We’re all for a good acronym or TikTok hack, but sometimes you just want smart, digestible info about your period that doesn’t talk down to you (or make it all about lavender oils and pink daisies). So we’ve rounded up 26 of the most useful, interesting, and game-changing things to know about bleeding, bodies, and better care, Scarlet style. Think of it as everything they didn’t teach you in health class - but should have.
A | Adenomyosis
A commonly misdiagnosed condition where endometrial-like tissue grows into the uterine wall, causing chronic pain, bloating, and heavy, clotty periods. Often confused with endometriosis, but adeno affects the muscle of the uterus itself. Diagnosis is tricky, often only confirmed with MRI or post-hysterectomy pathology. TL;DR: if your period feels like a brick in your pelvis, get it checked.
B | Bubble Bath
Not a cure but hot damn a great self-care ritual. Our Soothing Suds is loaded with magnesium chloride to help ease muscle tension and nervous system overload during your luteal or bleeding days. Stress = worse symptoms, so yes, a good soak is a valid wellness move.
C | Cramps
Period pain shouldn’t be dismissed as “normal” if it stops you from functioning. Cramps are caused by prostaglandins, inflammatory compounds that make your uterus contract. High levels = more pain. Anti-inflammatories, magnesium, heat, and less stress can all help. So can listening to your body when it says "no thanks" to doing it all.
D | Discharge
Your vaginal discharge changes across your cycle, and that’s a good thing. Stretchy egg-white? You’re likely ovulating. Milky white? Probably post-ovulation. A healthy cycle has rhythm. Discharge that suddenly smells off, itches, or changes colour? Time to check in with your GP.
E | Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic, incurable inflammatory disease where endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, affecting 1 in 9 women and people assigned female at birth. Symptoms include pain (with periods, sex, peeing, or pooing), fatigue, and fertility issues. Early intervention matters, but most people wait 6-10 years for a diagnosis.
F | Flow
The actual volume of blood lost during a period is usually 30–40ml (about 2–3 tablespoons). More than 80ml? Clinically heavy. That’s when products overflow quickly, or you change pads/tampons every 1–2 hours. If that’s you, it’s not “just how you are”, it could be fibroids, hormonal imbalance, or something else. Worth checking out.
G | G-String Period Undies
Because period care shouldn’t mean sacrificing your style. Our G-string undies are proof you can have leak protection and keep your outfit on point. Wear with confidence (and zero VPL).
H | Heat
Your uterus is a muscle, and muscles respond to warmth. Enter rae, our wearable heat pad that delivers long-lasting, targeted relief without cords, water bottles, or clunky designs. Clinically backed? Yep. Discreet under jeans? Also yep.
I | Iron
You lose iron with every period, especially if your flow is heavy. Low iron = fatigue, dizziness, brain fog, and mood swings. If you’re constantly exhausted around your cycle, ask for a ferritin test. Bonus: eating iron-rich foods with vitamin C helps absorption.
J | Just Say No (To Pain Normalisation)
If your pain is interfering with work, school, relationships, or sleep, it’s not just “period pain.” That’s a sign of a deeper issue. Trust your pain. And never let anyone (even a doctor) dismiss it without investigation.
K | Kits > Surprises
Set yourself up before your period hits. We’re talking about emergency underwear in your glovebox, a heat pad at the ready, chocolate in the fridge, and period app reminders. You know your body, future you will thank you.
L | Luteal Phase
The 10-14 days between ovulation and your period starting. This is when PMS tends to rear its head. Progesterone is high, energy can dip, and you may feel more anxious or inward. It’s a powerful time for reflection, or gentle retreating, not forcing productivity.
M | Magnesium
This mineral is key for relaxing muscles and calming the nervous system, which is why it’s a Scarlet go-to for cramps, bloating, and tension. Our Magnesium+ Spray goes straight to the source (no pills required). Think of it as a calm-down button for your uterus and your mood.
N | Night-Time Leaks
The sleep-ruining, sheet-staining drama we’ve all dealt with. Our Boyshorts are designed with built-in absorbency zones to handle overnight flow. So you can sleep through without waking in a puddle (glamorous).
O | Ovulation Isn’t Just For Baby-Making
Ovulation triggers a rise in estrogen, boosting libido, confidence, skin clarity, and energy. It’s your “glow” week - use it how you like. If you’re not ovulating, your period isn’t truly a period (it’s a withdrawal bleed).
P | pH Balance
Menstrual blood changes the vaginal pH, which is why some people experience itching, odour, or irritation around their period. Harsh soaps only make it worse. Our Cleanser is pH-balanced and gentle enough for daily use, while powerful enough to keep things fresh.
Q | Question Everything
Especially in period care. Why are most pain products made by men? Why are cups and undies still considered “alternative”? Asking questions drives change, and you're allowed to expect better.
R | rae
She’s not just a heat pad. rae was designed from scratch by women who know what real pain feels like. Sleek, safe, wireless, and created to go with your life, not stop it.
S | Scarlet
We started with undies. Now we’re building a whole ecosystem of thoughtful period self-care: from magnesium-infused bath rituals to sustainable period gear. Designed for real people with real pain, real joy, and real lives.
T | Tracking
Your period is your fifth vital sign. Tracking your cycle helps you spot hormonal imbalances, understand your moods, and get ahead of symptoms, not just react to them. Bonus: it’s empowering AF to know your own patterns better than your doctor.
U | Uterus
The MVP of your reproductive system, and a bit of a drama queen, tbh. The uterus is where cramps come from (those contractions again), but it also responds to inflammation, stress, diet, and hormones. This means that your lifestyle impacts your period more than you might think.
V | Volume Isn’t Everything
Light periods don’t mean low hormones, and heavy ones aren’t always a problem, but sudden changes can signal something’s off. Pay attention to what’s normal for you, and don’t be afraid to get a second opinion.
W | Waste Less
Tampons and pads are convenient, but they create serious waste. If you’re ready to ditch the disposables, try period cups or undies. They’re sustainable, budget-friendly over time, and a total game-changer once you get the hang of them.
X | Xenoestrogens
Synthetic chemicals in plastics, pesticides, and beauty products mimic estrogen and may disrupt your hormones. If you’re dealing with PMS, acne, fibroids or hormonal imbalances, going low-tox (where you can) might be a helpful move.
Y | You Deserve Better
Better care. Better education. Better options. Period health is health, and you deserve support that respects that.
Z | Zinc
An underrated hero for period health. Zinc supports hormone regulation, reduces inflammation, and may even ease period pain and acne. Often overlooked in multivitamins, but absolutely worth paying attention to.
