Betterdays
Period and pelvic wellness, science, stories, and more.
Debunking Myths About Period Pain: What’s Normal and When to See a Doctor
I remember the first time I experienced excruciating period pain. I was in my early twenties, sitting at my desk at work, trying to power through what I thought was just a "bad period." I kept telling myself it was normal—periods are supposed to hurt, right? Little did I know, my severe pain was far from typical and a sign that something more was going on.
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Understanding Bowel Endometriosis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Day-to-Day Management
Endometriosis strikes again with a plot twist; one-third of individuals who have endometriosis will experience endo in their bowels. For some, this may be a surprise, as many associate this chronic systemic inflammatory condition contained outside the uterus and ovaries. However, lesions, made up of endometrial tissue, have been found to grow on every part of the body. According to this 2018 review, after the genital organs, the bowel is the most common location for endometrial-like tissue to grow.
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The Connection Between Gut Health and Menstrual Pain: What You Need to Know
Gut health plays a pivotal role in overall wellness, and its impact on menstrual pain is an area gaining attention. While menstrual pain is a genuine issue on it’s own, it can sometimes be exacerbated by gut health—who knew?!
Research shows that the state of your gut can directly influence the intensity of period pain. Hormonal fluctuations throughout your menstrual cycle can affect gut motility and sensitivity, often leading to increased discomfort during menstruation. Understanding this connection can help you manage period pain more effectively and improve your overall menstrual health.
Surviving Your Period With A Chronic Illness
Chronic illness baddies know the drill: one good day doesn’t guarantee the next. Sometimes, a good week is followed by two rough ones. It’s a game of living day-to-day, discovering, responding to, and managing all kinds of symptoms that can arise.
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7 min read
Comprehensive Guide to Menstrual Disorders: Understanding What They Mean
For many, the monthly cycle is just another part of life, but for others, it’s a source of discomfort and confusion. Understanding menstrual disorders is crucial for recognizing when something isn’t quite right and seeking appropriate care.
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5 min read
Endometriosis and Mental Health: Coping Strategies and Support Resources
Living with endometriosis within a society that primarily prioritizes high levels of production accompanied by an overall disregard for chronic pain, is a difficult journey for many. A recent meta-analysis of studies of people with endometriosis found that more than two-thirds (68 percent) of individuals had mild or psychological stress.
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4 min read
The Best Supplements for Endometriosis
Supplements with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-proliferative, and immune modulatory effects show benefits for reducing the severity of symptoms and occasionally even the progression of endometriosis.
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4 min read
Magnesium for Pain and Inflammation Management: A Guide to Easing Period Pain
Magnesium has become the "it girl" of minerals recently and for a good reason. You know that feeling you get after swimming in the ocean? That relaxed, blissful sensation is partly due to the magnesium in seawater, which your body absorbs through your skin.
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3 min read
Understanding PMS: Symptoms, Causes, and Natural Treatment Options
PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, affects 3 out of 4 menstruators, yet it’s often misunderstood and stigmatized. Have you ever been asked, "Are you PMSing?" or told “Maybe it’s just PMS” when you’re feeling emotional? Because, same. These are dismissive and all too common remarks that belittle a legitimate, and frequent, health condition.
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4 min read
How Chronic Pain Affects Other Areas of Your Life: Insights, Solutions, and Coping Strategies for Better Living
When I accepted that I’d likely be living with chronic pain for the rest of my life, I began to see how unsustainable my life had been for so long. Yes, I was able to do it all – but that doesn’t mean that I should have had to. I didn’t want to keep living this kind of life – and my body wouldn’t let me. I had to make some changes
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