Latest news with #menstrualcycle
Forbes
2 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Garmin Ditches Screens For Dedicated Sleep Tracking Wearable
Garmin Index Sleep Monitor Sleep tracking is hugely popular these days, and Garmin is out to cater for just that audience with the Garmin Index Sleep Monitor. Quite a departure from Garmin's Forerunner and Fenix watches, the Index Sleep Monitor is a screen-free device worn around the upper arm, and is only meant to be attached when you go to sleep. While the Garmin Index Sleep Monitor initially appears to have little in common with a Garmin watch, plenty of the stats on offer here are shared with the brand's watch series. Each night you'll get a sleep score, out of 100, and see a graph that outlines the stages of sleep you were in as the hours rolled by. That's deep, light, REM and awake. Garmin's algorithms are pretty good at noticing when you're under the weather, or drank enough alcohol to affect your sleep quality. The Garmin Index Sleep Monitor will report your breathing rate, skin temperature and blood oxygenation. Skin temperature readings are also used to power menstrual cycle tracking, including estimates as to when you will begin ovulation. Similarly, from heart rate data, the Garmin Index Sleep Monitor can extrapolate stress scores. And the entire breadth of stats will feed into Body Battery, one of Garmin's most engaging stats. A conventional optical heart rate reader harvests metrics Body Battery looks into how worn out your Garmin thinks you are. One of the interesting elements to see in the Index Sleep Monitor is how useful the Body Battery and stress scores will be, in the context of a band you only wear overnight. Stress? Most of us reach the peak of our stress levels while awake, and the Body Battery feature usually is only useful when your Garmin is worn all the time. It sounds like Garmin is primarily pitching Body Battery for those who also own a Garmin watch, and just don't want to wear it overnight. 'Users who wear a compatible smartwatch while awake can get a more complete picture of their energy levels—day and night,' says Garmin. Garmin Index Sleep Monitor comes in two sizes The Garmin Index Sleep Monitor also features its own version of one of Garmin's latest features, smart wake. This uses a vibrate motor to wake you up when you're in a sleep stage that won't leave you feeling groggy. But it works within a window, so you won't be late for work because of it either. 'Wearing this smart sleep band every night can provide in-depth sleep insights and a more complete picture of fitness and recovery so users can wake up ready to seize the day,' says Susan Lyman, Garmin's Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing. As with heart rate chest straps like the Garmin HRM 600, the brain module of the Garmin Index Sleep Monitor can be removed, letting you safely wash the strap. It's made of a stretchy fabric that is 70% nylon and 30% spandex. Garmin says you'll be able to use the tracker for a week before needing to recharge the battery, based on eight hours of sleep a night. The Garmin Index Sleep Monitor comes in two sizes, costs $169.99. It's currently listed as available in '3-5 weeks' on the U.S. Garmin store.
Health Line
3 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
What Causes White Discharge Before Your Period?
Vaginal discharge is the body's way of protecting the vagina from infections, and it can look different throughout your menstrual cycle. However, white discharge can have several other causes, as well. You may produce around a teaspoon of thick or thin, odorless mucus daily, and the color can change from white to clear to brown throughout your menstrual cycle. Your hormone levels can affect the color and consistency of this discharge. Learn more about why you might see white discharge before your period. What is white discharge? Discharge keeps the tissues in your vagina healthy and lubricated. The white discharge you may see before your period is known as leukorrhea. It's filled with fluid and cells that are being shed from the vagina and may even look slightly yellow at times. This part of your menstrual cycle is called the luteal phase. It's when the hormone progesterone peaks in your body. When estrogen is the dominant hormone, discharge tends to be clear, stretchy, or watery. Progesterone, on the other hand, turns it cloudy or white. Some people use discharge as a way to track potential fertility. This is known as a natural family planning strategy, or fertility awareness method. Thin, stretchy mucus is considered an indicator of your fertile window, as it happens around the time when your egg may be released. White, thick discharge occurs outside of your fertile window. That makes sense, as you most often see this type of mucus when you're no longer fertile, between ovulation and the start of your period. What else can cause white discharge before your period? While white discharge before your period can indicate typical reproductive system functioning, it can also have other triggers. Some may be nothing to worry about. But any discharge with a strong smell, a particularly thick texture, or irritation can be a symptom of an infection. Here are some other potential causes to consider. Birth control Birth control changes your hormone levels, which can lead to more discharge, particularly if your contraceptive contains estrogen. Pregnancy More discharge before your period is due can be an early indicator of pregnancy. That's because estrogen levels are high when you first become pregnant. It can be hard to tell this apart from your regular discharge, but it usually appears white or slightly yellow and may be sticky. Other indicators of early pregnancy include: missed period aching breast or chest tissue nausea tiredness needing to urinate more often Sexually transmitted infection (STI) Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis are the STIs most likely to cause changes to your usual discharge. Chlamydia and trichomoniasis discharge may look white. However, along with gonorrhea discharge, they can also cause it to appear yellow or green. With chlamydia and gonorrhea, you may also experience other symptoms, such as: pelvic pain bleeding between periods and after penetrative vaginal sex pain when urinating Trichomoniasis can also cause irritation around the vagina and pain when urinating or having penetrative vaginal sex. Discharge associated with this STI may have a fishy smell, too. However, it's common for STIs to occur with no symptoms at all. Yeast infection (candidiasis) A yeast infection can also cause white discharge. Symptoms of a yeast infection can include: thick, white discharge that looks like cottage cheese itching and burning sensations in the vagina Antibiotic use, birth control pills, and pregnancy can all increase the risk of this common infection. Symptoms may be most noticeable right before you get your period, as the same hormonal changes that trigger a period can lead to a yeast imbalance in the vagina. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an infection that occurs when the natural balance of bacteria in your vagina changes. Some risk factors that may increase your risk of BV include: being sexually active having a new sexual partner having an IUD using scented products in or around your vagina douching Discharge from BV tends to have a fishy smell, be gray or white, and look thin or watery. But half of the people affected have no symptoms. What discharge to expect throughout your cycle Vaginal discharge usually changes throughout your menstrual cycle. This can include: After your period: Dryness is common in the three to four days after your period ends. Follicular phase: After that, you may experience three to five days of white, cloudy, or sticky discharge. This occurs during the follicular phase when an egg is developing. Ovulation: During ovulation, it's common to have lots of clear, stretchy, or watery discharge. This 'egg white' discharge is thin and slippery, which is extremely helpful to sperm traveling to the waiting egg. After ovulation: Following ovulation, white discharge returns again as progesterone takes over as the primary hormone. You may see more of it than you do earlier in your cycle. But the amount slowly declines until it becomes thicker and stickier, almost like glue. On average, this mucus lasts for 11 to 14 days. Before your period: The mucus right before your period may also look yellow. In the days after your period, you may also have brown discharge, which is usually old blood leaving your body. Spotting with blood or brown discharge around the time of your expected period may be an indicator of implantation in early pregnancy. If your period's late and you see spotting, it's a good idea to take a home pregnancy test. When to talk with a healthcare professional Discharge may be nothing to worry about before your period, particularly if it's clear, white, sticky, or slippery. But there are also times when your discharge may be due to an underlying health condition. For example, a thick white discharge accompanied by itching may mean you have a yeast infection. Yellow or green discharge may also mean infection, such as BV. It's best to talk with a healthcare professional if you're experiencing: pain, burning, or other discomfort in and around the vagina rash or sores with or without discharge cottage cheese-like or frothy discharge strong or fishy vaginal odor bleeding between periods or after sex Some STIs can also affect discharge and lead to serious health complications, such as infertility, if left untreated. If you notice a change, it's best to talk with a healthcare professional as soon as possible. At your appointment, they may ask questions about your symptoms, medical history, and general lifestyle, including any products you use near or in your vaginal area. They'll also likely perform a pelvic examination and swab your vagina, testing the discharge then and there or sending it to a lab for more complex testing. If vaginal discharge has an underlying cause, you may need treatment. Treatment may involve a combination of antibiotics and lifestyle changes, but the treatment depends on the underlying cause. The bottom line Vaginal discharge is natural throughout the menstrual cycle. However, other health issues, such as infections, can affect the color, texture, and even the smell of the discharge. Monitoring what it usually looks like can help you quickly notice any changes needing medical attention. If you may have an infection, it's best to talk with a healthcare professional. They may recommend testing to determine the source of your discharge. Once they know the underlying cause, they can recommend treatment.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Millions of women live life by their menstrual cycle – including when they exercise & what they wear, study shows
A NEW tool tells women the best days of the month to exercise, go on a date, get dressed up for a party, and perform well at work. The calculator has been designed to determine when they will be at their best at different points in their monthly cycle. 1 The nifty asset allows women to input their usual length of cycle and date of last period, before plotting out exactly when they should do – or avoid – certain activities. It has been pulled together by natural period pain supplement monthlies, on the back of its research of 5,000 women in the UK. The findings show millions of women are governed by their menstrual cycle – and its pattern determines when they exercise, how they feel, and what they wear. It emerged 51 per cent feel controlled by their periods – to the extent 32 per cent say it dictates when they have sex, and 21 per cent what and when they eat. Socialising (23 per cent), sleep (20 per cent) and even when to commit to an important meeting (11 per cent) are among the things women plan around their time of the month. The study, by natural period pain supplement brand monthlies, found 54 per cent of those who experience period pain can pinpoint the exact days in the month it will occur. While 91 per cent experience ovulation pain mid-month – with discomfort when the ovaries release the egg felt around days 14 and 15 – with 63 per cent feeling this for more than two days. The average sufferer will also experience bloating for just over seven days of the month. And just seven per cent of lucky women claim to feel balanced and 'normal' for their entire monthly cycle. A spokeswoman for monthlies, which is designed to help with menstrual symptoms and cycle throughout the month, said: 'While this research gives us an 'average' picture of what the monthly cycle can look like, we know every single woman has their own unique set of experiences when it comes to having periods. Ex-Love Islander on what really happens when they get their period in tiny bikinis & the trick that DIDN'T work for her 'And while pain is more commonly felt the few days of bleeding, and at the mid-month point, this is not the case for everyone. 'Every woman needs to learn about their own period journey and work out what works best for them in terms of how to manage their period pain, as well as when to get the best out of themselves personally, professionally and socially.' Women generally do try to stay active for the majority of the month, including when they are on their period (44 per cent) and during ovulation (60 per cent). However, moods can fluctuate throughout the monthly cycle for two thirds of those polled, and six in 10 (59 per cent) often notice differences in their energy levels. Sleep, hunger, and productivity can also vary across the four week cycle. However, on the plus side, the research has highlighted that days 11 to 15 in the average woman's monthly cycle is when they feel the best, have the most energy and the most confidence. These days are also cited as those which are best to take a shopping trip, go out for the evening and feel nicest in clothing. With day 12 voted the best for having sex for the average person experiencing periods polled via OnePoll. The spokeswoman for added: 'Having a period isn't all bad, in fact at times it can be empowering, and depending on what our hormones are doing and when, we can often feel great. 'It's all about learning about your own body, what it responds to, how to look after it and realising that everyone is different.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Millions of women say their menstrual cycle dictates what they wear
Millions of women admit they are governed by their menstrual cycle – and its pattern determines when they exercise, how they feel, and what they wear. A report of 5,000 women in the UK discovered 51 per cent feel controlled by their periods – to the extent 32 per cent say it dictates when they have sex, and 21 per cent what and when they eat. Socialising (23 per cent), sleep (20 per cent) and even when to commit to an important meeting (11 per cent) are among the things women plan around their time of the month. The study [ by natural period pain supplement brand monthlies, found 54 per cent of those who experience period pain can pinpoint the exact days in the month it will occur. While 91 per cent experience ovulation pain mid-month – with discomfort when the ovaries release the egg felt around days 14 and 15 – with 63 per cent feeling this for more than two days. The average sufferer will also experience bloating for just over seven days of the month. And just seven per cent of lucky women claim to feel balanced and 'normal' for their entire monthly cycle. A spokeswoman for monthlies, which is designed to help with menstrual symptoms and cycle throughout the month, said: 'Every woman needs to learn about their own period journey and work out what works best for them in terms of how to manage their period pain, as well as when to get the best out of themselves personally, professionally and socially.'
Health Line
12-06-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Stress Can Cause Spotting — Here's Why It Happens and What to Do
Stress can spike cortisol levels, disrupting the body's production of sex hormones like estrogen. This can result in spotting and other menstrual changes. Spotting generally occurs as small droplets of blood in your underwear or as a pink, red, or brown tinge in your discharge. 'The color of your spotting is determined by the amount of time that's passed since the blood was released from the lining of the uterus,' says Jane van Dis, MD, OB-GYN, a medical advisor with menstrual company FLEX. It typically occurs on either side of your menstrual period (before your period starts in earnest or after you think it has ended), but it can happen at any point in your monthly cycle. Keep reading to learn more about how stress affects your menstrual cycle and how to manage it. How stress affects your menstrual cycle High stress levels can prompt your endocrine system to release stress hormones, including cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by your adrenal glands. The entire endocrine system is connected, and increased cortisol can have a ripple effect. When cortisol levels rise, both estrogen and testosterone can decrease. Likewise, fluctuating sex hormones can also affect your stress levels. An unexpected change in your estrogen levels can disrupt your menstrual cycle, resulting in spotting, missed menstruation, or other irregularities. 'Anything that impacts you as a person has the potential to impact the menstrual cycle and therefore cause spotting,' explains reproductive health specialist Felice Gersh, MD, author of 'PCOS SOS: A Gynecologist's Lifeline To Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones, and Happiness.' The stress may contribute to spotting if you recently experienced a life change. Causes can include changes like: a breakup moving increasing work responsibilities or losing your job a recent diagnosis, whether your own or a loved one's Stress-induced spotting is usually accompanied by other symptoms of stress, including: difficulty sleeping difficulty concentrating changes in appetite generalized fatigue muscle aches digestive upset sexual dysfunction Illnesses can also cause physical stress that may have a similar effect. How to manage stress-related spotting 'Spotting, by its name, implies that an individual is releasing a smaller amount of blood than they would during their period,' says van Dis. A panty liner should be enough to protect your underwear. If you choose to free-bleed (menstruating without blocking or collecting menstrual blood) and end up staining your underwear, blood-removal tips can help. However, if you are bleeding so much that you need a sanitary pad or tampon to catch the blood, it is likely too much to be considered spotting. You may have another type of vaginal bleeding. If the bleeding isn't from stress or your menstrual period, it's best to talk with a healthcare professional about your symptoms. Other causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding can include: pregnancy or miscarriage a growth in your uterus or cervix hormone imbalance medication changes an infection breakthrough bleeding Cycle-related changes also occur with perimenopause. This is the phase that precedes menopause. Managing stress to prevent stress-related menstrual changes Managing your overall stress levels can help reduce stress-related spotting. 'You could incorporate meditation, journaling, grounding, or nature walking into your routine,' says Gersh. Other stress reduction methods she recommends include: physical therapy massage therapy acupuncture from a licensed practitioner for myofascial release therapy, deep tissue massage, or another form of bodywork Prioritizing your overall health can also help you manage your stress levels. That means: drinking enough water eating nutrient-dense meals monitoring caffeine intake getting regular physical activity limiting alcohol, nicotine, and other substance use If you continue to feel stressed, less focused, or more irritable than usual, it may be time to talk with a mental health professional. The right therapist can help you deduce the root of your stress and give you tools to manage it. When to consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional 'If you have a regular period and this is your first time spotting, you'd be wise to rule out pregnancy as the underlying cause if there's a chance that you could be pregnant,' says Gersh. You can find out if you're pregnant by taking an at-home pregnancy test 10 or more days after you last had vaginal intercourse with a person who produces sperm. You can also ask a healthcare professional to order a blood test, which can usually detect pregnancy a few days earlier. If this is the first time you've ever spotted and there's no chance you're pregnant, Gersh says it's probably OK to assume that stress, or some other lifestyle change, is the cause. But if you're experiencing other unusual symptoms or bodily changes, she recommends consulting a healthcare professional. Frequently asked questions What does stress spotting look like? Spotting usually looks like light bleeding in your underwear. It can be pink, red, or brown and may occur with other discharge. It's typically a small amount (enough that you could use a pantyliner but not need a pad or a tampon). Spotting usually looks like light bleeding in your underwear. It can be pink, red, or brown and may occur with other discharge. It's typically a small amount (enough that you could use a pantyliner but not need a pad or a tampon). What can trigger spotting? Some possible triggers for light bleeding between periods can include stress, changing or skipping hormonal birth control, rough sex, or implantation bleeding due to pregnancy. If you have more than a small amount of blood, there could be another cause. Some possible triggers for light bleeding between periods can include stress, changing or skipping hormonal birth control, rough sex, or implantation bleeding due to pregnancy. If you have more than a small amount of blood, there could be another cause. Why am I only spotting when I wipe? If you only notice blood when you wipe after urinating, you may want to get checked out for other causes of bleeding, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can cause blood in your urine.
