It’s something most women experience every month. It has been called your “friend,” “the monthly visitor” and maybe even “Aunt Flo.”  Yet, how well do you really know your period?

If you’re like most American women, the last time you learned about your menstrual periods was probably in grade school health class. Most likely, you were nervous and focused on when you would get yours and what it might be like to wear a maxi pad, instead of what all the hormones meant and what was going on in your body.

What’s Really Happening?
Since your period is actually one of the most telling signs of your reproductive health, it is important to know what is—and isn’t—happening during your reproductive cycle and period, and what’s changed since that awkward health class. We’ve designed this site to expand on knowledge you have about your reproductive cycle and give you a glimpse of some exciting new developments in women’s health, as well as clear up any confusion you may have about an aspect of women’s lives that can be unfamiliar and puzzling.

About This Site
We’ve included information on what a “normal” period is. (Short answer: no such thing since we’re all different!); we discuss how to tell if you’re fertile or pregnant; the true story behind menstrual symptoms like cramps; how oral contraceptives really work, and what all those sex hormones mean. Click here to learn more.

PLEASE CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL BEFORE USING ANY PRODUCT DISCUSSED HERE OR WITHIN ANY OF OUR OTHER WEB SITES. Promptly see a physician or qualified health care professional if you have, or suspect that you have, a medical condition. This site may contain information related to various health, medical and fitness conditions and their treatment. However, we do not offer individualized medical diagnosis or patient-specific treatment advice. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a medical condition or disease. You should always consult a physician or qualified health care professional before initiating use of any medicine or other treatment. Only a physician or qualified health care professional can determine if a product described here, or within any of our other web sites, would be appropriate for you to use. Your physician or qualified health care professional is in the best position to discuss with you the risks and benefits of any treatment, including prescription drugs, specific to your own medical condition.  
How does having your period make you feel?
Less confident than usual
More confident than usual
Having my period does not change how I feel
Other