Absolutely! I don’t have to worry about leaks and stains in public so that definitely makes me more confident when I step out on my period. I remember, I wore the Hip Hugger for about 12 hours, on my heaviest day too! By the end, it felt a bit bulky of course, but it didn’t leak or stain my clothes. I didn’t have to keep checking either. Period panties are definitely more convenient to use! The best part is, I can sleep in any position, without waking up in the middle of night, worried I’ve leaked or stained my sheets! 👉🏼Nushu: Would you recommend period underwear to others with PCOS? Sabana: Definitely! I know the feeling of managing PCOS symptoms. I would recommend it to anyone who bleeds in general, not just to someone with PCOS. If I’m able to wear 1 panty for 12 hours, I’m sure someone who does not suffer from PCOS could wear it for longer! 👉🏼Nushu: What advice would you give to someone with PCOS who is considering switching to period underwear? Sabana: It’s super comfortable & so perfect for heavy flow. As someone who has PCOS, I know that we also generate much more waste than a woman who doesn’t have PCOS. So it becomes all the more important to have a sustainable & comfortable option. 👉🏼Nushu: Has your experience with period underwear impacted your perspective on menstrual health & management? Sabana: Periods aren’t talked about a lot, but I think it’s great that more brands are building better solutions for women & as a result, sparking these conversations as well – this conversation itself makes me feel so heard!! Secondly, the waste generation perspective – it's not until you use a period panty do you realise how much waste you, and women around you, end up generating when bleeding! ---Navigating PCOS can be a challenging experience. 🥺While we’re no experts on PCOS (only a gynac can provide medical guidance), we can however offer you more comfort & a menstrual care solution that doesn’t leave you with more agony than you’re already batting! 🩸So go ahead & explore Sabana’s personal favourites – the Lace Hipster & Hip Hugger! 😇
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The Secret Life of Female Libido: Transitions Across Every Decade
It’s totally natural for your sex drive to ebb and flow over time! 🌊 As life rolls on, your libido can hit new highs or take a dip, thanks to causes like shifting hormones, a job switch, or a new relationship! Don’t expect a dramatic shift when you hit a new decade—libido changes tend to sneak up as you move from your 20s to your 40s and beyond. 🌻 🌪️What causes your sex drive to change? It seems like a straightforward question, but what makes a sex drive… drive(?) is still a mystery, even to scientists!! 😕 Hormones, yes, but other factors—psychological, social, and physical—also contribute to transforming your libido.✨Your 20s✨Your body is the most fertile from ages 25-30, which explains why your dating app swipe-range is ‘wide’💃🏽 Some scientists also believe that female desire increases as peak fertility wanes – so when you’re 29, going on 30! 👀✨30s and Early 40s✨Hitting 30 doesn’t mean your libido takes a plunge, but when your craving for physical intimacy starts to dip, blame it on your testosterone taking a little vacation! 🫠 Stress is a real buzzkill too, messing with your hormones by lowering testosterone and cranking up cortisol! 📈Plus, with life getting busier and responsibilities piling up, your sex drive might not be a priority. Kids!!!!!! 👶🏻No matter your age, pregnancy and childbirth can shake up your sex life in all sorts of ways.During pregnancy, hormonal and body changes could dial up your libido—especially in the second trimester—while at other times, it could take a dip. 🤰🏻Worries regarding the safety of sex during pregnancy, could bring hesitation. Post-childbirth, juggling childcare and the million other things on your plate impacts your time, energy, and interest in sex.✨50s and Beyond✨As you hit the “Golden Jubilee” mark, you might find yourself with an empty nest & fewer responsibilities, which could spark a renewed interest in sex. However, the closer you get to menopause, lower estrogen levels taper your libido! Throw in other menopause symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety, weight gain, and sleep trouble – sexy-time becomes the least of your worries. If you find yourself in this position, go easy on yourself, and allow your body to go through its natural phases. 💜 But there’s one thing to help, no matter what your age… ❗Keep the lines of communication open with your partner❗Talk about your needs, desires, and what feels good as your bodies change and life evolves. Trying new things can keep the spark alive, and honest conversations about what works for you both are key. Setting aside some special time for intimacy can also do wonders! Sources:https://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/ss/slideshow-sex-drive-changes-agehttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sex-drive-in-women/symptoms-causes/sychttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4720522/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325437603_Average_Associations_Between_Sexual_Desire_Testosterone_and_Stress_in_Women_and_Men_Over_Time
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Your birth control options (and exciting innovations!!!)
Contraceptives are a game-changer when it comes to taking charge of your reproductive health.💗We’re breaking down the pros and cons of some popular contraceptives you’ve probably heard about, plus a sneak peek at some cool new innovations on the horizon (finally!) 🥳But first things first—make sure you ❗chat with your gyno❗ before picking any of these, because, well, they know best! The Usual Suspects (other than male condoms) 💊Birth Control Pills These pills are the most popular contraceptives out there. Packed with hormones (either a mix of estrogen and progestin or just progestin)💉they work to prevent ovulation by altering your hormonal cycle (not exactly the healthiest option). The pill requires a prescription and good memory — they have to be taken at the same time every day.⌚➕Pros:- Effective when used correctly—around 91% success rate!- Helps regulate periods and ease cramps.- Can improve skin—hello, fewer breakouts!- Easy to get from a local pharmacy (granted you have a prescription).➖Cons:- Daily commitment—don’t forget!- Unnaturally manipulates your hormonal cycle- Potential side effects like nausea, weight gain, and mood swings. 👀 Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) IUDs are tiny, T-shaped devices that get placed in your uterus by a doctor. There are two main types to choose from: hormonal and copper. The hormonal ones release progestin to prevent fertilization, while copper IUDs create a hostile environment for sperm! ➕Pros:- Long-term protection—3 to 10 years, depending on the type.- Less than a 1% fail rate.- Low maintenance once it’s in place.➖Cons:- Might cause spotting or irregular bleeding at first - Copper IUDs can make your periods more intense.- Insertion can be uncomfortable.- There’s a rare chance it could fall out or move. 🩹 Contraceptive Patches The patch is like a sticker you slap on your skin—usually on your tummy, butt, or upper body! It releases hormones 💊 to prevent ovulation and needs a swap every week for three weeks, with one patch-free week during your period 🩸➕Pros:- Super easy to use—just change it once a week.- Regulates your cycle, just like the pill.➖Cons:- Might irritate your skin.- Alters your hormonal cycle.- Similar side effects to the pill.- Not easily available—mostly in hospital pharmacies. 🚺Female Condoms These are thin plastic pouches that line the vagina, giving you protection during sex. You can pop one in up-to 8 hours before the fun begins by guiding it into place with a flexible ring.⭕➕Pros:- Widely available – online too!- Offers protection against some STDs- Don't mess with your hormones!!!➖Cons:- Roughly a 21% fail rate.- Not reusable! What’s Next? While these options aren’t very enticing, there’s a silver lining! The world of 💥fem-tech is booming💥 & investments are finally flowing in!! The industry is expected to hit a whopping market value of $5 billion by 2033, growing at a solid 15.2% annually (according to a press release from Future Market Insights Inc). Here are some exciting innovations to look out for! 🤌🏽✨ 1. Vaginal Gel This one’s a cool development that’s already available across the US & UK. It’s non-hormonal too!! It works by keeping the vagina’s pH low, making it tough for sperm to survive (code for spermicide) ☠️ It comes in prefilled applicators and can be used up to an hour before sex—pretty neat, right? 🤯 2. Biodegradable Implants Biodegradable implants are small, flexible rods that release hormones like progestin (similar to the patches) to alter your hormonal & ovulation cycle. They eventually break down naturally in the body — no removal needed! 😮They’re still a WIP, so they’re not readily available in any markets just yet! 3. Male Birth Control Pills Yup, they’re finally working on a pill for the guys!!! Combining testosterone and progestin, these pills aim to suppress sperm production, offering a reversible option. 🤌 The side effects are similar to those of female birth control pills.They’re still undergoing clinical trials in the US & UK, so no luck on any approved pills yet 🤷🏻♀️ 😌Wrapping It Up Choosing the right contraceptive is a personal decision that depends on your health, lifestyle, and what you feel most comfortable opting for. With so many options available—and even more exciting ones on the way—women have more control over their reproductive health than ever before! 🎈🥳Just remember to always consult with your gyno to find what works best for you!
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