Low Sex Drive During Ovulation / Come to the Doctor With Me / Tips for Relieving Period Cramps at Home 🩸

Plus, These Women Took Action for Women's Health

May 31, 2024

Hi friend!

Medical gaslighting is, unfortunately, something that many women have experienced, especially when it comes to reproductive health.

A survey by the Women's Health Network found that 45% of women felt they had experienced medical gaslighting. And in a study published in the Journal of Medical Ethics, 71% of women reported experiencing dismissal of their pain by healthcare providers. So, if you’ve ever been led to believe that your symptoms were ‘all in your head,’ you are certainly not alone.

About two years ago, our Ops Associate, Jacqueline, started experiencing sharp abdominal pain that would come and go at seemingly random times. As the pain became more and more consistent, she decided to make an appointment with a gynecologist. What happened next changed her life forever. Read more.

Also, check out: Come to the doctor with me!

What's Trending: Tips for Relieving Period Cramps at Home

There are two, well maybe three things, that are certain in this life — death, taxes, and periods. For many women, not only do they experience heavy bleeding during this time, but also intense menstrual cramps.

“Period cramps are caused by chemicals called prostaglandins that are released by the uterus,” says Dr. Jessica Ryniec, a double board-certified OB/GYN and fertility specialist. “Prostaglandins are released when the lining is shed during menses, and they make the uterus contract, reducing blood flow to the uterus and causing pain."

Nearly 80% of women experience period pain at some point in their lifetime, according to Women’s Health Concern, but there are some ways to help relieve menstrual discomfort. For tips on reducing period cramps, as well as some products you’ll want to have on standby for your next cycle, read this.

Also, see: Let's talk about period poverty

What's New: These Women Took Action for Women's Health 👏🏻

This week marked International Women’s Day of Action, and while the U.S. healthcare system was certainly not designed for (or by) women, women’s health is starting to make real headway. In 2023 alone, the women’s health sector raised $1.14B in funding across 120 deals!

Not only that, almost every women’s health founder we know has experienced the exact problem that their company is solving for — whether it be infertility, maternal health, or PCOS.

That’s why Rescripted is highlighting some of the incredible women’s health mavericks who have turned their pain into purpose to better the lives of women everywhere. Read their stories; You never know, it may give you a burst of entrepreneurial inspiration!

Watch: Female founders share their "women's health thing"

You Asked, We're Answering:

Q: I'm really struggling with time management. Are there any free apps that you recommend?

A: If there’s one thing we can’t get enough of it’s time. Whether it’s finding the time to get a full night’s sleep, squeeze in a workout, or socialize with friends, it seems like time always has the upper hand. Although it can be difficult, there are free time management apps out there that can help you. Not only can you become more organized, but also work on prioritizing what’s most important to you.

Read this for our fav free time management apps to help you get back on track, better manage your time, and develop new habits.

Q: I have near-constant ringing in my ears; what could be causing this?

A: Ever wondered why your ears might be ringing all the time? It's not just because someone is talking about you! This persistent ringing could be a sign of a condition called tinnitus.

Tinnitus is the perception of sound(s) from the ears and/or within the head. While it is mostly described as a high-pitched ringing or buzzing sound, it can be perceived in various ways. The intensity, tonality, and presentation also vary from one person to the next.

So, how long can tinnitus last? We spoke with audiologist Melanie Hecker, founder of Bluemoth Hearing, about this condition as well as a new program from Mahana Therapeutics that can help provide relief to tinnitus sufferers. Read it here.

Women's Health In The Wild:

From social posts to podcasts to products we're loving, here's the latest in women's health & fertility:

Lastly, painful sex, yeast infections, STIs, contraception, and low sex drive. These are just some of the many sexual health topics that have long been considered taboo. This *needs* to change.

In this week’s episode of From First Period To Last Period, I sit down with Dr. Priya Maseelall of RGI Fertility in Ohio to discuss common intimacy issues couples face when trying to conceive (and what to do about them). Because you're not the only one whose partner has trouble performing during ovulation. Listen here!

xo,

Kristyn

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