Dr. Omar Al-Heeti is an assistant professor of medicine at Southern Illinois University and practices internal medicine with a specialty in infectious diseases. He received his medical degree from the ...

In addition to cramping and back pain, your period ushers in a hormone shift. According to a 2023 comprehensive review in the National Library of Medicine, the relationship between your menstrual ...

Carley Millhone is a writer and editor based in the Midwest who covers health, women's wellness, and travel. Her work has appeared in publications like SELF, Greatist, and PureWow. Qin Rao, MD, is a ...

Sweat, changes in vaginal bacteria, and perimenopause may change the odor of your menstrual blood. A new, unpleasant smell could also point to an infection or, in some rare cases, cervical cancer. If ...

That brain fog you experience right before your period isn’t just in your head—well, actually, it is precisely in your head, but it’s real, measurable, and completely normal. What most women don’t ...

If you’ve ever experienced irregular bowel movements during your period, you’re not alone. Your menstrual cycle can lead to symptoms like bloating, cramping, and changes in your bowel movements. Many ...

Earlier this spring, my 10-mile race and my period were scheduled to arrive on the same day. Every 28 (or so) days since my teenage years, I’ve found myself curled up in pain on the bathroom floor on ...

The age you got your first period, also called menarche, is one of those milestones people remember forever. It feels loaded with meaning, and for good reason. Hormones, growth, fertility, and the ...

Weight gain during your period is temporary and usually ends once the period is over. Eating complex carbohydrates and reducing salt may help lessen weight gain during periods. Severe PMS symptoms may ...