Can You Trust an Expired Pregnancy Test? / How To Know if Your Period is Irregular / The Truth About Metals in Tampons??
Hi friend!
When news broke that researchers identified the presence of lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals in tampons, panic broke out — understandably. After all, many women go through thousands of tampons throughout their lives, and they’re literally inserting them into their vaginas. It's a terrifying prospect.?
But it may not need to be — because while the study did establish that tampons had measurable concentrations of the 16 heavy metals that were assessed in this particular research, it did not prove that these metals can actually make their way from the tampons into a user’s body.??
Shortly after the study in question was published in Environment International, experts began sharing their views on social media. And while the fear-mongering had already begun, these expert takes offered a comforting bit of context. Learn more.
What's New: How To Know if Your Period Is Irregular
If you've ever wondered whether your period was normal, then you're not alone.?14 to 25% of women have irregular menstrual cycles. But what does that mean, exactly? ? According to Dr. Heather Jones, a board-certified OB/GYN, a normal menstrual cycle is defined as a period every 21-35 days lasting up to 7 days. "As OB/GYNs, we define a normal flow as less than 80 mL (think of 5-6 tablespoons)," she says. "Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is bleeding outside of normal volume, frequency, volume, and number of days."?
To help provide further clarity, we tapped the experts to learn more about the five types of abnormal menstruation and when you should see a doctor for evaluation and treatment. Read it here.
What's Trending: Can You Trust an Expired Pregnancy Test?
When you're pregnant, your body begins producing human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), commonly known as "the pregnancy hormone," shortly after the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall.
Home pregnancy tests are designed to?detect this hormone in your urine using antibodies that bind to hCG molecules. When these antibodies detect hCG, they trigger a chemical reaction that produces a visible result — usually in the form of a line, plus sign, or digital readout indicating "Pregnant" or "Not Pregnant."
These tests have revolutionized the way women can monitor their reproductive health from the comfort of their own homes. However, pregnancy tests have an expiration date for a reason. While it may be tempting to use that old test you found in the back of your drawer, try to resist the urge.?Here's why.??
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Q: Can I get pregnant during perimenopause?
A:?Yes, but with some caveats. "The possibility of pregnancy [during perimenopause] is reduced and is widely dependent on whether there is regular ovulation,” says Anushka Chelliah, M.D., a board-certified maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Pediatrix Medical Group in Houston, Texas.
“During perimenopause, or in women of advanced maternal age, particularly after 40 years old, ovarian reserve decreases, and ovulatory cycles may not be as frequent,” she explains. "Therefore, the likelihood of pregnancy drops significantly."
Still, perimenopause doesn’t equal menopause, and if you’re still ovulating, that means pregnancy is possible. Learn more.
Q: How do you know if you're ready to TTC again after a loss??
A: If you’ve gone through a miscarriage, we're so sorry for your loss, and we hope you’re taking the time to grieve and process the magnitude of the situation.?
When it comes to trying again,?experts recommend abstaining from sex for up to two weeks after a miscarriage to allow your body to heal. But there is no timeline for grief, and you may find that emotional recovery takes longer than the physical recovery of losing a pregnancy.
The good news is that you don’t have to face this journey by yourself. For tips to help you mentally prepare to try to conceive again after loss,?read this.
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, in today's political climate, discussing women's health is more important than ever. From PCOS to infertility, wherever you are on your health and wellness journey head to Rescripted.com or tune into?From First Period To Last Period?for science-backed content in the voice of your best friend over brunch.?
xo,
Kristyn