This is an interesting article from NY Post: https://nypost.com/2025/04/10/health/this-game-changer-tampon-had-a-3000-person-waitlist/?utm_source
Waitlist for tampons!! Crazy
Top recommendations from OBGYN: https://www.health.com/mind-body/best-organic-tampons

What to Look For in a Good Organic Tampon:
100% certified organic cotton (core and cover)
No synthetic rayon, dyes, fragrances, or chlorine bleaching
BPA-free or plant-based applicator (or none at all)
Biodegradable options for eco-conscious users
Transparent ingredient labeling

Hope this helps.

Endometrial ablation can definitely be an option for women who are done having kids and just don’t want to deal with periods anymore. It’s often used for heavy or bothersome bleeding when other treatments haven’t worked (or aren’t a good fit).
Recovery: Usually pretty quick — mild cramping or spotting for a few days, but most are back to normal activities within 24–48 hours.
A few things to know:
It’s not for anyone wanting future pregnancies (pregnancy after ablation can be dangerous).
It doesn’t fix hormone imbalances or endometriosis.
There’s a small risk of complications like infection or scar tissue.
Some women experience pain or bleeding later down the line (though not super common).

Also — just a heads up — insurance usually requires a medical reason to cover it, like documented heavy bleeding. They often want to see that other treatments were tried first (like hormonal options or IUDs), or that there’s a reason they’re not appropriate for you.

Other options to consider if you’re just over it:
Hormonal IUDs (like Mirena) — can stop or lighten periods for years.
Continuous birth control (pill, ring, patch).
Functional or integrative care — addressing root hormone imbalances to ease bleeding naturally, especially in perimenopause.

Hope that helps!

Put A Cup In It is such a great resource — the quiz really helped me, too. I actually stopped using my cup for a while because it became uncomfortable, but after retaking the quiz and finding a better fit, I’m planning to give it another go.

Like others have said, there’s definitely a learning curve — especially getting the seal just right. It’s totally normal to need a backup pad at first until you get the hang of it.

And yes, if you have an IUD, it’s important to check in with your GYN before using a cup. There is a small risk of IUD displacement, especially in the first 6–12 weeks after insertion, so it’s worth getting guidance on string length and proper removal technique.

Hope that helps — it’s worth sticking with it if you can find the right fit
https://putacupinit.com/

You're right that most insurance plans won’t cover a screening mammogram before age 40 unless there are significant risk factors (like a strong family history or genetic concerns).

However, if you're experiencing symptoms like breast pain, a lump, or changes, your provider can order a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound, which are more detailed and typically do get covered — because they’re considered medically necessary.

Always worth checking with your provider to advocate for the right imaging based on what’s going on with your body.

Great question—From a holistic and functional medicine perspective, bowel movements are a key indicator of how well your digestion, detoxification, hydration, nervous system, and overall metabolism are working together.
So, how often is "normal"? The general range is 1–3 times per day, ideally effortless, well-formed, and complete. Here is a great chart about what your poop is telling you: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/bristol-stool-scale#chart
Going less than once every 24–36 hours can be a sign of sluggish digestion or underlying imbalance (even if it's always been your “normal”).
More than 3 times daily, especially if loose or urgent, may indicate inflammation, food sensitivity, gut dysbiosis, or stress response.
Tips to Keep Things Moving:
Hydration is key: Aim for half your body weight in ounces of water daily. Warm lemon water in the morning can gently stimulate digestion.
Fiber diversity: Include a variety of fiber-rich foods: veggies, flax, chia, berries, beans, whole grains (if tolerated). Soluble and insoluble fiber help bulk and move stool.
Movement = movement. Regular exercise and walking stimulate intestinal motility.
Magnesium citrate or glycinate can relax the bowel and support regularity. Also, magnesium-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, leafy greens, avocado) help!
Relax to digest. Digestion is parasympathetic (rest & digest). Chronic stress, rushing meals, or eating on the go can shut things down. Try deep breathing before meals.
Support the microbiome. Fermented foods, prebiotics (like garlic, onions, asparagus), and possibly a probiotic can help balance gut flora and improve motility.
Tune in to food triggers. Dairy, gluten, sugar, or highly processed foods can contribute to sluggish or erratic bowels for some people.
Consistent routines. Try to eat meals at similar times and establish a daily “potty pause”—especially in the morning, to sync with your natural rhythm. And try not to miss you poop window.

If bowel patterns are outside the ideal range or changing without clear cause, it’s worth diving deeper. Hormones, thyroid function, gut flora, or food sensitivities can all play a role.

This is a tough one for sure. One resource I often recommend is the book Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski. I’ve had patients (and their partners!) read it together. It talks about "accelerators" (things that turn you on) and "decelerators" (things that turn you off), and how everyone’s balance is different. Understanding this can make such a difference in intimacy — it’s not about fixing something, it’s about getting to know your own wiring better.