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Hear stories from the people leading the movement to improve menstrual health.
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Splash Without Stress: Periods and Swimming Truths
As the heat of the summer peaks, so does the fun – barbecues, fireworks, and lots of swimming and water activities! But this may leave you wondering what you can and can’t do while on your period, specifically when it comes to being in the water. There are plenty of myths around your period and swimming, so let’s debunk those, so you can freely enjoy your summer!
Shaping Tomorrow: The Lotus Initiative and Period Education Project Summer Partnership
The Lotus Initiative was started in 2023 as a grant-funded community engagement program in partnership with the Period Education Project. A comprehensive health education program addressing menstrual health, sexual health, and safety in relationships, the Lotus Initiative serves female students attending summer camp Horizons at Ashley Hall.
Teaching with Pride: Inclusive Period Education for Every Body
With June recognized as Pride Month, there’s no better time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and advocate for their inclusion and equity. It’s also the perfect moment to reflect on how we can make period education more inclusive for everyone.
Menstrual Health Equity
By definition, equitable access to health care calls for fair allocation of resources and opportunities to each one of us in order to receive an equal outcome.
Periods & Sleep: What’s the Connection?
It’s March, which means it’s Daylight Savings this month! While we all lose an hour of sleep as our clocks spring forward in the early hours of March 9th, it brings up an important question: what’s the relationship between sleep and the menstrual cycle?
Flow With It: Living in Sync with Your Cycle for a Healthier You
TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, news articles, and more are full of conversations about ways to “optimize your luteal phase”, “hack your period”, and more. What does all this really mean? Is it true? How should I be paying attention to my period and how it affects my life?
American Heart Health Month: Why all doctors should care about menstrual health!
Age of first menarche? Age of menopause? Last menstrual cycle? Length of cycle? Amount of bleeding? Any unusual vaginal bleeding? These are common questions we’re taught to ask in medical school, but are cardiologists or other specialists asking these questions? And should they be asking them?
Breaking the Cycle: Influential Black Menstruators & the Fight for Menstrual Health Equity
February marks Black History Month! To celebrate, we want to share some information on influential Black menstruators, the stigma around menstruation in Black communities, and how to work toward ending disparities.
Understanding PCOS
Is your menstrual cycle irregular? Do you struggle with excess hair growth or acne? What about difficulty losing weight? It might seem that these events are not interrelated; however, as a cluster (and sometimes individually), these issues pose concern for polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS.
Tackling Period Cramps: A Guide for Teens
Dealing with period cramps can be a real pain—literally. But don’t worry, you’re not alone, and there are plenty of ways to manage the discomfort so you can focus on school, sports, hobbies, and hanging out with friends.
Cervical Health Awareness Month: HPV Vaccine is Cancer Prevention!
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month! While this topic is not directly tied to periods, understanding the importance of the HPV vaccine is essential for teens and adults alike.
Challenges of Autistic Menstruators
Having a period can be scary and stressful, especially for autistic menstruators who may face unique challenges. Read what our very own Period Pro Harshini Sirvisetty has to say to learn about these challenges so that you can join us in supporting autistic menstruators and making periods easier to manage!
Is It Okay to Exercise on Your Period?
We all know physical activity is very important in maintaining good health, however what happens when you’re having a period? Is it okay to sit back and relax at home? Should you be following a specific workout routine? Read more on what our very own Period Pro Lea Sarmiento has to say!
Menstrual Cup vs. Menstrual Disc: What’s the Difference?
As more people look for eco-friendly and reusable period products, menstrual cups and menstrual discs are becoming more popular. But what’s the difference between them, and how do you know which one might be right for you? Let’s break it down in an easy-to-understand way!
Busting Nutritional Period Myths: What’s Fact…And What’s On Your Plate?
Although nutrition can affect many aspects of health, including periods, it’s also important to separate fact from fiction. There are many common myths about how our dietary choices can affect period pain and discomfort. These myths, though well-intentioned, can lead to misunderstandings and unnecessary dietary restrictions. Read more as Catalina Villafane & Evelyn Heimann, Period Pros from Florida State University College of Medicine aim to break down these myths.
How Heavy is Too Heavy? Understanding Period Flow
It’s normal for periods to vary each month, especially in the beginning. But how can you tell if your flow is typical, or when it’s considered too heavy? Heavy menstrual bleeding actually affects about 35% of menstruators, but many times, it “runs in the family” so it’s perceived to be normal. Read on to learn the facts!
Period Pro Inspired by ASPIRE!
Attending the ASPIRE conference, hosted by the national leadership team at Girls Inc., was one of the most transformative experiences I’ve had as a second-year medical student. Dana M. Awad, Period Pro from Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine at the University of Houston
Can I Swim on My Period – A Deep Dive!
Myanna Cook, Period Pro from Indiana University School of Medicine and previous college swimmer talks about how you can still enjoy swimming while on your period.
PMS vs PMDD
Have questions about PMS or PMDD? Want to understand the difference? Read this blog from our Period Pro Carson Collins from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville.
How Foods May Impact Painful Periods
Whether it’s cramping, nausea, low back pain, bloating, or mood changes, most people have some sort of discomfort when they’re menstruating. Heating pads, exercise, sleep, and over-the-counter medications, are well-known remedies, but what about certain foods? In this blog, Catalina and Evelyn dive into how your diet can affect period symptoms. Keep reading to learn more!
Our All-Time Favorite Posts
Check out some of our all-time favorite posts, where we discuss everything under the sun!
Director of Partnerships Celebrates Her First Year
This March marked one year since Maggie Hamberis, Director of Partnerships, joined the Period Education Project (PEP). Over the past year, PEP’s partnerships have grown significantly–adding 15 new medical school partners, hosting 32 PEP rallies, and deepening pre-existing relationships.
PEP Recognized as Healthy People 2030 Champion
Congratulations, PEP! This April 2022, the Period Education Project (PEP) was officially recognized as a Healthy People 2030 Champion.
First Official P.E.P. Rally ????
The Girlology Foundation partnered with GirlUp Greenville to host its first official student-led P.E.P. Rally. Lead Period Pros, Shakti Naidoo and Davlyn Luke, who helped develop the program,...
Medical Students Find Inspiration in the Community
“It was one of the most beautiful moments of my entire life,” Shakti recalls.
Eliminating Shame & Stigma
In medicine, there are so many difficult conversations. Some are sad. Some are complicated. Some are just plain awkward, especially when they involve topics that have traditionally been stigmatized...
A Doctor is a Teacher
Dr. Lonna Gordon, Adolescent Medicine Specialist and National Director of the P.E.P. recently shared this message with Period Pros. It holds true for all current and future medical students. Many...