The femme Journal
How Your Menstrual Cycle Affects Your Mental Health
Introduction Your menstrual cycle doesn’t just affect your body – it plays a major role in your mental health, too. Hormonal fluctuations throughout the month can lead to shifts in mood, energy levels, anxiety, and focus. Understanding the link between your menstrual cycle and mental health can help you feel more in control, supported, and empowered. 1. The Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Changes Your menstrual cycle is divided into four key phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. Each phase brings changes in hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, which directly influence brain chemistry. Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5): Hormones are at their lowest, which can lead to fatigue, low mood, and irritability. Follicular Phase (Days 6–14): Rising oestrogen can boost mood, energy, and cognitive function. Ovulation (Around Day 14): A surge in oestrogen and luteinising hormone may increase confidence and libido. Luteal Phase (Days 15–28): Rising progesterone and declining oestrogen can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). 2. Mental Health Symptoms by Cycle Phase Mood Swings: Especially common in the luteal phase due to hormone withdrawal. Anxiety: Fluctuating progesterone levels may heighten anxiety sensitivity. Depression: Low oestrogen levels during menstruation can lower serotonin, a mood-regulating neurotransmitter. Brain Fog: Hormonal changes can impair focus and mental clarity, particularly during PMS. 3. What is PMDD? Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS that affects 3–8% of menstruating individuals. It includes intense emotional and physical symptoms such as depression, irritability, and tension during the luteal phase. If your cycle is consistently impacting your mental health, speak to a healthcare provider about PMDD or other hormonal mood disorders. 4. How to Support Your Mental Health Through Your Cycle Track Your Cycle: Use an app or journal to monitor symptoms and identify patterns. Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods: Support hormone balance with foods rich in B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3s. Exercise Regularly: Gentle movement like walking or yoga can boost endorphins and reduce anxiety. Prioritise Sleep: Rest is crucial for hormonal regulation and emotional resilience. Consider Supplements: Adaptogens and nootropics, like magnesium or lion’s mane, may help support mood and cognitive function. Always consult a health professional before starting anything new. Conclusion Your mental health and menstrual cycle are deeply connected. By tuning into your body and recognising how hormonal shifts affect your mind, you can create a more compassionate and informed approach to self-care. Remember: what you feel is real, and support is available.
Learn more
The Power of Preconception and Postnatal Nutrition: Setting the Foundation for Fertility and Beyond
Nutrition plays a vital role in reproductive health—before, during, and after pregnancy. In this comprehensive guide, Chloe Dymond Young (DipNT, mBANT, IBCLC, Nc) explores how the First 1,000 Days of Life shape long-term wellbeing for both mother and baby. From protecting egg quality and building nutrient reserves, to postpartum recovery and hormonal balance—this article offers practical, evidence-based insights to support every stage of the fertility and pregnancy journey.
Learn more
The Rise of At-Home Hormone Testing in the UK: What You Need to Know
Over the past few years, at-home hormone testing has surged in popularity in the UK. Once reserved for clinical settings, hormone tests are now widely available for home use, offering greater accessibility and convenience. But how do these tests work, what are their benefits, and what should you consider before committing to one? Why Is At-Home Hormone Testing on the Rise? Increased Awareness – More people are recognising the role hormones play in their overall health, from fertility to menopause and general well-being. Convenience – Home testing eliminates the need for GP appointments and long waiting times, allowing people to test on their own schedule. Personalised Health – With a rise in personalised medicine, many individuals are turning to home testing to better understand their bodies and make informed health choices. Advancements in Technology – Improvements in diagnostic testing mean at-home kits can now deliver accurate and reliable results with just a finger-prick blood test or saliva sample. Features and Benefits of At-Home Hormone Testing ✅ Easy Sample Collection – Most tests require a small blood sample (finger prick) or saliva, which can be collected in minutes.✅ Wide Range of Hormone Panels – Tests are available for fertility hormones (oestrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH), stress hormones (cortisol), thyroid function, and menopause indicators.✅ Quick Results – Many companies provide digital results within days, often with expert explanations.✅ Greater Autonomy – Testing at home allows individuals to take charge of their health without navigating NHS waitlists.✅ Potential Cost Savings – While private healthcare hormone testing can be expensive, home test kits may be a more affordable alternative. What to Consider Before You Commit 🔹 Accuracy & Reliability – Not all tests are created equal. Look for providers that use accredited labs with high testing standards.🔹 Clinical Support – Some companies offer follow-up consultations with healthcare professionals, while others just provide raw results. Choose a test with adequate support if you need help interpreting your results.🔹 Timing & Consistency – Hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day and menstrual cycle. Make sure you take the test at the recommended time for accurate readings.🔹 Data Privacy – Consider how your data is stored and whether the company shares results with third parties.🔹 Not a Replacement for Medical Advice – Home testing is useful for self-monitoring but should not replace professional medical guidance, especially for diagnosing conditions. Final Thoughts At-home hormone testing offers a convenient and accessible way to monitor your health, particularly for those experiencing menstrual irregularities, fertility concerns, or menopausal symptoms. However, it’s important to choose a reputable provider, understand the limitations of home testing, and consult a healthcare professional when needed. Would you try at-home hormone testing? Let us know your thoughts! 🚀
Learn more
How Your Menstrual Cycle Affects Your Mental Health
Introduction Your menstrual cycle doesn’t just affect your body – it plays a major role in your mental health, too. Hormonal fluctuations throughout the month can lead to shifts in mood, energy levels, anxiety, and focus. Understanding the link between your menstrual cycle and mental health can help you feel more in control, supported, and empowered. 1. The Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Changes Your menstrual cycle is divided into four key phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. Each phase brings changes in hormone levels, particularly oestrogen and progesterone, which directly influence brain chemistry. Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5): Hormones are at their lowest, which can lead to fatigue, low mood, and irritability. Follicular Phase (Days 6–14): Rising oestrogen can boost mood, energy, and cognitive function. Ovulation (Around Day 14): A surge in oestrogen and luteinising hormone may increase confidence and libido. Luteal Phase (Days 15–28): Rising progesterone and declining oestrogen can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). 2. Mental Health Symptoms by Cycle Phase Mood Swings: Especially common in the luteal phase due to hormone withdrawal. Anxiety: Fluctuating progesterone levels may heighten anxiety sensitivity. Depression: Low oestrogen levels during menstruation can lower serotonin, a mood-regulating neurotransmitter. Brain Fog: Hormonal changes can impair focus and mental clarity, particularly during PMS. 3. What is PMDD? Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS that affects 3–8% of menstruating individuals. It includes intense emotional and physical symptoms such as depression, irritability, and tension during the luteal phase. If your cycle is consistently impacting your mental health, speak to a healthcare provider about PMDD or other hormonal mood disorders. 4. How to Support Your Mental Health Through Your Cycle Track Your Cycle: Use an app or journal to monitor symptoms and identify patterns. Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods: Support hormone balance with foods rich in B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3s. Exercise Regularly: Gentle movement like walking or yoga can boost endorphins and reduce anxiety. Prioritise Sleep: Rest is crucial for hormonal regulation and emotional resilience. Consider Supplements: Adaptogens and nootropics, like magnesium or lion’s mane, may help support mood and cognitive function. Always consult a health professional before starting anything new. Conclusion Your mental health and menstrual cycle are deeply connected. By tuning into your body and recognising how hormonal shifts affect your mind, you can create a more compassionate and informed approach to self-care. Remember: what you feel is real, and support is available.
Learn more
Maternal Mental Health in the UK: What’s Working, What’s Not, and How We Can Do Better
Maternal mental health in the UK is a growing concern. Explore what’s working, what still needs to change, and how we can improve care for new and expectant mothers across the UK.
Learn more
Why "Just Get IVF" Isn’t the Answer: Infertility, Bias, and the Mental Load on Women
It’s National Infertility Awareness Week—a time to open up the conversation about what it really means to struggle with fertility and to challenge the misconceptions that often surround it. One of the most frustrating phrases people facing infertility hear is: “Why don’t you just get IVF?” While often well-meaning, this statement oversimplifies a deeply personal, complex, and sometimes painful journey. It assumes IVF is a one-size-fits-all solution, ignoring the realities of medical limitations, financial barriers, and emotional toll. More than that, it reflects a broader issue—how infertility is often placed squarely on women’s shoulders, reinforcing outdated biases and adding to the mental health burden they already carry. IVF Isn’t Always an Option For many, IVF is not as simple as booking an appointment and walking away with a baby. There are multiple reasons why IVF might not be the right—or even possible—path: 💰 The Cost – In the UK, NHS-funded IVF is often a postcode lottery, with access varying depending on where you live. Private treatment can cost tens of thousands of pounds, putting it out of reach for many. 🩺 The Medical Reality – IVF is not a guaranteed fix. Success rates vary widely depending on age, underlying conditions, and other factors. Some people aren’t even candidates for IVF due to medical reasons. 🧠 The Emotional Toll – IVF can be gruelling, involving hormone treatments, invasive procedures, and the emotional rollercoaster of hope and disappointment. For many, it’s not just about trying to conceive—it’s about navigating loss, grief, and uncertainty. 🗣️ The Assumption That IVF Is the Only Path – There are many ways to build a family, and not everyone wants to—or can—pursue assisted reproduction. Adoption, surrogacy, donor conception, or even choosing to live without children are all valid paths. The Gendered Burden of Infertility Infertility isn’t just a medical issue—it’s a societal one, and it disproportionately affects women’s mental health. The assumption that women must be the ones to fix infertility, to endure treatments, to put their lives on hold, and to answer endless intrusive questions is rooted in deep-seated sexism. 👀 The Scrutiny – Women are expected to take responsibility for fertility struggles, even though male factor infertility accounts for around 50% of cases. The burden of "fixing" the issue, seeking treatment, and managing emotions often falls on women. 🤐 The Silence – Talking about infertility can still feel taboo. While there’s growing awareness, many women feel pressure to keep their struggles private to avoid judgment or pity. This isolation can worsen feelings of anxiety and depression. 😞 The "Just Relax" Myth – Many people still believe infertility is a matter of stress rather than a medical condition. This puts further pressure on women, making them feel responsible for something they have no control over. What Needs to Change If we really want to support people facing infertility, we need to start by changing the conversation. 💡 Stop Offering Unsolicited Advice – Instead of saying “just get IVF,” acknowledge that infertility is complex. Try asking, “How are you feeling?” or “Is there anything I can do to support you?” 💡 Recognise That Infertility Affects Everyone – Infertility is not just a “women’s issue.” It affects couples, individuals, and families, regardless of gender. 💡 Push for Better Access to Care – Fertility treatments should not be limited by geography or financial privilege. Advocating for fairer NHS access and workplace support is crucial. 💡 Prioritise Mental Health – Infertility can be emotionally devastating. Normalising conversations around therapy, support groups, and community connection can make a huge difference. Infertility Deserves More Than Quick Fixes Telling someone to "just get IVF" dismisses the complexity of infertility and the emotional, physical, and financial weight it carries. Instead of simplifying the conversation, let’s start listening—really listening—to what people are going through. Infertility is not just about treatment options; it’s about the very human experience of longing, resilience, and redefining what family means. To anyone struggling: You are not alone. Your feelings are valid. And your path—whatever it looks like—is entirely yours to define. ❤️ #NationalInfertilityAwarenessWeek #InfertilityMatters #MentalHealthMatters
Learn more
Let's Talk Women's Health, Holistically - Quick(ish) Fire Questions with The Cheshire Acupuncturist
We popped in to see The Cheshire Acupuncturist for a quick chat all about women’s health. From easing painful periods and balancing hormones to supporting fertility and pregnancy, we asked her how acupuncture can play a supportive role through different stages of a woman’s life.
Learn more
Boost Your Chances of Conception with the twoplus Fertility Sperm Guide
If you're on the journey to parenthood and seeking effective, non-invasive methods to enhance your chances of conception, the twoplus Fertility Sperm Guide might be the solution you've been looking for.
Learn more
Exploring the Link Between Complementary Treatments and Fertility: A Focus on Acupuncture
In recent years, many individuals and couples have turned to complementary treatments as an alternative or supportive approach to fertility. In contexts where conventional fertility treatments may be ineffective, inaccessible, or simply not desired, complementary methods—especially acupuncture—are increasingly being considered for their potential to improve reproductive outcomes. 🤰 Understanding Acupuncture and Its Principles 🧘♀️ Acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of fine needles at specific points on the body. The aim is to rebalance the flow of energy, or “qi”, and to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. While the concept of qi may seem foreign to Western medicine, many practitioners and researchers are exploring how the stimulation of specific points might influence various bodily functions, including hormonal regulation, blood flow, and stress reduction. 🌿 How Acupuncture May Influence Fertility 🔍 Acupuncture’s potential benefits for fertility are thought to stem from several mechanisms: Hormonal Regulation:Research suggests that acupuncture may help modulate the body’s hormonal balance. By influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, acupuncture could contribute to more regular menstrual cycles and improved ovulation patterns. ⚖️ Improved Blood Flow:Some studies indicate that acupuncture can increase blood flow to the reproductive organs. Better circulation may enhance the environment of the uterus and ovaries, potentially improving the chances for fertilisation and implantation. 💓 Stress Reduction:Infertility journeys are often accompanied by significant emotional and physical stress. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation by triggering the release of endorphins. This stress relief is crucial, as high stress can negatively impact reproductive health. 😌 Immune System Modulation:Emerging evidence suggests that acupuncture might help regulate immune responses, which is particularly relevant for individuals experiencing unexplained infertility related to autoimmune factors. 🛡️ The Evidence: What Do the Studies Say? 📚 While research on acupuncture and fertility remains a topic of debate, several studies have explored its effects on reproductive outcomes. Some clinical trials have reported improved pregnancy rates when acupuncture is used as an adjunct to fertility treatments, although results are not uniformly positive. Critics argue that placebo effects may account for some of the perceived benefits, yet many patients report enhanced well-being and reduced stress after acupuncture sessions. 🌟 In the absence of effective or available conventional fertility treatments, these complementary approaches offer hope. They provide a non-invasive, natural option for those seeking to enhance their fertility through methods that work with the body’s own regulatory systems. 🌺 Complementary Treatment in Context 🤝 It is important to note that while acupuncture shows promise, it is not a guaranteed solution for infertility. Complementary treatments should be seen as part of a holistic approach to reproductive health. For some, these treatments offer a way to empower themselves in the face of challenging fertility journeys, providing an additional tool to explore alongside lifestyle changes such as nutrition, exercise, and stress management. 🍏🏃♀️ Furthermore, integrating complementary treatments into a fertility strategy highlights the importance of personalised care. Every individual’s body and fertility challenges are unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. As such, those considering acupuncture should consult with both their healthcare providers and qualified complementary medicine practitioners to create a tailored plan. 📝 Conclusion 🌈 Acupuncture and other complementary treatments are increasingly recognised as valuable components of a broader approach to fertility. For many individuals—especially when conventional treatments are not effective or accessible—acupuncture offers a gentle, holistic alternative that may help restore balance, reduce stress, and improve reproductive health. 💖 While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play and to validate its efficacy across larger populations, the experiences of many patients continue to fuel interest in acupuncture as a complementary option. Whether as a stand-alone approach or as an adjunct to other therapies, acupuncture represents a meaningful way to support the journey towards achieving fertility in a natural, empowering manner. 🌟 If you’re exploring all your options, consider discussing complementary treatments with your healthcare team to determine if they may be right for your individual needs. 😊
Learn more
In The Press
Simplify Your Fertility Tracking with Tempdrop
Take the guesswork out of cycle tracking with Tempdrop, the smart wearable thermometer that fits seamlessly into your routine. Designed to learn your unique patterns, it provides accurate, reliable insights without the hassle of early wake-ups or daily charts.
