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# Welcome to thePEP Blog!
## Hear stories from the people leading the movement to improve menstrual health.
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by  | Jan 21, 2025
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month! While this topic is not directly tied to periods, understanding the importance of the HPV vaccine is essential for teens and adults alike.
by  | Jan 3, 2025
Having a period can be scary and stressful, especially for autistic menstruators who may face unique challenges. Read what our very own Period Pro Harshini Sirvisetty has to say to learn about these challenges so that you can join us in supporting autistic menstruators and making periods easier to manage!
by  | Dec 16, 2024
We all know physical activity is very important in maintaining good health, however what happens when you’re having a period? Is it okay to sit back and relax at home? Should you be following a specific workout routine? Read more on what our very own Period Pro Lea Sarmiento has to say!
by  | Nov 25, 2024
As more people look for eco-friendly and reusable period products, menstrual cups and menstrual discs are becoming more popular. But what’s the difference between them, and how do you know which one might be right for you? Let’s break it down in an easy-to-understand way!
by  | Nov 11, 2024
Although nutrition can affect many aspects of health, including periods, it’s also important to separate fact from fiction. There are many common myths about how our dietary choices can affect period pain and discomfort. These myths, though well-intentioned, can lead to misunderstandings and unnecessary dietary restrictions. Read more as Catalina Villafane & Evelyn Heimann, Period Pros from Florida State University College of Medicine aim to break down these myths.
by  | Oct 18, 2024
It’s normal for periods to vary each month, especially in the beginning. But how can you tell if your flow is typical, or when it’s considered too heavy? Heavy menstrual bleeding actually affects about 35% of menstruators, but many times, it “runs in the family” so it’s perceived to be normal. Read on to learn the facts!
by  | Oct 3, 2024
Attending the ASPIRE conference, hosted by the national leadership team at Girls Inc., was one of the most transformative experiences I’ve had as a second-year medical student. Dana M. Awad, Period Pro from Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine at the University of Houston
by  | Sep 18, 2024
Myanna Cook, Period Pro from Indiana University School of Medicine and previous college swimmer talks about how you can still enjoy swimming while on your period.
by  | Sep 11, 2024
Have questions about PMS or PMDD? Want to understand the difference? Read this blog from our Period Pro Carson Collins from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville.
by  | Sep 5, 2024
Whether it’s cramping, nausea, low back pain, bloating, or mood changes, most people have some sort of discomfort when they’re menstruating. Heating pads, exercise, sleep, and over-the-counter medications, are well-known remedies, but what about certain foods? In this blog, Catalina and Evelyn dive into how your diet can affect period symptoms. Keep reading to learn more!
by  | Aug 3, 2024
Imagine your body as a beautiful garden, normally, the flowers (tissue) stay in the flower beds (uterus) but with endometriosis, some of those flowers start growing in the wrong places, like on the sidewalk or even inside the house! Read on to learn more from Period Pro Sion Yu.
by  | Jul 18, 2024
I have a hairy body. Is that normal? How can I remove unwanted body hair? What about pubic hair? When is a lot of body hair not normal?
These are all very good questions! Read more as Period Pro, Harshini Sirvisetty answers these questions!
by  | Jun 18, 2024
Vaginal discharge is not a common topic of conversation due to the long-standing stigma and taboo that is attached to the female body. However, half of the world’s population experiences discharge on most days during the reproductive years, so there are a lot of people who can benefit from honest and accurate information about it.
by  | May 20, 2024
In March 2024, the PEP Team and Period Pro’s had the chance to attend Girls Inc. of New York City’s annual Elevate Her Essence Conference in Brooklyn, New York. Read more about the PEP Rally they hosted and Period Pro’s experiences!
by  | Apr 4, 2024
The Lotus Initiative addresses identified knowledge gaps and educational exposure to comprehensive reproductive health such as: menstrual health, sexual health, and safe relationship education. It aims to reduce menstrual stigma and improve access to safe period protection through the provision of community-centered education. Learn more about it and the impact Kayla Shine and other Pro’s are having in their community!
by  | Mar 22, 2024
Have you ever wondered about the warning on your box of tampons, or felt hesitant to use menstrual products because you’ve heard they might cause you harm? One such concern you may have heard of is Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Let’s delve into what TSS is and how it relates to menstrual products like tampons.
by  | Feb 1, 2024
Nora Albibi, Period Pro from Florida State University, explains the facts about using all types of period products properly and safely. Your choice of menstrual products all depends on what makes you feel confident and comfortable!
by  | Sep 27, 2023
Avni Ahuja, Period Pro from Emory University School of Medicine explains period equity and how we can all help decrease health inequities related to menstruation.
by  | Sep 24, 2023
Kaitlyn Ellis, Period Pro from University of Louisville looks into whether organic period products are safer than non-organic.
by  | Aug 30, 2023
Period Pros table at Tampax + Family Dollar event in Chicago.
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## Our All-Time Favorite Posts
Check out some of our all-time favorite posts, where we discuss everything under the sun!
by  | Apr 7, 2023
This March marked one year since Maggie Hamberis, Director of Partnerships, joined the Period Education Project (PEP). Over the past year, PEP’s partnerships have grown significantly–adding 15 new medical school partners, hosting 32 PEP rallies, and deepening pre-existing relationships.
by  | May 4, 2022
Congratulations, PEP! This April 2022, the Period Education Project (PEP) was officially recognized as a Healthy People 2030 Champion.
by  | Jan 16, 2021
The Girlology Foundation partnered with GirlUp Greenville to host its first official student-led P.E.P. Rally. Lead Period Pros, Shakti Naidoo and Davlyn Luke, who helped develop the program,...
by  | Jan 12, 2021
“It was one of the most beautiful moments of my entire life,” Shakti recalls.
In medicine, there are so many difficult conversations. Some are sad. Some are complicated. Some are just plain awkward, especially when they involve topics that have traditionally been stigmatized...
Dr. Lonna Gordon, Adolescent Medicine Specialist and National Director of the P.E.P. recently shared this message with Period Pros. It holds true for all current and future medical students. Many...
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by  | Mar 16, 2023
Period Pros table at Girls on the Run event in Orlando, Florida.
by  | Feb 6, 2023
“I didn’t get my period this month. Am I pregnant?”
Could it be a pregnancy? Yes.
Could it be something else? Yes
by  | Nov 14, 2022
Have you heard of Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS? If you menstruate, chances are that it’s an experience you might be familiar with.
by  | Nov 9, 2022
I know that sometimes we get our period and think, \*eye roll\* “This again?” If this sounds like you, below are some “period hacks” that can hopefully make life a bit easier while you’re on your period.
by  | Nov 3, 2022
Period Pros Aliyah Simpson and Kelly Sutter are used to leading PEP rallies for pre-teens. Instead of middle school girls however, their audience on August 16 was made up of a much different demographic.
by  | Sep 28, 2022
Periods, fertility, pregnancy – how are they all related?
by  | Jul 3, 2022
Before we dive any deeper into this topic, here is the simple answer: No!
by  | May 13, 2022
What happens to your period if you get pregnant?
The short answer: it stops.
But why?
by  | May 2, 2022
Wait a second…. What is that in my underwear? Is something wrong with me??? Before you get too worried, let’s talk about what the clear-to-white-to-yellowish fluid that comes out of the vagina really is: discharge!
by  | Apr 12, 2022
By Priscilla Francois, Period Pro from University of Central Florida College of Medicine  When I began my cycle at 10 years old, my immigrant mother called my relatives back home—it was horrifying,...
By Kayla Shine, Period Pro from the Medical University of South Carolina The menstrual cycle and vaginal yeast infections aren’t always connected, but they can be. If you’ve ever had a yeast...
by  | Jan 24, 2022
By Priscilla Francois and Jocelyn Ha, Period Pros from the University of Central Florida College of Medicine What is the Period Education Project (PEP) The Period Education Project is a national...
by  | Dec 5, 2021
By Jasmine Kaur, Period Pro from the Indiana University School of Medicine Birth control is a method or device used to prevent pregnancy. Beyond pregnancy prevention, birth control is also used to...
by  | Nov 23, 2021
Have you ever noticed that you seem to get your period at the same time as your friends and family members? Or maybe your friend accused you of making her period start earlier than it was expected? I know that I have. What’s really happening when your period occurs at the same time as the people you are around the most? Is it magic? Pheromones? Coincidence?
by  | Nov 11, 2021
If you’re reading this because you experience period pain and want to know more about what is going on with your body…you are not alone!
If you think your period pain is problematic, it’s time to ask your doctor about it. Where do you start?
by  | Oct 25, 2021
When asked about the best way to give back to the community, Elevate Orlando teacher and mentor Chevarlyn Corley has her answer ready: “sharing knowledge and wisdom with youth so that they can make...
by  | May 25, 2021
This Menstrual Hygiene Day, we asked our Period Pros to share their favorite period hacks.
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# Ask a Period Pro
Have a question about menstrual health or periods?
## Ask a Period Pro:
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.What’s your question about menstrual health or periods? \**The Period Education Project does not provide personal medical advice but will answer general questions on topics related to menstrual health. All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, consult your health care provider.* Your Email (optional):Including your email is not required. But if you include it, we'll let you know when your question has been answered!Submit!
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#### ASK A PERIOD PRO
## Browse previous questions:
##### Are period cravings real?
Absolutely. We don’t really know why – probably related to hormones interacting with brain chemicals – but we know they are real. What do you crave?
##### Is there a minimum age to use a tampon?
Nope. Once you are old enough to start your period, you’re old enough to use tampons if you want to.
##### Why do people have cramps?
Cramps come from the uterus – which is a muscle – working / squeezing / contracting to help push out the menstrual period.
##### Can someone have a period for 2 days?
Yes. We say that “normal” cycle length is around 3 – 7 days, but 1-2 days may also be normal for you if that’s what you have every cycle. The main thing to look for is a change in your personal pattern.
## Take away the taboo.
Half of the world’s population menstruates, yet it remains a topic cloaked in taboo and stigma, and that affects girls’ and women’s confidence, awareness, and their willingness to explore healthy solutions.
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# Join the Movement
We are transforming menstrual health education; inspiring future doctors; closing gaps in girls’ and women’s health.
## With Your Support We Can:
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## Eliminate barriers to factual menstrual health education that is rarely covered in schools and healthcare visits
## Create better future doctors by equipping medical students with knowledge and confidence through our Period Pro training
## Support under-resourced adolescents in developing more confidence and less anxiety about their bodies and their health
## Close gaps in girls' and women's health by providing information on adolescent menstrual patterns to identify symptoms that may require medical attention for prevention and early intervention
## Reduce generational misinformation and improve communication between under-resourced youth and their supporting adults
## Lessen taboos and stigma by busting myths and normalizing menstruation