Nerlandes’ Story

Nerlandes Themistocle is a pharmacist and Pharmacy Manager at CVS Caremark, having worked in pharmaceuticals for over 25 years. She is a wife and a mother of two, currently residing in Rhode Island and finds joy with her family, listening to music, dancing, traveling, and exploring new foods. Nelandes Themistocle shares her truth about menopause, from what she experienced to what she wishes she knew about this important part of the reproductive health journey.

Can you tell us a little bit about your menopause experience?

I didn’t experience symptoms or body changes during the perimenopause stage as many others have. All of the symptoms started once my periods stopped very suddenly at the age of 50. What I’ve learned throughout this process and when talking with others is that not everyone experiences menopause in the same ways. Some may experience vaginal dryness, while others may feel more irritable or depressed. No experiences are one and the same.

What symptoms did you experience?

My symptoms were mainly hot flashes and night sweats, as well as trouble sleeping. The hot flashes, however, were pretty severe for me. I’d have to have fans on me at all times at work and when I go to bed.

Were there any other symptoms that caught you by surprise?

The symptom that really caught me by surprise was anxiety. I started to feel anxious about things I normally wouldn’t. For instance, I never felt or experienced anxiousness when it came to my work, especially because I have worked at the same place for years, however, one day I had such an overwhelming experience I had to call my husband. The palpitations were very intense, and this lasted for an entire week. I still feel anxiety from time to time, but I find ways to manage.

Did you feel prepared going into menopause?

Going into menopause is not something any woman can ever be fully prepared for. It took me an entire year to realize that I was going through the change . I definitely was not prepared. I did not have any idea what to expect or even how to identify if I was really experiencing it.

What do you wish more people knew about menopause?

Menopause is not as simple as people think. It is a very complex process that can be long and at times frustrating. The symptoms can last several years after your period stops and can be disruptive to your everyday life. Everyone experiences menopause differently, like I mentioned earlier, no experience is one and the same, so be patient with yourselves.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about menopause?

Menopause is still considered a very sensitive topic. I think that a lot of women struggle with this idea that once they go into menopause, their womanhood is stripped away. They may feel life is going to change forever, and people, including their spouses, will not look at them the same way. I felt that at one point, but my husband still treats me the same. Life may change in some ways, but the most important things don’t. People, not just women, need to be more educated about menopause to help with these feelings.

Is there any message you’d like to give to someone going through or preparing for menopause — maybe someone experiencing the same symptoms as you?

Menopause is not a medical condition but a natural process that will become a part of your life. Our bodies go through a lot of changes during this time, but there are so many ways to manage it. Don’t be afraid of talking about your symptoms; there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. Challenge yourself, change your lifestyle, exercise, keep yourself hydrated, lastly and most importantly, seek medical advice or talk to your provider. There are also so many drugs on the market that can help with the symptoms. I have learned to live with it and be happy.

Learn more about menopause

Menopause

Menopause 101

Menopause symptoms

Many people experience breakouts right before their period. Period acne is caused by estrogen and progesterone. These two hormones run the period show! Read on for more information about how the menstrual cycle impacts your skin.

How the menstrual cycle impacts your skin

Just before you get your period, estrogen and progesterone levels drop. This hormonal shift can trigger your sebaceous glands to secrete more sebum, an oily substance that lubricates your skin. Too much sebum can clog your pores and cause breakouts. By the end of your period, you’ll have higher levels of testosterone, which can also secrete sebum. Much like hormonal puberty breakouts, PMS breakouts tend to appear on the cheeks, jawline, chin, and neck. Although, it’s not uncommon to see a flareup on your forehead, too. 

To learn more about period acne and how to manage it, we’ve compiled all the information you need up ahead.

Premenstrual acne symptoms 

Breaking out a week or so before your period (during the luteal phase) can be a clear indicator that you’re about to start menstruating. Some people may experience more flare ups and others may find that their existing acne worsens before their period begins. These blemishes typically appear as red and inflamed bumps. Premenstrual acne is extremely common. According to a 2014 study published in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, these flare ups affect 50% to 80% of people who menstruate. So, the next time you suddenly wake up with a family of pimples on your face, you might be able to point a finger at your period. 

Managing premenstrual acne

Luteal Phase

During the luteal phase (which occurs between ovulation and menstruation), your skin will typically be at its most inflamed. Premenstrual acne may form due to the rise in progesterone and testosterone, causing clogged pores and oily skin. 

Menstrual Phase

By days 1 to 5 of your period, premenstrual acne should start clearing up because your progesterone levels are going down. Still, you may have some residual pimples from the week before that could use some TLC. In that case, you’ll want to use an oil-free cleanser and moisturizer that contains ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, and benzoyl peroxide that combat and treat acne. 

Follicular Phase

As estrogens levels rise during days 5 to 8, your skin may become smoother. Estrogen stimulates the body’s production of collagen and oils, which keep the skin naturally moisturized. This is why collagen, which is responsible for the skin’s elasticity, starts to deplete as you enter menopause. The lower the estrogen, the dryer the skin. Still, some experts report that the drop in hormones during this phase can actually cause your skin to become dry because there’s a decrease in sebum. In that case, you’ll want to moisturize. 

Ovulation Phase

During ovulation, which typically ranges between days 12 to 16 (though it depends on your cycle), the rise in progesterone will increase the production of sebum. That oil will leave you with a healthy glow but once it becomes too oily and clogs your pores, you’ll know that you’re right back where you started: the premenstrual timeframe. As progesterone increases while you’re ovulating, so will estrogen and collagen production. Prepare for plump, glowy skin all around!

Severe acne treatment

If you experience severe acne before your period, your doctor might suggest a combination birth control pill (which contains both estrogen and progestin) and can decrease the production of sebum, helping to reduce acne. Or, they may recommend over-the-counter and prescription products like retinoids, spironolactone (taken orally), benzoyl peroxide and clindamycin. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• How the menstrual cycle impacts your energy levels
• How the menstrual cycle impacts your immune system

Sources

• Bowers, Elizabeth. “How Your Period Affects Acne.” Web MD. Web MD. April 11, 2011. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/period
• Geller, Lauren. “Perimenstrual Flare of Adult Acne.” The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 7(8): 30–34. Web. August 2014. 
• Evans, Cameron. “Here’s why your skin breaks out during your period — and what you can do to prevent it.” Insider. May 10, 2018. https://www.insider.com/how-your-period-affects-your-skin-hormonal-acne-treatment-2018-5

Because your estrogen level and energy level are aligned, they rise and fall together. When estrogen is high, you’re likely feeling high energy. When it’s low, the opposite is true. And since estrogen is linked to cortisol and testosterone levels, which naturally increase energy levels, hormonal fluctuation can impact your productivity throughout your cycle. 

When progesterone is high, you may notice an increase in your energy levels. Progesterone is responsible for stimulating your brain to produce a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which can make you feel drowsier and may help you sleep better. In turn, more sleep typically means higher energy levels. When progesterone is low, though, you may experience off-kilter sleep patterns, which can decrease your energy levels. 

Let’s explore more about how the menstrual cycle and hormones affect your energy levels throughout the four phases.

Changes in energy levels

Menstrual Phase

Between the cramping, bleeding, and hormonal shifts, you’ll likely feel less energized on your period. As your estrogen levels rise, your progesterone levels will drop. Because of this hormonal decline, you may notice a decline in your energy, too. 

Follicular Phase

As estrogen and progesterone levels rise, your energy levels will too. At this point, you may feel like your most productive, energized self! 

Ovulation Phase

Estrogen and testosterone levels peak during ovulation, which can make you feel more energized. 

Luteal Phase

Your progesterone levels will peak then decrease rapidly (if you don’t become pregnant), which may impact your sleep patterns and leave you feeling low on energy. 

Managing your energy levels

During periods of low energy, allow yourself to relax and practice self-care. Utilize this time to do yoga over high-intensity workouts. Go to bed earlier or sleep in to make up for any sleep loss. You can also eat foods that are proven to give you more energy like oranges, bananas, nuts, and leafy green vegetables. Basically, anything with carbs, protein, and fiber can help increase your stamina. 

It also might be helpful to track your period through an app. This way, you’ll know more or less when to expect your most productive and least productive days, and tailor important tasks around your cycle. Having a better understanding of your cycle doesn’t just help you plan for pregnancy, it can also help you plan your workout routine, social calendar, and more. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• How the menstrual cycle impacts your immune system
• The menstrual cycle and your hormones

Sources

• Plant, Renee. “How Your Energy Levels Change on Your Menstrual Cycle.” Verywell Mind. April 13, 2021. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-your-energy-changes-on-your-menstrual-cycle-5115670#the-follicular-phase

Some of the tell-tale signs of menstruation include cramping and bloating — but there’s much more to it than that. Yes, the menstrual cycle affects your body, but it also affects your immune system too.

Your cycle and your immune system

Women may experience a cold, cough, throat ache, or other flu-like symptoms before their period. Sex hormone fluctuations, in part, are to blame for why you may be feeling crummy. 

According to a 2018 study published in The Autoimmune Journal, these drastic changes to progesterone and estrogen before menstruation can affect your immunity before and during your period. Plus, as you experience more inflammation (AKA cramping and bloating), your immune cells might be lower. As a result, it will be harder for your lower immune system to fight off a virus or bacteria that’s already brewing. Additionally, because your menstrual cycle affects your circadian rhythm (the natural process that regulates sleep patterns, hunger cues, hormone release, and period), this can also throw off your immune system. When your circadian rhythm is disrupted, your health may suffer as a result. 

For more about how the four phases of your period cycle affect your immune system and how to manage your health, read below. 

Changes in the immune system

Menstruation Phase

With a rise in estrogen and a drop in progesterone, your immune system will decrease and inflammation will increase. 

Follicular Phase

As your body prepares for an egg release, levels of estrogen will increase to thicken the uterus lining for a possible pregnancy. Your immune system will be stronger, thanks to the increase in estrogen. In general, women have higher immunity than men because of how estrogen impacts their bodies. However, estrogen can also pose the opposite effect on the immune system and cause women with high levels of estrogen to become more prone to autoimmune disorders.

Ovulation Phase

Estrogen levels and your immune system decrease to accommodate the possibility of sperm entering your body for a possible pregnancy, according to research from the Journal of Leukocyte Biology. But at the same time, it allows bacteria and viruses to attack the body. 

Luteal Phase

Progesterone rises and peaks to prepare for your period when a pregnancy doesn’t occur. As a result, your immune system may decrease. According to a 2017 study in Mucosal Immunology, progesterone can lower the ability to fight infections. 

How to boost your immune system

According to Harvard Health Publishing, you can strengthen your immunity by eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, not smoking, washing your hands, getting adequate sleep, and trying to minimize stress. “Healthy immune system warriors need good, regular nourishment,” they state. So, if you don’t like eating fruits and vegetables,taking a daily multivitamin and mineral supplement can strengthen your immune system too. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• The menstrual cycle and your hormones
• How the menstrual cycle impacts your mood

Sources

• Sabine, Oertelt-Prigione. “Immunology and the menstrual cycle.” The Autoimmune Journal. (6-7): A486-92. Web. May 2012. 
• Khan, Deena. “The Immune System Is a Natural Target for Estrogen Action: Opposing Effects of Estrogen in Two Prototypical Autoimmune Diseases.” Frontiers in Immunology. 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00635. Web. January 2016. 
• Williams, Sarah. “Why Women Are More Prone to Infections When Ovulating.” Live Science. May 30, 2013. https://www.livescience.com/36067-women-prone-infections-ovulating.html
• Hall, O., Klein. “Progesterone-based compounds affect immune responses and susceptibility to infections at diverse mucosal sites.” Mucosal Immunology. 10, 1097–1107. Web. April 2017. 
• “How to boost your immune system.” Harvard Health Publishing. February 15, 2021. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-boost-your-immune-system

Hormones play an important role in the three phases of your menstrual cycle: the follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases. Learn more about the menstrual cycle and your hormones here!

How do hormones impact the way you feel?

Throughout your cycle — which can last between 25 to 35 days — hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone can affect how you feel, the foods you crave, your sleep patterns, and more. Understanding how hormones fluctuate throughout your cycle can give you a better sense of what to expect during each phase.

Learn more about your menstrual cycle and hormones.

Learn more about the hormones in the menstrual cycle

Estrogen

During the follicular and menstruation phases, estrogen plays a dominant role. Estrogen levels will decrease as you begin menstruating, which can leave you feeling fatigued. When your period ends, estrogen will increase and you’ll likely regain your energy. As the follicular phase continues until ovulation, estrogen levels increase and you might notice glowing skin. Estrogen levels peak right before ovulation, which is also your fertile window for pregnancy. If an egg isn’t fertilized, estrogen levels will drop while progesterone increases. 

Progesterone

During the luteal and ovulation phases, progesterone plays a dominant role. Progesterone levels rise during the second half of your menstrual cycle (the luteal phase) as the egg prepares for a possible pregnancy. If you become pregnant, progesterone levels will continue to rise to grow and thicken the uterine lining for a developing baby. If you don’t, progesterone will dip, your uterine lining will shed, and you’ll start bleeding. Rising levels of progesterone are also responsible for PMS symptoms.

Follicular Stimulating Hormone

Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH) rises during menstruation and follicular phase and hits its peak during ovulation. FSH stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovary. One of these follicles will become an egg that will be released during ovulation. Though there aren’t many main symptoms from FSH that you may feel, it is an essential component of the menstrual cycle. 

Luteinizing Hormone

Luteinizing hormone (LH) remains low throughout the menstrual cycle with the exception of the LH surge around mid-cycle which triggers ovulation. You may notice ovulation pain, or mittelschmerz, due to the LH surge. After ovulation, LH helps to create the corpus luteum that releases progesterone which helps to maintain a potential pregnancy if the egg is fertilized. 

Testosterone

Testosterone affects your skin, hair, and other physical features. A decrease in testosterone can lower your sex drive. An increase in testosterone can suppress your normal menstruation and ovulation. It can also be an indicator for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common hormonal disorder in women. Testosterone increases during the luteal phase and peaks during ovulation, which can make you feel more energized. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• How the menstrual cycle impacts your mood
• How the menstrual cycle impacts your sleep

Sources

• E. Sterling. “Hormone Levels and PCOS.” Contemporary OB/GYN. November 8, 2011. https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/hormone-levels-and-pcos

Have you ever felt more tired a few days before or during your period? Well, that’s no coincidence. According to a survey conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, 30% of women reported disturbed sleep during their period, while 23% reported disturbed sleep the week before their period. Read on for more information about the menstrual cycle and sleep.

The menstrual cycle and sleep

In general, women experience more insomnia than men because of hormonal changes during their menstrual cycle. The two major female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, shift up and down during the menstrual cycle, which can impact your sleep patterns. According to Yale Medicine’s Jennifer Chen, progesterone has a mildly sedative effect while estrogen has been shown to stimulate the brain and cause insomnia. 

Due to lack of sleep, you may find yourself feeling drowsy during the day and tired during your period. Still, experts don’t know why some women experience more severe PMS symptoms — like insomnia — than others. One reason, The Sleep Foundation suggests, is because some women may react to hormonal changes differently. Plus, if women also have a serotonin, magnesium, or calcium deficiency, then their sleep disturbance can become worse. 

For more information about your relationship with sleep during the menstrual cycle, read below.

The menstrual cycle and sleep

There are four different phases during the menstruation cycle that might affect your sleep in various ways. 

Menstrual Phase

Right before you bleed and when your period starts, your estrogen and progesterone levels will drop. The decrease of these hormones can make it harder for you to fall asleep. As your period starts, progesterone levels will increase. 

Follicular Phase

This phase occurs between the first day of your period and ovulation. Your estrogen levels will rise during the follicular phase, which helps to set off ovulation. 

Ovulation Phase

A surge in luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels will occur. The egg will pass through the fallopian tube and towards the uterus. Unless it meets a sperm during this time, the egg will typically last 24 hours. Estrogen levels decrease while progesterone levels increase. At this point, your sleep pattern will likely get back on track.

Luteal Phase

The follicle will produce hormones and release an egg to prepare you for a possible pregnancy. At this time, progesterone levels will peak and can regulate your sleep patterns.

Body temperature’s effect on sleep

Hormonal shifts will change your body temperature and can disturb your sleep, too. According to the University of Michigan Health, your body temperature dips right before your ovary releases an egg. About 24 hours after the egg’s release, progesterone increases and your temperature rises for several days. Think of it like this: When your body is too hot or too cold, you have trouble falling asleep. This can result in more tossing and turning throughout the night. 

Catching more Zzzs during your cycle

Looking to get more sleep? Here are a few ideas! 

• Try avoiding or cutting back on caffeine and any other stimulants. 
• Add some movement or exercise into your day. Exercise has been found to help people sleep, by ensuring you’re tired enough by bedtime and increasing your amount of deep sleep. 
• Keep your bedroom cool to stabilize your body temperature when it’s time to get some shut-eye. 

Those with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD), which is a severe form of PMS, are known to have more difficulty regulating their sleep because of their reduced response to melatonin (a sleepytime hormone). Treatment for PDD includes lifestyle changes (like exercise and nutrition), and medications like SSRIs, TCAs, or oral contraceptives.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• How the menstrual cycle impacts your skin
• How the menstrual cycle impacts your energy levels

Sources

• Suni, Eric. “PMS and Insomnia.” Sleep Foundation. Sleep Foundation. September 15, 2020. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/pms-and-insomnia
• Chen, Jennifer. “Women, Are Your Hormones Keeping You Up at Night?” Yale Medicine. Yale Medicine. July 10, 2017. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/women-are-your-hormones-keeping-you-up-at-night
• “Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Charting.” University of Michigan Health. October 8, 2020. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw202058
• “Exercising For Better Sleep.” John Hopkins Medicine. John Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/exercising-for-better-sleep
• Parry, B L. “Circadian rhythms of prolactin and thyroid-stimulating hormone during the menstrual cycle and early versus late sleep deprivation in premenstrual dysphoric disorder.” National Library of Medicine. 62(2):147-60. Web. May 1996. 
• Shazia, Jehan. “Sleep and Premenstrual Syndrome.” J Sleep Med Discord. 3(5): 1061. Web. 2016

More often than not, menstruation gets a bad rap. We often hear, “Are you PMSing?” or “Do you have your period?” as insults. Because of these catch-all phrases, periods have become synonymous with moodiness and carry a harmful stigma. While you can develop mood swings before or during your period, there’s much more to this side effect than meets the eye.

What causes mood swings during your menstrual cycle?

PMS (premenstrual syndrome), which describes symptoms including mood swings and irritability, starts about a week before your period and generally subsides about four days after the first day of your period. PMS symptoms can occur up to 14 days before menstruation, which is when your body releases an egg, causing estrogen and progesterone levels to drop. This hormonal shift can cause your serotonin levels to drop and bring about feelings of sadness and irritability. According to a study published in the Journal of Women’s Health in 2011, mood swings are the most common symptom of menstruation. 

How to manage mood swings

When it comes to managing PMS mood swings, no one remedy fits all. Regulating your mood when you’re experiencing PMS symptoms is similar to how you’d regulate your mood any time of the month. Exercise, nutrition, and supplements can increase your serotonin levels, the key hormone that stabilizes your mood. 

Nutrition: Limit your caffeine intake during your period since it’s known to decrease sleep, which can  increase moodiness. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, calcium such as low-fat milk, yogurt, almonds, and kale have been proven to reduce fatigue and moodiness during PMS. 

Exercise: According to a 2019 study published in The Journal of Education and Health Promotion, aerobic exercise and yoga movements are effective in treating PMS symptoms, like improving mood and behavior. Any exercise that gets your heart rate up will release endorphins (body chemicals that relieve stress and pain) and may counteract the hormone changes induced by PMS. Additionally, the Office of Women’s Health encourages physical activity during your menstrual cycle to help you feel better emotionally and physically.

When should mood swings be addressed by a doctor?

Experiencing mood swings is the most common PMS symptom, according to a 2011 study published in the Journal of Women’s Health. But if you’re not feeling like yourself  for a significant amount of time after your period, then you may want to consult with your provider. There are many ways to treat symptoms of PMS including SSRIs and the combination birth control pill. 

As we mentioned, periods have been associated with mood swings, but they’re not always the source of those feelings. You deserve to get the help you need to feel like yourself. 

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• How the menstrual cycle impacts your sleep
• How the menstrual cycle impacts your skin

Sources

• Freedman, Ellen. “Core Symptoms That Discriminate Premenstrual Syndrome.” Journal of Women’s Health. Web. 20(1): 29–35. January 2011. 
• Fathizadeh, Nahid. “Evaluating the effect of magnesium and magnesium plus vitamin B6 supplement on the severity of premenstrual syndrome.” Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research. Web. (Suppl1): 401–405. December 2010.
• “Physical activity and your menstrual cycle.” US Department of Health. US Department of Health. December 27, 2018. https://www.womenshealth.gov/getting-active/physical-activity-menstrual-cycle
• Veghela, Nirav. “To compare the effects of aerobic exercise and yoga on Premenstrual syndrome.” Journal of Education and Health Promotion. Web. 8: 199. 2019. 
•  Klemm, Sarah. “Premenstrual Syndrome.” Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. April 5, 2021. https://www.eatright.org/health/pregnancy/fertility-and-reproduction/premenstrual-syndrome
• “Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic. February 7th, 2020. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780

The better you understand your unique menstrual cycle, the better you can understand your overall health.

Although the average menstrual cycle is 28 days, a cycle can actually be a few days longer or shorter and still be considered normal. Cycle length can also vary a little from cycle to cycle and still be considered normal.

Hormonal changes in the body trigger each cycle phase: menstrual, proliferative, ovulatory, and luteal. And while your period is the most recognizable phase, the other three are equally important and impact your energy levels, immune system, moods, and sleep patterns differently. Let’s dive in.

What are the menstrual cycle phases?

The body performs different functions throughout the four phases of the menstrual cycle, each of which plays a unique role in the reproductive process:

Proliferative: During the proliferative phase, ovarian follicles (structures in the ovary that each contain a single egg) mature and prime themselves for ovulation. Your hormones perform different functions that are geared toward the goal of producing an egg for fertilization during ovulation, the next phase. Although many follicles start maturing during the proliferative phase, usually only one eventually proves dominant, and becomes the sole egg available during ovulation.

Ovulatory: The ovulatory phase begins as a hormone surge forces the dominant egg to break free from its follicle and nest in a fallopian tube, where it will disintegrate if not fertilized within about 24-36 hours. Ovulation is the only phase in which you can get pregnant. But because sperm can live for up to five days in the reproductive system, if sperm is present in the short time leading up to ovulation, this can also result in conception.

Luteal: Following ovulation, the follicle that released the egg transforms into a corpus luteum, a structure that produces the pregnancy hormone progesterone. Progesterone thickens the lining of the uterus in preparation for a fertilized egg to make its home there for the next nine months. If conception occurs, the corpus luteum continues to produce progesterone to maintain a healthy pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilized, the corpus luteum ceases its progesterone production after about two weeks. This drop in progesterone signals menstruation to begin.

Menstruation: The onset of menstruation is considered to be the start and end of a menstrual cycle, as it signifies the end of an opportunity for fertilization for one egg (and the beginning for millions more). Menstruation is triggered when the corpus luteum of the last cycle’s unfertilized egg ceases to produce progesterone, usually occurring about two weeks after ovulation, causing the uterine lining to shed, along with a bit of blood. The length and intensity of a period varies from person to person and cycle to cycle, but usually lasts between 4-6 days. Once the period stops, the proliferative phase begins again, starting the reproductive process anew.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more

• The menstrual cycle and your hormones
• Tracking fertility during the proliferative phase
• 5 signs you might be ovulating

Sources

• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Menstrual cycle: What’s normal, what’s not.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic, 4/16/2013. Web.
• “Patient Fact Sheet: Am I Ovulating?” ASRM. American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 2014. Web.

Common misconceptions and facts about birth control

How many of these facts did you already know? Take a look at common misconceptions and vital facts about birth control.

“The pill” doesn’t just describe one single kind of pill.

The name might suggest that it’s just one single medication, but “the pill” actually includes a number of different kinds of oral contraceptives. There are two main varieties of the pill — combination pills, which contain estrogen and progestin, and the minipill, which contains only progestin. And each type comes in a variety of doses, brands and generics. Conventional packs lead to a period every month, whereas continuous dosing/extended cycle packs lead to a period once every three or more months. With so many options to choose from, many people can find a form of the pill that’s a good fit.

Most birth control doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Many types of birth control do a fantastic job at preventing pregnancy — IUDs and the birth control implant are 99% effective! — but most birth control doesn’t protect against STIs. Male and female condoms are the only types of birth control that provide protection against STIs. They are not the most effective at preventing pregnancy — 85% and 79%, respectively — so it’s often a good idea to use more than one contraception in order to both prevent pregnancy and protect against STIs. Just don’t use male and female condoms together. They can rub against each other and break or slip, making them much less effective at protecting against both pregnancy and STIs.

You can use the pill to skip your period.

And it’s safe to do so. Essentially, you can skip taking the hormone-free “reminder” pills found at the end of a pack and instead take the first week of active pills in the next pack to skip your period. Some people do this so they don’t have to deal with getting their period on a special occasion or during travel. Others do it to skip out on pain or discomfort during their period. If you take the pill and are interested in skipping your period, just be sure to check in with your healthcare provider to understand how to do so with your specific brand.

The morning-after pill isn’t just for the morning after.

The name may suggest that you need to use the morning-after pill (or “emergency contraception”) right away to lessen your chance of getting pregnant after unprotected intercourse. But, technically, you have a little more time to do so — some brands of morning-after pill can be taken up to 72 hours (or 3 days) after intercourse, others for up to 120 hours (or 5 days) after. It is worth noting that the morning-after pill is most effective the sooner it’s taken because the hormones in it keep your body from ovulating — no ovulation, no pregnancy. Depending on where you live, the morning-after pill may be available over the counter or as a prescription. Just be aware: some studies suggest that these pills may be less effective at preventing pregnancy for people with higher body weights. In addition, many combination birth control pills can be used as emergency contraception if you have them at home. Talk to your provider about what option is best for you.

Some birth control is approved for use for up to 10 years.

The copper IUD is approved for use for 10 years to prevent pregnancy! The small T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus, and once in place, it can safely stay there for a decade. It can always be removed sooner, after which, it is possible to get pregnant right away. Because many people use this as a long-acting, reversible form of birth control, depending on your insurance, it may also come with the added perk of being cost-effective.

Hormonal birth control can be used for much more than just to prevent pregnancy.

42% of people who take the pill do so exclusively to prevent pregnancy. The other 58% take the pill for other reasons as well. Hormonal birth control can be used to help with irregular or particularly uncomfortable periods — heavy periods, lengthy periods, heavy cramping and discomfort, or pain and other health problems related to endometriosis — or even mood disorders and acne. Hormonal birth control can improve quality of life for those suffering from some of these conditions.

That’s the overview of important birth control facts and common misconceptions. If you want to learn more, or have questions about what sort of birth control might be right for you, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider.

And if you’re taking the pill or have an IUD, add it to your Ovia profile!

Read more about your birth control options

• Which birth control option is right for you?
• Finding the birth control method that works for you

Sources

• “Barrier Methods of Birth Control: Spermicide, Condom, Sponge, Diaphragm, and Cervical Cap.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, May 2018. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/contraception/barrier-methods-of-birth-control-spermicide-condom-sponge-diaphragm-and-cervical-cap.
• “Birth Control.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, May 2019. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/especially-for-teens/birth-control.
• “Combined Hormonal Birth Control: Pill, Patch, and Ring.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, March 2018. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/contraception/combined-hormonal-birth-control-pill-patch-and-ring.
• “Contraceptive Use.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, March 21 2019. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/contraceptive.htm.
• “Emergency Contraception.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, May 2019. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/contraception/emergency-contraception.
• “IUD.” Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood, Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud.
• “Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Intrauterine Device and Implant.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, January 2018. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/contraception/long-acting-reversible-contraception-intrauterine-device-and-implant.
• “Plan B morning-after pill.” Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts. Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-massachusetts/online-health-center/planned-parenthood-services-birth-control-abortion-std-hiv-pregnancy-health-care/emergency-contraception-plan-b.

Birth control myths, debunked

We’re here to set the record straight by debunking some widespread myths and help you get closer to finding the best birth control method for you!

MYTH: Hormonal birth control makes you gain weight

Birth control might make you retain water, but it doesn’t make you gain weight. It’s not uncommon to gain a little weight as a result of retaining water when starting hormonal birth control, but this side effect typically goes away quickly. Some hormonal birth control may come with other side effects, like an increased appetite or feeling bloated, but there’s no proven association between hormonal birth control and longer term weight gain. (One exception is the birth control shot [Depo Provera], which for some patients has been shown to have longer-term weight gain as a side effect.) As with all birth control, if you’re concerned about or if you experience any side-effects, you should speak with your healthcare provider to see if there’s another option that might be a better fit for you. It could just be a matter of switching to a similar birth control with a different combination of hormones.

MYTH: All pills are created equal

There are many different types of birth control pills. Combination pills contain estrogen and progestin, whereas the minipill contains only progestin — both options come in a variety of doses. Some pills are organized in conventional packs and you can expect a period every month, others are continuous dosing/extended cycle packs with a period once every three months. There’s a wealth of different pills to choose from, brand name options and generic options.

Birth control pills have different benefits and side effects. For people with certain medical conditions, sometimes the pill is not a good fit. Your healthcare provider can help you learn more.

MYTH: Taking birth control can negatively affect your fertility

Birth control use — whether used for a short time or long-term — doesn’t affect your fertility. After using certain hormonal birth control methods, you may need to wait a few months before your menstrual cycle will return to normal so you can get pregnant. But there’s no evidence that birth control presents any long-term fertility issues, and some people get pregnant right away after stopping the pill.

MYTH: Using the pill to skip your period isn’t good for you

While you should check with your healthcare provider about the specifics for your birth control pill, it’s entirely safe to skip your period. It’s also very easy. Just take a pill that includes hormones every day and skip the hormone-free “reminder” pills at the end of a pack. Some people like to skip their period if it’s going to fall on a special occasion — like on a vacation or while traveling — others opt for this option to avoid period discomfort. Regardless of the reason you’d like to skip yours, you may experience a little bit of spotting, which is normal.

MYTH: Long term use of hormonal birth control isn’t healthy

Hormonal birth controls aren’t necessarily a good fit for everyone — certain health conditions might increase the risks associated with using specific birth control pills, or the pill in general. But hormonal birth control is a very good fit for a lot of people. It can even help certain people feel better. For those with particularly irregular or uncomfortable periods — a heavy period, lengthy periods, heavy cramping and discomfort, or pain and other health problems related to endometriosis — hormonal birth control can improve quality of life, with lighter, shorter, more regular, more comfortable periods.

MYTH: Birth control’s primary use is to prevent pregnancy

Certainly, a lot of people use birth control to prevent pregnancy — and as the name suggests that’s the primary reason many people might use it. But many take birth control for other reasons already mentioned — like to have a more comfortable or more regular period and relieve major pain and discomfort — and for even to help improve mood or acne. Everyone has their own reasons for wanting to use birth control, and no matter your reason, a healthcare provider can help you find the type of birth control that’s a good fit for you.

And if you’re taking the pill or have an IUD, add it to your Ovia profile!

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Read more about birth control

• Are LARCs more popular than ever?
• Who should I talk to about birth control?

Sources

• “Birth Control.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, May 2019. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/especially-for-teens/birth-control.
• “Combined Hormonal Birth Control: Pill, Patch, and Ring.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, March 2018. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/contraception/combined-hormonal-birth-control-pill-patch-and-ring.
• “Contraceptive Use.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, March 21 2019. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/contraceptive.htm.
• “IUD.” Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood, Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud.
• “Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Intrauterine Device and Implant.” American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, January 2018. Retrieved March 31 2020. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/contraception/long-acting-reversible-contraception-intrauterine-device-and-implant.