Periods 101
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5 great menstruation books to make you an expert on all things periods
School Sex-Ed might not have prepared us fully for the red road ahead so we have rounded up 5 of our favourite books about all things periods and menstruation.
1. Hormonal: How Hormones Drive Desire, Shape Relationships, and Make Us Wiser
Author: Martie Haselton
Review: Martie Haselton, one of the worlds leading experts on sexual and reproductive health, combines the power of scientific research and playful writing to create a book that provides its reader with an understanding of hormonal intelligence, an entertaining read and most importantly a deep understanding of the menstrual cycle and the role it has to play in our broader endocrine system. We have evolved to be the human beings we are today through constant adaption to our environment, the menstrual cycle protects and ensures the continuation of the human race, by reading this book you will understand just how critical it is to our very survival. This is the book to read if you want to learn what to track, and more about your biological processes that control some of your behaviours. Female biology is amazing, read this book to find out just how amazing it really is!
2. The Vagina Bible: The vulva and the vagina - separating the myth from the medicine
Author: Dr. Jennifer Gunter
Review: If you really want to understand how your intimate parts work and why, this is the book for you. Dr Gunter is a world renowned gynaecologist, a New York Times columnist covering women’s health, an author, and a specialist in chronic pain medicine and vulvovaginal disorders. In a world of misinformation, Dr Gunter debunks myth after myth that you would not believe you have taken for granted all this time. In a world drenched in patriarchy and misogyny, women need an outlet to obtain the essential information to be empowered and not held back by their menstrual cycle - this book is a large part of the answer. Whilst Dr Gunter is strongly opinionated, she provides scientific evidence for her statements, debunking pseudoscience and incorrect views entrenched through celebrity endorsements. From reproductive health to sex and the impact of antibiotics and probiotics, this book is as informative as it is entertaining. Appropriately named, this is a bible that will serve you well as you navigate all stages of life.
3. Wild Power: Discover the Magic of Your Menstrual Cycle and Awaken the Feminine Path to Power
Author: Alexandra Pope, Sjanie Hugo Wurlitzer
Review: The menstrual cycle is one of the most important systems within the female body, impacting our biological, psychological and social wellbeing. For too long, we have not had the information provided to us in an understandable format that allows us to be able to live not only comfortably but empowered by our cycle. Wild power explores the spiritual connection and emotional drivers behind the menstrual cycle. This is an easy read, you will be hooked from the beginning to the end and it would not surprise me if you read this book in one weekend. This book is an exploration of your feminine power, a power that for many they didn't know they had. Get a cup of tea (or coffee), enjoy the humour and practicality of this book. Get ready to realise your power!
4. Period Repair Manual: Natural Treatment for Better Hormones and Better Periods
Author: Lara Briden ND
Review: Period repair manual is a perfect guide to using natural treatments to enhance menstrual wellbeing. Laura explores nutritional supplements, herbal remedies and bioidentical hormones in a bid to convince the reader that the answer is not always clinical. This book explores the natural remedies that are available to us to live more in sync with our cycles. We live in a world full of synthetics where the long term implications of these medicines and treatments are far from understood. Period repair manual is certainly not an effort to debunk the radical innovations within womens health but to provide alternative methods to those who would prefer more natural means. Throughout the book, you will explore natural contraception, obtain a greater understanding of the natural variations in period flow, get a clear understanding of when to take action and learn new treatment pathways for chronic conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis. Laura Briden is a naturopathic doctor with greater than 20 years of experience in women's health and runs her own hormonal clinic tackling PCOS, PMS and endometriosis so you are in good hands.
5. It’s about bloody time. Period
Author: Emma Barnett
Review: Emma Barnett epitomises the feminist movement to redefine the language and stigma that exists around menstruation. This book embodies this movement and promotes the love one should have for their period. Your menstrual cycle is what allows you to live and to create life, don't be revolted or let anyone tell you that you should be! Emma clearly states her loathing of her period but cannot believe the lack of education and open conversation that exists around the topic - she hates this even more! The book is comical, honest and radically transparent, challenging the stigma that has existed among us for centuries. Emma draws on female experiences and anecdotes that will make you laugh your socks off, cry and most definitely ruffle your nose in a blunt and funny masterpiece that smashes the ridiculous taboo that most of us cant believe exists in the 21st century!
6. You Can Have a Better Period
We like to break rules, so here is a cheeky number 6. This long-awaited book from Le’Nise Brothers has got us very excited indeed! It’s out March 8th but you CAN pre-order so we recommend you place your order now! Why add this to your reading list? Navigating your periods and understanding your body can be an overwhelming experience at the best of times. In this practical, friendly and effective guide Le’Nise explains each stage of the menstrual cycle backed with easily digestible scientific research and evidence based approaches to make long-lasting and sustainable changes to your menstrual health. You can order your copy here
Mooncup products are built to support you to personalise your period to your flow, life stage and lifestyle, taking huge inspiration from these wonderful thought leaders and authors pushing through menstrual stigma. We reject toxic ingredients & toxic language to create beautiful period care that empowers you from puberty to menopause. Check out our full range of compostable organic cotton Eco-Applicator Tampons, Naked Tampons®, Panty Liners & Pads with Wings, as well as our Reusable Range of Period Pants & Menstrual Cups and our new remüvie™ Intimate Stain Remover to support you through accidental leaks & stains.
