If you’re on the Internet at all, you’ve almost certainly heard of semaglutide in its more common name-brand forms: Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and/or Rybelsus®.  Semaglutide is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists. It mimics the action of a naturally occurring hormone, GLP-1, which regulates blood sugar, insulin production, and appetite.  Initially approved for managing type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has gained popularity in recent years for its significant weight-loss benefits, especially for individuals who are overweight.  When coupled with exercise, this combination creates a powerful strategy to improve...

Have you ever fallen down the Reddit rabbit hole in a desperate attempt to seek answers about a medical condition? First of all, no judgment, and second of all, it’s completely understandable! Platforms like Reddit offer a sense of community for those of us trying to wrap our heads around frustrating diagnoses that can affect our fertility, like, say, PCOS.The problem with these online forums is they don’t always offer evidence-based medical advice. Sometimes, these discussions can even create more questions than answers! For example, one query that’s come up from these Reddit chats is whether...

From menstrual cramps to heavy bleeding, periods usually aren't an enjoyable experience for anyone. Not only can they be painful, but also exhausting, and frankly, annoying to deal with for days at a time. The same can be said for contracting a urinary tract infection (UTI), whether it's for the first or fifth time. But what about a combination of the two? Can having a UTI can actually mess with your period, and vice versa? We spoke with the experts about the connection between UTIs and periods, so you'll know what to look out for the...

Recently, during my standard late-night TikTok scroll, a video popped up on my feed. In it, a woman seemed to speak directly to me, saying: “You’re not ugly, you just have cortisol face.” Bold messaging, but okay. Since then, “cortisol face’ has continued to cross my feeds. The term is all over social media. If we’re being honest, it smacks of Internet wellness talk, which often…well, isn’t necessarily rooted in science or fact. The term “cortisol face” feels new, but online chatter about cortisol is definitely not. People on social media often talk about doing things...

One in seven women in the U.S. suffers from chronic pelvic pain, a condition that is often questioned, misdiagnosed, or dismissed altogether, especially if the person hasn’t mustered the courage to discuss it. Elizabeth's* experience is a reflection of this struggle. Overcoming vaginismus: Elizabeth's story As a teenager, Elizabeth tried using tampons but found it impossible to insert them. “I was having panic attacks with heart palpitations, racing thoughts, and shaky limbs,” she recalls. “This was my first signal that something was different. I questioned my anatomy, wondering if I even had the ‘right parts,’ despite...

Your period is at it again. Debilitating cramps, heavy bleeding, complete exhaustion, and nothing seems to help. If you’re starting to wonder if something more than a “bad period” could be to blame, these are just some of the common — and super frustrating — symptoms of endometriosis and adenomyosis. These two misunderstood (and often misdiagnosed) conditions can wreak havoc on your cycle, fertility, and overall well-being.  “Both endometriosis and adenomyosis can be difficult to diagnose, and for many women, the diagnosis is never made,” says Bruce Lessey, MD, PhD, a reproductive endocrinologist & infertility specialist...

If you’ve spent time on social media recently, you’ve probably heard the word “colostrum” — a lot.  From people putting it in their smoothies or coffees, to your favorite influencer sharing an ad, colostrum is certainly trending online right now. According to the Internet, colostrum supplements, often taken in powdered form, are packed with benefits. Many claim colostrum has given their immune system a boost, fixed their gut issues, and even made their skin glow. What is colostrum, anyway? It gets even more interesting when you realize what colostrum actually is. Colostrum is the first form...

For centuries, menstrual pain has been a topic shrouded in silence and misunderstanding. Many women have struggled to articulate the intensity of their monthly discomfort — even to healthcare providers — and they are often met with dismissive attitudes, a lack of empathy, or worse: medical gaslighting. But what if there was a way to bridge this gap in understanding? Enter the period cramp simulator, a device that's sparking conversations and changing perspectives on menstrual pain. The concept is simple yet revolutionary: allow individuals who don't menstruate, particularly men, to experience a simulation of period cramps....

So, you’re finally ready to start a family: You’ve checked all of the boxes that fit into your plan, whether that’s a committed relationship or secure finances (or both!). There's nothing left to do but try to conceive!Cut to about six months later, and your at-home pregnancy tests are still negative. The last thing you had on your TTC bingo card was infertility, but here we are. There’s no sugarcoating the fact that infertility sucks, but it is quite common. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 5 (19%) of married women are unable...

At-home hormone testing kits are trending, and it’s easy to see why. These convenient kits ship right to your doorstep so you can check your hormone levels without even leaving the couch. Plus, they’re way more affordable than a trip to a fertility clinic.   While at-home testing can give you some insight into what’s going on with your hormones, knowing your levels is only one piece of the puzzle. It's about nourishing your body inside and out, taking care of your mental health, staying informed with reliable information, and building a support team that’s got your...