How Julie Moulder is Fixing Period Self-Care for Good

Scarlet interview with Julie Moulder from The Fix

Julie Moulder didn’t just endure her monthly cycle – she used it as fuel to create something better. As Co-Founder of The Fix, she’s on a mission to ensure women everywhere don’t have to “just put up with it” when it comes to their periods.

 

Name: Julie Moulder
Pronouns: She/Her
Day job: Creative Director / CoFounder - The Fix
Location: Melbourne Australia

 

Describe your work in one sentence.

Running a period company is like your period itself… never predictable and always full of surprises!

 

And the longer story? What inspired The Fix?

Like almost 95% of women, we both suffered from terrible period symptoms all our lives. I struggled with awful mood swings and bloating, while Kate was hit with debilitating cramps so severe she'd be curled up on the floor, screaming in pain. We didn’t want to live like that anymore and knew there had to be a better way.

We knew each other's cycles well after working together for nearly 13 years. We supported each other every month, but it wasn’t until we truly talked about it that we realised there was nothing to help. During Covid, locked in our homes, we brainstormed over wine, a thousand Post-it notes, and insights from hundreds of women. We poured every bit of experience we had into it, and The Fix was born. And off we went.

 

Most rewarding moment so far?

For us, it’s always been about helping people live their lives without being held back by their period. So many just “put up with it” or “suck it up” as if that’s how women are supposed to live - as if it's just something we have to tolerate every month. Knowing we’re helping change that is incredibly rewarding.

We’re also about to launch a new product (before the end of the year! Agh!), born from a desperate call for help from hundreds of women. We are beside ourselves excited.

 

What is your advice for someone starting a similar career?

  • Be authentic. Ensure your brand and values are real and genuinely reflect something you connect with personally.

  • Not everything is a sales pitch. Wellness consumers are informed and curious. Share knowledge, offer practical insights, and empower people to make informed health choices. The rest will follow.

  • Listen to your customers. They know what they want and will tell you. Listen, move quickly, and adapt as they do.

  • Take care of yourself. Running a wellness business can be demanding. Practice the self-care you advocate and prioritise your health and balance. It’s almost impossible at times... but at least try ;-)

The founders of The Fix

 

How did your personal experiences shape THE FIX?

We were lucky to work together in innovation and product development for years, bringing products to market for some of the world’s leading health and wellness brands. Despite our different skill sets, our combined experience helped us channel our passion for women’s wellness into The Fix.

We learned early on that you can’t bring a product to market just because there’s a gap. When it comes to something as important as women’s hormonal health, you have to have lived it. You need firsthand experience - understanding what it’s like to face period symptoms every month with no relief. That’s where the drive to develop something like The Fix comes from. While we wish our experiences weren’t so debilitating, knowing others won’t have to suffer as we did is why we’re doing this.

 

Can you each share a bit about your health journeys?

Women’s health is such a personal experience for each of us. Why should one person suffer more than another? Why do our bodies seem to betray us every month, even though they’re also capable of incredible things? Kate and I had very different experiences over the years, but we always ended up facing the same issue: monthly period symptoms.

That’s why we built The Fix the way we did. We’re symptom-based because we know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. We created a range to suit everyone’s unique journey, with products targeting specific symptoms. Our journeys are different, so how we treat them should be too.

 

Are there any specific challenges that led you to explore natural solutions?

This is a deeply personal and important topic. During the journey of our friendship and the development of The Fix, I was diagnosed with cancer and, strangely, had the “privilege” of exploring various wellness solutions. I tried experimental treatments, traditional medicine, natural and alternative therapies, and complementary medicine.

Some treatments were costly, hard to access, and limited to those meeting strict criteria. This experience gave us firsthand insight and clarity - we wanted to develop something accessible to as many people as possible, with proven natural results. A complementary medicine not only backed by science but also something we knew would work.

No matter what treatment you believe in, we want people to have options for treating their symptoms. Whether it’s a heat pad or a cream, if it works for you and eases your suffering, we’re all for it.

 

How has your understanding of period health evolved?

Period health is a beast! It’s tough to manage, difficult to diagnose, and can feel incredibly cruel. The lack of support, education, and funding has made it challenging to navigate what was essentially a “new” category when we founded The Fix. Our biggest lesson has been that we’re not talking about period health enough, not collaborating on solutions, and not doing enough to normalise period symptoms. But… we are getting better.

Since The Fix launched just two years ago, when there were few options for period symptom relief, we’ve seen change. Brands (like the fabulous Scarlet!) have offered better solutions to menstrual care, and new companies have focused on cycle care and symptom relief. We welcome this, not as competition but as a collective movement. Let’s make noise. Let’s make a difference together.

 

Regarding THE FIX, how do you ensure quality and choose key ingredients?

We’ve worked hard to make our products the best on the market. They’re award-winning, and, most importantly, they work. We spent two years researching to ensure our claims are powerful and proven. If we say our product relieves a symptom, we back it up with extensive scientific research. Every ingredient is carefully selected for its impact on menstrual health, and we’re proud of our formulations. While we’re not scientists, we collaborated with top naturopaths, nutritionists, scientists, and chemists to get it right.

As an AUSTL-listed product in Australia, we can’t pay for reviews or incentivise influencers, so the testimonials you read are 100% authentic. We love that - it means you can trust your peers, not just us.

 

What common misconceptions about periods would you like to clear up?

There are so many! Don’t even get us started on myths like mirrors clouding over or attracting sharks while swimming. Here are some common ones we hear:

  • Pain is “normal” – Mild cramps are common, but intense pain isn’t. If something doesn’t feel right, get it checked out.
  • PMS is just “moodiness” – PMS can include over 100 symptoms… yes, 100.
  • You can’t get pregnant on your period – Rare, but possible. We’re not trying to scare you!
  • Every period is the same – Cycles vary with stress, health, and lifestyle. We’ve all been there!
  • Tampons can get lost – While a tampon might be hard to locate, it can’t get “lost” ... Your cervix will step in to save the day!

 

Any advice for those who struggle with severe period symptoms?

Don’t just put up with it. If your symptoms feel beyond what you’d consider normal, please seek advice – whether from a doctor, naturopath, dietitian, or pharmacist. We know period care can be costly, so if we can, The Fix is here to help. We’re online to offer advice, connect you with experts, or suggest manageable solutions. Just reach out.

 

What other lifestyle changes or natural remedies do you recommend?

Depending on your symptoms, small changes can make a difference. Try a heat pack for cramps or magnesium spray. Foods high in magnesium, like nuts, seeds, and leafy greens, may help reduce cramps and bloating. For mood symptoms, chamomile tea or lavender oil can be calming. Exercise, even gentle movement like yoga or walking, can lift your mood by releasing endorphins.

Our #1 tip: Stay hydrated! Grab that water bottle because drinking enough water can help reduce bloating and ease headaches, as well as cramps, fatigue, digestion, and more…

 

How do you approach period self-care, and what are your tips?

We all need to be kinder to ourselves, especially during our periods. How we feel is personal, so finding what helps you feel better is key.

I need extra rest. I feel depleted, so saying ‘no’ and having time to myself is important (but not always easy!). Quiet time, good sleep, and essential oils all help set the scene for good self-care for me.

The best advice, though, is you don’t have to push through. Listen to your body, your symptoms and set yourself up with the things you know work for you.

 

What's your top health message for women?

Your hormones are key to absolutely EVERYTHING! From the day we’re born to the day we die; our hormones are at the core of who we are and how we feel. They drive everything – from energy, mood, and sleep to skin health, metabolism, and mental clarity. How we perform in our work to how we interact with friends and family. Nurturing your hormonal health isn’t just about managing cycles. Let’s honour, support, and celebrate the powerful role our hormones play in every chapter of our lives. Trust us, it’ll change how you look at everything.

 

And how must we change the conversation around menstrual health?

Let’s have the conversation to start with! We’ve come leaps and bounds, but it’s not enough. We know that the word ‘taboo’ is still thrown around, but even that drags us back into the past. We’re past the “taboo” stage. We are not going to sit in the background anymore, and having normal, easy, clear, and open conversations is the way forward. We no longer need to be embarrassed… we need to be empowered.