The Journal
How to deal with period pain at work
This blog sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges individuals face when dealing with severe period symptoms at the workplace. It vividly describes the physical and emotional toll of excruciating period cramps, heavy bleeding, and the pressure to maintain productivity despite significant discomfort. A special thank you to Daye for addressing this crucial aspect of women's health in the workplace. Your commitment to bringing awareness to these challenges is highly commendable. Picture the scene: you’re sitting at your desk and your period cramps are excruciating. It feels like somebody’s using their fingernails to slowly, methodically scrape away chunks of your uterus. All you can do is curl up in silent protest and wait for the pain to gradually subside. Except you can’t, because you’re at work. Your boss doesn’t know the level of your discomfort: how exhausted your period makes you; or the waves of nausea; or that your joints are aching; or that you have to keep running to the loo because of dodgy loose stools. You’ve just got to sit there, and do your job exactly how you would if you weren’t on your period. Excruciating period cramps, heavy bleeding and pressure to show up to work mean we’re losing nearly nine days of productivity per year. A 2019 study conducted by the BMJ found that period cramps see 13.8% of women and AFAB individuals taking time off work during their periods; and that 80.7% go through ‘presenteeism’ (turning up to work but struggling to be productive) for an average of 23.2 days per year. This presenteeism results in an average of 8.9 days’ worth of productivity lost per year. Let that sink in for a moment: excruciating period cramps, heavy bleeding and pressure to show up to work mean we’re losing nearly nine days of productivity per year. “Our research has shown that over a quarter of women [and AFAB individuals] surveyed had recently taken time off work because of their period,” says Rachel Murray, Head of Employee Health & Wellbeing at BUPA UK. “However, over a third wouldn’t feel comfortable disclosing the period as the reason for their absence, and would instead use another excuse, like having a stomach bug.” As for why? Well, Jacqueline Gualtieri summed up one reason pretty succinctly in her Vitals article: “Women [and AFAB individuals] who take time off due to period pain fear being viewed as fragile by their coworkers and less valuable than a man by their employers.” And so, they carry on – and it’s hard. I’ve been there. It’s bad enough when the period cramps interfere with daily activities; but having to merrily type out emails, smile at colleagues and be eloquent on the phone – all while it feels like your uterus is being attacked in the same way a steak is attacked with a knife and fork – feels impossible. And that’s just the desk jobs. I worked in a bookshop once, and having to run back and forth between the shelves and the till (not to mention having to be energetic and friendly) was like a form of torture. I have no idea how teachers do it. Or dancers; or waiting staff; or cabin crew. Or anyone, for that matter. Managing period cramps at work can be a difficult, painful, uncomfortable thing to do – not least because the UK hasn’t yet caught up with Spain, who passed Europe’s first paid menstrual leave law earlier this year. So we’ve gathered together a few hints and tips for anyone who, like me, struggles to plaster a smile on their face, engage their brain and produce some form of work (good one) while struggling with period symptoms. What are some common period symptoms? Well, first, of course, there’s the dreaded cramping in the pelvic area. “[Period] cramps come from asymmetric contraction[s] of the uterus, a muscular organ,” says certified nurse midwife Kristin Mallon, Co-Founder and CEO at FemGevity. “These can happen during, before or after your period. These cramps are caused by hormonal changes that signal to the brain to shed the lining of the endometrium. The period affects the whole body. “There can be any number of symptoms that [people with periods] feel, ranging across any system: like headaches, vision changes, sometimes even changes in athletic performance, bowel changes, urinary changes, libido changes,” Mallon says. Not to mention: Joint stiffness Back ache (especially lower back pain) Dizziness Mood changes. “PMDD is a known concept; but mild versions of this can also be experienced, from insomnia, anger, rage, depression and anxiety,” Mallon concludes. How might period symptoms affect someone’s ability to work? “Struggling with period pain can make daily tasks feel a lot more difficult than usual,” says Murray. “Dealing with cramps can make you feel a lot less productive, and, in some cases, it might affect your ability to work at all. A recent YouGov survey showed almost a quarter of [people] who currently menstruate report that their period pain affects their ability to work every time, or most times they get their period.” And it’s not just the pain. “Being on your period can affect you mentally, too, making you feel more irritated, anxious or angry than usual,” Murray continues. “This may also affect your ability to focus.” Of course, period symptoms – and how they’re experienced and managed at work – are not a ‘one size fits all’. “Every woman who menstruates experiences it differently – some may experience little to no pain when they’re on their period, and others may be in so much pain that [it] means they can focus on little else,” Murray explains. “Some may find that sitting down helps them to manage period cramps, whereas others may struggle with a desk job while they’re on their period; preferring to keep gently moving to alleviate symptoms.” How might someone manage period pain at work? Firstly, it’s important to see a doctor if you’re getting severe cramps. “If you’re in persistent or severe pain because of your period and haven’t seen a health professional about it – please do,” says Murray. “Your pain could be related to other conditions, [like] endometriosis, so it’s important to seek help and get you on the right course of treatment.” Assuming there’s no underlying cause, there are a few pain-minimising routes available to you when it comes to the workplace. “Aside from treating an associated cause like endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids [or] ovarian cysts, there are several remedies to try for painful periods,” says Mallon. “Medication recommendations usually include NSAIDs or contraceptives such as pills, patches or rings. Exercise and heat are also known to be effective in managing dysmenorrhea.” As for how to implement these remedies for reducing pain into your working day: for Murray, preparation is key. “Learn what medications, natural relief and practices work for you to help minimise disruption to your working day, where you can,” she advises. “It’s always a good idea to be prepared around the time you expect your period. If you have access to a workplace locker, try keeping a spare hot water bottle or a heat patch to offer you relief if you need it. Make sure you keep over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen in your bag for pain relief.” And when it comes to other ways to manage your period symptoms in the workplace, Murray has some further suggestions: “It may be useful to try out gentle exercise or yoga in your breaktime, or before or after work to help ease pain,” she says. “Giving yourself a stomach massage may help, too.” “Some find that upping your water intake and reducing the amount of caffeine you drink can help manage your symptoms better,” she continues. “Having a warm bath before or after work may help to alleviate cramps, too,” she adds. Check out period pain collection here for some extra support “If you’re able to work from home, doing so around the time of your period may help you access methods to help with pain relief quicker, and help you rest after work for longer,” Murray concludes. How could I broach the topic of period symptoms with their employer? “Speaking to your employer about period pain may feel intimidating, especially if it’s making work feel impossible,” says Murray. “[But] having a conversation with your employer can help them to better support you during this time so that you can feel more at ease when you’re working [while] on your period. “If you have a regular one to one catch up with your employer, this may be the ideal time to talk about how you’re struggling,” Murray continues. “You could start off the conversation by saying something along the lines of: ‘You may have noticed that I have been finding work more difficult sometimes, this is because I’ve been struggling to manage period pain. I wanted to let you know, as I find that the following helps to manage my [period] symptoms…’.” It’s difficult to do – but you have every right to be honest with your employer about how you’re feeling. No one should have to pretend to be ok when they’re really, really not. This is why Daye launched Period Pain Clinic: designed to help patients understand the root cause of their period pain, and to build personalised pain and symptom management plans. Stay tuned… And, as always, it’s vital to see a doctor if you have any health concerns at all – period-related or otherwise.
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Tens machines for period pain
Daye's informative blog, crafted by Izzie for Daye, introduces an intriguing solution to menstrual cramps – the TENS machine. Addressing the ever-expanding landscape of period pain management, the article explores TENS machines as a potential ally in alleviating cramps., The blog offers readers a comprehensive overview of TENS machines as a potential solution for period pain relief.Thanks, Izzie, for this insightful piece! Written by Izzie Price Whether it’s contraception, orgasms, a heating pad or CBD, it seems there are (happily) ever-increasing potential ways to minimise the excruciating period cramps that reduce so many of us into grimacing wrecks every month – not to mention new and novel ways of closing the gender pain gap. And now, we’re going to introduce yet another possible way for you to ease your menstrual cramps each month. Have you ever heard of a TENS machine? While there’s no guarantee they could minimise or stop period pain – and there are myriad considerations when it comes to their usage, they could support you on your journey of kicking your menstrual cramps to the curb. At Daye, we believe in the delivery of personalised healthcare and one of our values in “Health on Your Terms”. We think every body should have access to a varied range of health and period pain management solutions that fit their unique needs and preferences. Personal reports and clinical evidence both show that TENS machines may have a positive impact on your cramps, so let’s dive deeper and learn more about this novel pain management method. What is a TENS machine? Dr. Michael Green – Chief Medical Officer/OB-GYN at Winona – describes TENS machines as the following: “A pain relief strategy applying low-voltage electrical currents to the skin via small electrodes”. Flo, a period tracking app, confirms that a TENS unit contains leads that connect to electrodes, or sticky pads, which must be attached directly to your skin. Once powered on, the TENS machine delivers mild electrical impulses to the affected region, causing a tingling sensation’. Now that we understand how a TENS machine works in practice, let’s learn more about how it could reduce period pain: Virginia-Arlene Go, MD: Board Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fellow, goes into more detail. “TENS stands for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation,” she says. “[A TENS machine] is a small device that delivers low-voltage electric currents near nerves or trigger points to treat [various forms of pain]”. “The pain can be acute or chronic and typically is neuropathic or musculoskeletal in nature,” Go continues. “TENS ultimately works by blocking transmission of messages to pain receptors, or nociceptors. TENS can selectively deliver signals to non pain receptors, which subsequently reduces pain by decreasing nociceptor activity.” The other theory is that nerve stimulation raises the level of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain killing chemical. The endorphins then block the perception of pain. TENS machines are thought to be effective when it comes to pain resulting from the following causes: Period pain Labour pain Joint pain Back pain Endometriosis Arthritis Fibromyalgia How does a TENS machine relieve period pain? “The uterus is a muscle and hyper contractility is often the source of menstrual pain, thus TENS may be used for that musculoskeletal pain,” says Go. “In addition to the previously described mechanism of TENS, blood flow to the uterus and prostaglandin release may also be altered by TENS which can lead to decreased pain.” But Green warns that the jury is largely still out, when it comes to TENS machines as a method for soothing cramps. “While TENS machines have been used for pain relief in many different conditions, the effectiveness for period pain – or dysmenorrhea – is somewhat unclear,” he says. “Some evidence suggests that TENS machines may relieve menstrual pain, though the results of studies have gone both ways. Some have found that TENS effectively reduces pain during menstrual periods, while others have not found a significant difference in pain relief between TENS and a placebo. It might vary from person to person or reduce pain perception for other reasons.” TENS machines “have a good safety profile when used on appropriate patients. What are the advantages of using a TENS machine for period pain relief? Overall, there are considerable advantages to using TENS machines. “TENS is a non-hormonal, non-invasive, non-medication, local treatment which can be used in conjunction with other treatments,” Go summarises. “Additionally, there should be no overdose or addiction/dependence risk and TENS is highly adjustable in regards to intensity [and] frequency.” A TENS machine is small and discreet, too. In a review of the Livia, Slate pointed out that, ‘It clips to the edge of your pants, with wires that are exactly the right length to attach to your stomach.’ Who can argue with that? What are the disadvantages of using a TENS machine for period pain relief? As Green said earlier, there’s just not enough data right now to know for sure whether TENS machines can be effective in minimising period pain. “TENS may not be effective in every patient or in every case of period pain,” Go explains. “There is a lack of quality randomised control trials supporting its superiority alone compared to other traditional therapies or combination therapy. “Also, not every patient is eligible to use TENS,” Go continues. “It is not recommended for menstrual pain if a patient has an implanted electronic device [like the aforementioned pacemaker] or cancer near the intended site of application.” Go adds that it’s also not recommended for those suffering from heart disease, bleeding disorders or blood clots (it might increase the risk of bleeding in those with bleeding disorders, and may increase blood circulation which, in turn, increases the risk of dislodging a blood clot). Avoid using TENS machines on any part of your body with broken skin or a rash! Is a TENS machine safe to use? “TENS machines are generally considered safe to use and do not have any known side effects as long as used properly,” says Green. Go confirms this, detailing that TENS machines “have a good safety profile when used on appropriate patients”; but she emphasises that they “overall cannot be used in pregnancy [or patients with] epilepsy or pacemakers [plus some other conditions, as detailed above]. When it comes to side effects, Go outlines: “The reported complications are mainly related to burns, irritation and/or allergic reactions at [the] site of electronic placement”. Green agrees, emphasising that you should “avoid using TENS machines on any part of your body with broken skin or [a] rash!”. Pretty much any source – including Lloyds Pharmacy – will tell you not to use the TENS machines on the following areas: ‘The front or sides of your neck; ‘Your mouth, temples or eyes’; ‘Your chest or upper back at the same time’; ‘Numb areas’; ‘Varicose veins, irritated or broken skin’. Green also wants you to know that TENS machines can cause discomfort, and that they must be used regularly to be effective. Plus: “Most importantly, [they] may not reduce pain or other symptoms of discomfort, even if used correctly.” Go, too, ends with a parting warning. “Although there is no risk of overdose or addiction, habituation is possible and may lead to decreased efficacy over time and even worsening of pain in some cases,” she points out. “Patients are recommended to take breaks from TENS use and change electrode placement over time.” If you think TENS could be an option for you, then – by all means – speak to a healthcare professional about it. The NHS says: ‘A physiotherapist or pain specialist may be able to loan you a TENS machine for a short period if they think it could help,’ and adds that, ‘You can choose to buy your own TENS machine without getting medical advice, but it’s generally better to have a proper assessment first, so you can find out whether a TENS machine is appropriate for you and be taught how to use it properly.’ If you’re interested in a TENS machine as a form of period pain relief, we’d recommend speaking to a healthcare professional first. Be sure to disclose any existing health issues or concerns (particularly those listed above); and, most of all, know that there isn’t any guarantee of it soothing cramps. We wish you the best of luck with it, though; goodness knows, we need more period pain relief in the world. Check out TensCare Ova + Period Pain. Convenient, easy to use pain relief designed for periods.
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What do Oestrogen levels do after ovulation if pregnant?
Proov shared this thoughtful blog on the intricate coordination of reproductive hormones during the menstrual cycle. The article navigates the complexities of interpreting lab results, emphasising the dynamic nature of hormonal changes throughout the cycle. Proov skillfully introduces the main pregnancy hormones—oestrogen and progesterone—providing a clear analogy of hormones as chemical messengers. Proov's ability to convey complex hormonal processes in an understandable manner makes this blog a valuable resource for those seeking clarity on reproductive health. Thank you Proov! Written by: Dr. Amy Beckley, PhD, Founder and Inventor of the Proov test — the first and only FDA-cleared test to confirm successful ovulation at home. Every menstrual cycle is an intricate coordination of multiple hormones and processes. Each reproductive hormone will go through numerous changes as follicles grow, ovulation occurs, and possible fertilisation happens. It can make it challenging to know if your lab results are pointing toward a strong, healthy cycle, or a hormonal imbalance. A high lab result at one part of the cycle may be completely appropriate, while that same result two weeks later points to an underlying cause of imbalance. This variability is especially true for two of the major reproductive hormones in a menstrual cycle: oestrogen and progesterone. What are the main pregnancy hormones? Before we dive into what each of these hormones do, we should take a minute to understand hormones themselves. Hormones are chemical messengers in the body. Imagine you need to share an urgent message with a friend. What’s the quickest way to get in contact? A text message! Hormones do something similar. They allow different parts and systems of the body to communicate seamlessly. Reproductive or fertility hormones, like oestrogen and progesterone, send messages about the reproductive system of the body, and therefore are sometimes referred to as “pregnancy hormones.” (But you don’t have to be pregnant to experience them!) While all human bodies create these hormones, different sexes will produce them in different amounts and have different results. What is Oestrogen? Oestrogen is often called a growth hormone, because it is produced in response to the growth of ovarian follicles and one of its main functions is to grow or thicken the lining of the uterus. Both of these things are important for possible pregnancy, and oestrogen is essential for that process. Without oestrogen, a follicle could not grow sufficiently enough to ovulate an egg and the lining would not develop enough for a fertilised egg to implant. As the ovary grows to prepare an egg for ovulation, more oestrogen is produced. An initial rise in oestrogen indicates the opening of your fertile window – a great sign that ovulation is coming and it’s an ideal time to “try”! How Your Oestrogen Levels Change Throughout Your Cycle Because of these dramatic changes in every menstrual cycle, it’s important to know where you are in your cycle when you have your hormone levels tested. During the early follicular phase of your cycle, your oestrogen will be low since ovarian follicles have not yet had time to begin producing it. At this point, levels are often lower, around 20-150 pg/mL. As the follicles grow larger and you get closer to ovulation, your oestrogen levels will be at a much higher level, between 30-350 pg/mL. After ovulation, when you’ve entered into the luteal phase of the cycle and progesterone becomes dominant, oestrogen levels should be at their highest. What Should Your Oestrogen Levels be for Implantation? Even though progesterone takes over as the dominant reproductive hormone after ovulation, oestrogen continues to play a pivotal role. Low oestrogen can (roughly under 30 pg/mL) prevent successful implantation and cause early miscarriage. While lab testing is the most effective way to pinpoint hormone levels, you can also be on the lookout for low oestrogen symptoms. These symptoms can include infrequent menstrual periods, hot flashes, night sweats, trouble sleeping, dryness and thinning of the vagina, low sexual desire, mood swings, and dry skin. Just as low oestrogen may prevent implantation, studies show that high oestrogen levels (above 450 pg/mL) may also inhibit implantation. For those using artificial reproductive technologies, you’ll notice that “normal” lab results are much higher than unmedicated menstrual cycles. It is normal for estrogen levels to be as high as 4,000 pg/mL during stimulation, if you are encouraging the growth of multiple follicles. While this is very unlikely in natural cycles, it is considered appropriate during stimulation. Still, levels can become too high. As soon as they reach around 3,000 pg/mL, they are generally considered more at risk for issues, including OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome). Oestrogen Levels after Implantation After implantation, oestrogen will begin to rise and will continue to do so rather dramatically throughout pregnancy. Both oestrogen and progesterone are not only critical to ovulation and implantation, but to carrying a successful pregnancy. Drastically increasing oestrogen levels can sometimes be the cause of that not-really-morning-only morning sickness! But, if you don’t conceive, your oestrogen and progesterone levels will drop right before your period. You can think of this as a “clean slate” before the next cycle begins. What happens to Oestrogen levels if you conceive? So what should these lab values be during pregnancy? Average oestrogen levels in the first trimester peak between 3,000-4,000 pg/mL, but rise to around 10,000 pg/mL during the second trimester. Third trimester levels can skyrocket to above 15,000 pg/mL. Oestrogen (remember, often referred to as the “growth hormone!”) is responsible for development of many of the baby’s organ systems, like blood vessels and nutrition receptors, in the first trimester. As the second trimester begins, oestrogen has a larger effect on the development of milk ducts in the breast glands of the mother. Throughout the entire pregnancy, oestrogen is responsible for much of the development in both baby and mother, and these high oestrogen values show it! Reproductive hormones like oestrogen play a critical role in regular menstrual cycles, the process of ovulation, the likelihood of implantation, and in the successful development of a baby! Hormones During Pregnancy Although the reference ranges included in this blog can be helpful for assessing general health, remember that each human body is unique and the journey to pregnancy will be different for everyone. Work closely with a doctor whom you trust to test for oestrogen levels at appropriate times in your menstrual cycle and spot concerns with your results (whether they are too high or too low for major events like implantation.) Keep in mind that natural cycles will have understandably lower lab values than artificially induced cycles, and should be monitored closely by your doctor. Unsure if you’re ovulating at all? You may want to start with some simple at-home hormone tests that can give you a good idea if you are successfully ovulating and, if so, when. Check out our Complete Testing System, which measures E1G and PdG (urine markers of oestrogen and progesterone, respectively) – among other hormones – to provide a “complete” view of your cycle and ovulation.
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What Happens After Ovulation? 6 Signs Ovulation Is Over
Dr. Amy Beckley introduces the significance of identifying the conclusion of ovulation for fertility tracking. The blog outlines methods to determine the end of ovulation, emphasising accurate timing for conception. Signs of ovulation completion, such as progesterone rise (detectable through Proov tests), BBT shifts, changes in cervical mucus, decreased libido, breast sensitivity, and negative ovulation predictor kits, are discussed. The blog concludes with insights into implantation and the uniqueness of each fertility journey. Thanks, Amy, for this insightful piece! Written by: Dr. Amy Beckley Dr. Amy Beckley, PhD, Founder and Inventor of the Proov test the first and only FDA-cleared test to confirm successful ovulation at home. Ovulation, or the one time in your menstrual cycle that your ovaries release an egg, is the main event if you’re trying to conceive or tracking your menstrual health! Especially if you’re trying to time intercourse to conceive, it’s important to know when ovulation is so you can, well, “try.” There are plenty of ways to tell when ovulation is coming–cervical mucus, tracking your LH surge or oestrogen rise, or even just estimating using an ovulation calculator or period tracker app. But how do you know when ovulation is over, and the two week wait before you can take a pregnancy test begins? Fortunately, there are a number of signs, just like there are to predict ovulation. We’ll go over some of our favourites below, so keep on reading! How Can You Tell Ovulation is Over? First, to tell that ovulation is over, it’s helpful to know when ovulation might have begun! Ovulation occurs roughly in the middle of your menstrual cycle, at the end of the follicular phase when oestrogen is highest. High oestrogen will trigger a surge of luteinizing hormone, that signals to the ovaries that it’s time to release an egg. Ovulation will begin 12-36 hours following the LH surge, and the egg will live 12-24 hours after that. If fertilization by a sperm is going to occur, it will be during that time. For that reason, it’s useful to know when ovulation is over (and how many days after ovulation you can get pregnant). Since sperm only live 3-5 days in the female reproductive tract, timing intercourse correctly can be an important part of achieving pregnancy. If you stop trying too early, you might miss ovulation entirely. Or if you start trying too late, you may risk the egg dying before sperm have a chance to make it to the fallopian tube. After the egg is released, the leftover follicle will become the corpus luteum, a special organ that makes progesterone. As this progesterone begins to rise, there are many changes and symptoms that help you determine that the fertile window is closed. Signs Ovulation is Over 1. Progesterone Rise or Positive PdG Test Progesterone rising is the most direct symptom of ovulation, and it triggers all the other changes! You can detect progesterone rise via its urine marker, PdG, which will help you determine that ovulation is over. The easiest way to do this is with Proov Confirm PdG tests or Proov Complete Multihormone tests. Especially with Proov Complete, you’ll get to detect your PdG rise as it happens after an LH surge. This will also help you get a jump start on tracking the implantation window, which is 7-10 days after ovulation. During the implantation window, you’ll want to test for elevated, sustained PdG to make sure you ovulated successfully. (More on that here). 2. Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Shift Another popular way to confirm ovulation is using Basal Body Temperature. Progesterone rising causes your core body temperature to rise, so by taking your temperature first thing every morning or using a wearable like Tempdrop, you can determine when you ovulated. Look for three temperatures that are higher than the previous six! 3. Cervical Mucus Changes Oestrogen rising during the fertile window will cause your cervical mucus to become stretchy, clear, and slippery. On the flip side, when oestrogen begins to decline and progesterone rises after ovulation, your cervical mucus will dry up again. When you notice this dry up, it’s a clue that you’ve probably just ovulated or you’re currently ovulating. A few days after, you can conclude that ovulation probably happened. 4. Libido Decreases If you’ve been tracking ovulation, you may have noticed that your libido increases around that time. This is due to high oestrogen and testosterone, and hopefully helps make “trying” a little easier! After ovulation, it’s typical for libido to decrease again during the luteal phase. 5. Breast Sensitivity or Tenderness While breast sensitivity or even pain can occur at many times in the cycle, many people find that it happens starting at ovulation. If you notice breast changes or tenderness and track it, you may find that it’s around ovulation, and this will give you a general signal that you may be ovulating. This is one of the less reliable signs of ovulation, so you’ll want to pair it with a more reliable method of tracking ovulation. 6. Negative Ovulation Predictor Kits or Positive Pregnancy Test Ovulation Predictor Kits/LH tests will help you find your peak fertility, but they can also be used to help close the fertile window. Since ovulation happens 12-36 hours after the LH surge, if you count two days after your positive LH test, ovulation is likely over or will be soon. If you keep testing, you’ll likely have 1-2 days of positive LH tests and then they’ll become negative. While LH patterns vary and this doesn’t work for everyone, having negative LH tests after a positive is a good signal that ovulation is over. Finally, the clearest sign that you ovulated successfully is pregnancy! If you’re missing your period or it’s been 12-16 days on average since you ovulated, it may be time to test for pregnancy. With Proov Check, you can also test for pregnancy up to five days before your missed period. How Implantation Varies Among Individuals If you’ve confirmed ovulation, your next important cycle milestone is the implantation window! This happens 7-10 days after ovulation, when a newly fertilized egg has the opportunity to implant in the uterine lining. For successful implantation, you need sustained and elevated progesterone (which you can test with PdG). Implantation may come with symptoms, but it’s different for everyone. Some people may experience implantation bleeding, breast tenderness, even early pregnancy symptoms. Some won’t have any symptoms at all, and that’s ok too! The most important thing is to remember that everyone’s fertility journey is different.
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Chances of Getting Pregnant on Ovulation Day
Dr. Amy Beckley, Founder of Proov test, underscores the importance of precise timing for conception, particularly on ovulation day. The blog stresses the brief window for fertilisation post-ovulation and advocates for early attempts leading up to ovulation day. It provides statistics on day-specific pregnancy probabilities based on intercourse timing. The blog advises on identifying ovulation through hormonal shifts, ovulation tests, and alternative tracking methods. It highlights the significance of confirming ovulation with PdG tests like Proov Confirm or Proov Complete, enhancing pregnancy chances during the implantation window. Thanks, Proov, for this insightful piece! Written by: Dr. Amy Beckley If you’re trying to conceive, you may know by now how important timing is. After all, timing intercourse around ovulation is critical to conception. As you move through the different phases of your cycle, your chances of getting pregnant change as well. Understanding the chances of getting pregnant throughout your cycle — especially your chances of conceiving on ovulation day — may be the key to your success! What are the chances of getting pregnant on ovulation day? It’s no secret that in order to get pregnant, egg and sperm need to meet. An egg is only released during ovulation, about midway through your cycle. Once an egg has been released, they can only survive for 12-24 hours. That means sperm has a really short amount of time in which it can fertilize the egg. Additionally, his sperm needs some time to swim all the way through your reproductive system to reach the egg. Because of both of these factors, the chances of getting pregnant on ovulation day are about 20%. You may be surprised by how low that number is — we sure were! The good news is that ovulation day is not the only day each cycle when it’s possible to get pregnant. What are the chances of getting pregnant before or after ovulation? You may wonder, can you get pregnant before ovulation? Not quite, but, while eggs can only live for no more than a day after ovulation, sperm can actually have a much longer life span. Healthy sperm may survive in your reproductive tract for up to 5 days. In fact, having intercourse during the few days leading up to ovulation can help ensure the sperm is ready and waiting for the egg once ovulation occurs. You should start “trying” ideally up to 3 days before ovulation actually occurs. Here are the day-specific pregnancy probabilities based on the day of intercourse: 3 days before ovulation: 27% 2 days before ovulation: 33% 1 day before ovulation: 41% Day of ovulation: 20% 1 day post ovulation: 8% You’ll see that the probability of pregnancy significantly drops on the day of and day after ovulation. Waiting too late in your cycle may hurt your chances of conception. This is why understanding your cycle and knowing when you’re ovulating is so important! How do I know when I'm ovulating? Ovulation typically occurs about midway through your cycle. If you have a regular cycle — meaning the number of days between each period is consistent — you may be able to guess when ovulation will occur or simply time intercourse just before the middle of your cycle. However, not everyone has a regular cycle and ovulation can vary by a day or two even in those with regular cycles. This is where tracking your cycle becomes important. Changes in our fertility hormone levels prepare the body for and trigger ovulation each cycle. Understanding and monitoring these hormone shifts is the most tried and true way to know when you’re ovulating. At-home ovulation tests most often measure luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. A dramatic increase in LH (also called a “surge”) is what triggers the ovary to release the egg. Ovulation should occur about 12-36 hours after an LH surge. That means a positive ovulation test (which indicates an LH surge) identifies your 2 most fertile days each cycle. But, as we know, there are a few more days each cycle when you can be fertile. Another hormone, oestrogen, rises even before LH as your body gears up for ovulation. Ovulation tests that measure oestrogen (or its urine marker, E1G) and LH, like Proov Complete, provide even more fertile days each cycle. That way you have the maximum amount of time to try! (PSST! Complete can provide up to 6 fertile days; that's 4 more than the average ovulation test.) While directly measuring your hormone levels with tools like ovulation tests are the best way to track your cycle and know when you’re ovulating, there are a few other ways to predict ovulation. Here are just a few: Calendar-based apps or period trackers: Calendar-based apps or period trackers approximate your ovulation day by using data you fed them during previous cycles. They may get it right if your period is like clockwork, but often don’t work well for people who have irregular periods. Cervical mucus monitoring: Monitoring changes in cervical mucus is one of the oldest ovulation tracking methods, completely free and easy to do. As oestrogen rises and you approach the LH surge, your vaginal discharge turns into an egg-white, stretchy mucus that is sperm friendly. Note that semen leftovers may be mistaken for fertile cervical mucus and dehydration can impact cervical mucus production. Mittelschmerz: Mittelschmerz is a lower pelvic (usually one-sided) pain, associated with ovulation. Some women can swear they know when they release an egg, and they probably do. The problem is that lower pelvic pain may occur for several reasons and this makes it a rather unreliable marker for the prediction of ovulation. A positive ovulation test means I ovulated, right? Not quite! Remember that ovulation tests measure LH which surges right before ovulation should occur. While an LH surge is a fairly reliable indicator that ovulation is approaching, it doesn’t actually tell you if you have ovulated. In fact, many women, especially those with PCOS, postpartum, or in perimenopause may experience either several LH peaks or high LH levels throughout their cycle. The only way to know if ovulation actually occurred is to confirm it, with a PdG test like Proov Confirm or a test that measures PdG like Proov complete. PdG is only released after ovulation occurs and is necessary for preparing the body for implantation and pregnancy. If you want to increase your chances of pregnancy during ovulation even more, you’ll want to test your PdG levels during the implantation window. A recent clinical study showed that elevated PdG levels during the implantation window can increase pregnancy rates by up to 75%!* While the chances of getting pregnant on ovulation day are lower than on other days, using the right tools and timing intercourse just before ovulation day can help increase your chances of pregnancy.
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5 Healthy Benefits of Ashwagandha
The blog highlights five key health benefits of Ashwagandha, an increasingly popular adaptogenic herb. It emphasizes the herb's ability to support adrenal glands, reducing stress and anxiety, and normalizing cortisol levels. Ashwagandha's positive impact on energy, stamina, and endurance, particularly in athletic performance, is discussed. The herb's role in stabilizing blood sugar levels, combating neurodegenerative diseases, and its immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties are also emphasized. Overall, Ashwagandha emerges as a versatile and beneficial supplement for various health concerns. Ashwagandha, also known as 'Withania Somnifera' is becoming increasingly popular in the west and is most well known for its ability to reduce stress and promote a calmer and happier sense of being. A growing body of evidence is being collated around this powerful herb with an impressive variety of health benefits. Here are 5 key health benefits of this powerful adaptogenic, Ashwagandha: 1. Supports adrenal glands to reduce stress and anxiety Ashwagandha has been shown to support the adrenals via normalising cortisol levels. This reduces the negative effects of high (or low levels) of this hormone. This is highly significant as ongoing stress can be detrimental to our health. Adrenal function is closely linked to thyroid function, therefore as Ashwagandha supports the adrenal glands, it has an indirect effect on improving thyroid function as well. Initial studies demonstrate ashwagandha’s ability to positively benefit thyroid function by stimulating thyroid hormone activity. 2. Increases energy, stamina and endurance Ashwagandha has been shown to significantly impact athletic performance by improving heart and lung capacity while increasing energy levels. Not only is this useful for the purposes of exercise, it is also helpful for people who struggle with their energy levels or those with fatigue-related conditions. 3. Stabilises blood sugar Ashwagandha has been shown to stabilise blood sugar levels, reducing blood sugar when it's too high or increasing it if too low. This is an example of the herb’s adaptogenic effect. Considering the evidence of the impact on blood sugar levels in diseases such as depression and dementia, this herb can have a profound impact on health. 4. Combats neurodegenerative diseases The active ingredients in Ashwagandha, called withanamides, have shown protective effects against B-amyloid-induced plaques in Alzheimer’s Disease. This is thought to be due to the natural antioxidants found in ashwagandha that scavenge free radicals to prevent cell damage. Studies also show promising results of ashwagandha’s protective effects against Parkinson’s Disease. 5. Immune boosting and anti-inflammatory Ashwagandha has also demonstrated excellent immune-boosting effects on our immune system. It has been shown to encourage anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting immune cells that help to ward off illness. As Ashwagandha has potent anti-inflammatory properties it is very useful in painful conditions such as arthritis. As the herb is rich in iron it also contributes to red blood cell count. Check out our new favourite, Mycologic, a award-winning blend of mushrooms and Ashwagandha for a dose of calm in your day. We love it because you can add a drop to your morning coffee; no more tablets!
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Vitamin D: How much is enough?
This blog delves into the critical importance of Vitamin D for overall health, especially in a region like Northern Europe where sunlight alone may not suffice for its production. Highlighting the prevalence of insufficient Vitamin D levels, the article emphasises the need for supplementation to support the immune system, bones, and teeth. While sunlight and certain foods contribute to Vitamin D intake, the blog stresses that only 10% can be achieved through diet. Rich sources include oily fish, whole-fat dairy, egg yolks, red meat, and fortified foods. Thank you to Wild Nutrition for providing valuable insights into the importance of Vitamin D. 1 in 6 of us in the UK are estimated to have insufficient blood levels of Vitamin D for good health*(1); we simply can’t produce enough of it from the sunshine alone and especially for those of us in Northern Europe. The half-life of this vitamin is 3-6 weeks, so even gathered stores over the summer rapidly decline by the time we get to the deeper winter months. Vitamin D is a major nutrient if you are looking to achieve great health. But with so many of us experiencing low levels and deficiency, we take a deep dive on why we need to supplement and by how much. Vitamin D is a major nutrient if you are looking to support your immune system, bones and teeth. But with so many of us experiencing low levels, and those levels are a challenge to correct with sunlight alone - we take a deep dive on how we can achieve healthy levels through official recommendations on supplementation. How much vitamin D do I need to take? Aside from sunshine helping us with Vitamin D levels, Vitamin D can also be found in food. But only 10 % of intake can be achieved via diet. Vitamin D rich foods include: Oily fish (salmon, trout, sardines, mackerel) Whole-fat dairy Egg yolks Red meat Fortified food Therefore if you don’t eat these foods, or rarely consume them, then you won’t even be getting the 10%. The Department of Health recommends the following guidelines and supplementation for these life stages: Adults Teens Babies & Children Fertility, Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Adults' Vitamin D requirements All teens and adults should supplement 10ug (400iu) everyday between October and the Spring (the official month is March but common sense should be applied, since March sunshine ‘quality’ will vary year on year). If over the age of 65, the recommendation is this dose is taken all year around - especially if indoors more, not exposed to consistent sunlight and if experiencing illness. All pregnant, breastfeeding women and at-risk groups (such as people from ethnic minority groups with dark skin, elderly people in care homes and those who wear clothing that cover most of the skin) should take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms (400iu) of Vitamin D all year around. However, consider that many people in the UK do not get good access to consistent sunlight due to work (offices) and 'typical British' summer weather (cloudy days and rain). Please speak to a health professional if you feel you need to take additional Vitamin D over the recommended levels and especially if you have received results that show you are below the optimal range or deficient as you may be professionally recommended to supplement with more than 10ug. Vitamin D is essential for a healthy immune system so do consider this if you are experiencing any ongoing challenges to your immune system. Your health professional may be able to discuss bespoke dosing for certain conditions. Teens and Vitamin D Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for developing teens. Research shows low Vitamin D levels are very common in adolescents *(2) which is a concern when at the same time their skeleton grows at the most rapid rate of any other lifestage. Therefore they may be ‘using up’ their Vitamin D levels for their bones but they also require Vitamin D for their immune system. Their developing immune system may fluctuate more than an adult, as they are prone to higher levels of inflammatory cytokines (immune chemicals) *(3). Teens low in Vitamin D should be evaluated for supplementation more like a young adult, and not as a child. It is so often they are viewed nutritionally, incorrectly, as ‘bigger children’. Vitamin D in babies and children All babies from birth up to one year of age should take 8.5 to 10 micrograms (340iu to 400iu) of vitamin D per day (particularly those being breastfed). Babies fed infant formula will not need vitamin drops until they are receiving less than 500ml (about a pint) of infant formula a day, as these products are fortified with vitamin D. Children between the age of one and four should take 10 micrograms of vitamin D (400iu) supplements all year round. Bear in mind babies and toddlers (and older children) who do not consume Vitamin D rich foods and ask for support on this topic from a health professional. Vitamin D in fertility, pregnancy & breastfeeding Official UK government advice is that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, require 400 IU (10ug) of Vitamin D to be supplemented. Please seek advice from a health professional if your current levels are less than optimal or low or deficient and especially so in the colder and darker months of a pregnancy. You are also more at risk for low levels if you spend greater amounts of time indoors (even in the summer), or have darker skin or cover up your skin. If you are already pregnant, you need to make sure you are supplementing at least the officially recommended dose for both your own health and your baby’s health (who draws upon your reserves for its growth and development). If you didn’t know you were supposed to be supplementing Vitamin D in pregnancy, you may need to catch up on dosing quickly - and do seek health professional advice on this for safe supplementation. NHS testing for pregnant women does not usually happen before your first midwife appointment and sometimes later at around 8 weeks (or a little later around 12 weeks) so if you are concerned, book an appointment with your doctor sooner. If you are not currently pregnant but that is your goal, you need to understand that Vitamin D levels may not be optimal ‘overnight’ so you may need to plan with supplementation and knowing your Vitamin D levels in advance of a pregnancy. The nutrition preparations you make in the preconception phase are an important part of supporting a healthy immune system and bones and teeth during pregnancy. We recommend getting your levels tested (blood test). If you are undergoing assisted fertility such as IVF we recommend getting your levels checked in advance of the start of any procedures or medical treatments. Please note that some fertility clinics do not check Vitamin D levels as standard so please request this or check with your normal GP, IVF clinic or other official Vitamin D test provider. Breastfeeding women are giving some of their Vitamin D away via their milk so supplementation is key. Even if you don’t breastfeed, consider supplementation - especially if you have newly given birth when you are at risk of nutrient deficiencies due to the nature of experiencing a delivery (blood loss, more requirement to heal, impacts to the immune system through lack of sleep or broken sleep). Should we supplement with Vitamin D? As we’ve already established, sunshine is arguably not a reliable source of vitamin D. This is partly due to needing sufficient solar radiation, depending on the season and there are associated risks of skin ageing and cancer. Notably, all of Europe gets insufficient UVB intensity during the months November to the end of March. UVB rays need to be strong enough to result in Vitamin D manufacturing. This all results in minimal skin production of vitamin D during the winter season, independent of age. As we also covered, food is not an optimal source although we encourage all to consume Vitamin D rich foods to support a healthy diet. But for those who cannot eat those foods due to allergies, religious preference or personal dietary ethics are then relying on sunshine and supplementation to maintain good levels. A study conducted showed that Food-Grown® Vitamin D (the special Vitamin D we use in all our products) includes both the ‘stored’ (25-hydroxy) and biologically ‘active’ (1-25 hydroxy) forms of vitamin D3. This means our Food-Grown Vitamin D is the same form as that produced from exposure to sunlight. Can I get Vitamin D through a window? It's worth noting that whilst you can get a tan through glass, you cannot access the special UVB rays you need to produce Vitamin D. What about Vitamin D toxicity? Vitamin D toxicity is rare. A person would need to be taking very large doses over a longer period of time. The real modern risk or ‘epidemic’ is Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency. If you are at all concerned, speak to your health care provider. In terms of what is the right dose for you, we always recommend speaking to an expert and do consider getting your levels checked. Here's our top picks for supplementing Vitamin D this winter: Vitamin D Oral Spray from Zita West Vitamin D capsules from Wild Nutrition You can also check your levels here. Silex Vitamin D test.
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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.
