Hekate’s Journal
We’ve collected articles for you on women’s health, nutrition, fertility and pregnancy, so you don’t have to. From premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS, hypothalamic amenorrhea and more.
Could stress be behind your period problems?
Have you ever found your period cramps are at their worst when you’re battling through those busy work weeks?
The connection between feeling overwhelmed or anxious, and period symptoms might surprise you. Stress can have many effects on periods and overall well-being, including disrupting hormones, increasing prostaglandin production and causing digestive problems. Understanding the science that links stress with period symptoms empowers you to support your body effectively during your toughest times.
Learn strategies to help relax your mind and reduce menstrual pain such as gentle movement, getting quality sleep, and incorporating sources of zinc and iodine into your meals.
Diagnostic delay for Endometriosis decreases to an average of two years from nine.
Endometriosis Awareness month may have come to an end, yet for those grappling with this condition, the symptoms persist 365 days a year, not just during the month of March.
Were you aware that 1 in 10 women and those assigned female at birth in Aotearoa are diagnosed with endometriosis? A recent study published in 2022, called “An Aotearoa New Zealand survey of the impact and diagnostic delay for endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain” with 800 participants showed that it took an average of almost nine years, and five doctor visits, before diagnosing endometriosis. Various factors contribute to this, including inadequate awareness of symptoms among both people living with the condition and healthcare providers. The good news is that this delay is decreasing, with an average of two years for those being diagnosed recently.
Recognising the indicators of Endo is the first step on the journey toward diagnosis and effective management of this condition. Maintaining a detailed record of any irregularities, particularly concerning menstrual cycles, facilitates early intervention, and enables the development of a personalised treatment regimen.
Government commits $2.9 million for period products in schools.
We are thrilled to see the New Zealand Government's commitment to continue funding free period products in schools with an additional $2.9 million investment.
The University of Otago has estimated that up to 95,000 young New Zealand women and people who menstruate could be missing school because of a lack of access to period products. Around 200,000 students will continue to benefit from this initiative, with all intermediate, kura and secondary schools being able to continue to opt-in to the scheme.
Let's continue the kōrero, education, and support around menstrual healthcare resources and services in Aotearoa.
Gut Health 101: what a nutritionist wants you to know.
Struggling with skin issues, digestive problems, or low energy and not sure why? Your gut health might be the answer. Maintaining the balance between your gut's “good” and “bad” bacteria is important to enhance the functioning of many body systems including our immune system, menstrual cycle and digestive system.
Probiotics, the good bacteria found in some foods, help to keep the gut microflora balanced, while prebiotics are indigestible fibres that act as food for the microflora, fostering their growth. Combining fermented veggies to whole grains, a variety of foods can help you on your journey to improved overall wellbeing and optimal gut health.
Crafting meals rich in probiotics and prebiotics for good gut health is easier than you think and we’ll show you how in this article.
How is your period data being sold?
Our recent kōrero with investigative team leader Rebecca Styles at Consumer NZ shines a light on a vital aspect of modern healthcare technology – data sovereignty.
Elizabeth Zizik, our managing director and registered nurse, shared insights on the concerning revelation that some menstrual tracking or fertility apps may sell or share data with third parties. How people come across these apps can show “how the internet works, how marketing works, how data is sold, and how much data we actually give away for free without even realising”.
The cross-border nature of data sharing raises questions about the adequacy of existing regulations to safeguard user data, considering varying privacy laws across different countries. In a world where personal health data is a valuable commodity, there's an urgent need for clear guidelines and international standards that respect data sovereignty, especially in the dynamic digital health landscape.
Ongoing conversations about updating privacy legislation are essential in this digital era where databases or entire apps can be sold to companies with differing motivations. The global reach of digital health necessitates collaborative efforts to establish frameworks prioritising data protection while ensuring responsible development and use of health technologies.
Listen, period poops are a real thing. But why?
Ever wondered why your reproductive and digestive systems team up each month, bringing a mix of symptoms? This article explores the link between menstrual cramps and often-overlooked digestive issues, such as altered bowel movements or ‘period-poops’. However, these symptoms are often not discussed openly and therefore come with a sense of confusion around their cause. Understanding your body’s anatomy and muscle functions, helps us develop strategies to ease and address the diverse challenges accompanying the menstrual cycle.
Celebrating Menstrual Health: Empowering Journeys through Artistic Expression.
Get ready to embark on a captivating journey where art meets the celebration of menstrual well-being. We're here to highlight the power of artistic expression in exploring and embracing the wonders of menstrual health. So, gather your art supplies and let's dive into a world where creativity dances hand in hand with the beautiful experiences of menstruation!
New clinic aims to break stigma around period health and fertility conditions.
A first-of-its kind period clinic has been set up with the aim of speeding diagnosis and breaking stigma around period health and fertility conditions.
Hekate develops management plans for patients experiencing the likes of endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premenstrual syndrome and other fertility, pain and mood-related issues.
Hekate opened its doors in February in leased premises in Dunedin and is already hitting a large gap in the market, says clinic director Elizabeth Bromley, a registered nurse and clinical nutritionist, who decided not to wait for someone else to fix the problem.
Progesterone will be fully funded for all who need it.
In a move that will benefit tens of thousands of New Zealanders, Pharmac has recently confirmed it will remove funding restrictions from progesterone, allowing this hormone to be prescribed fully funded for anyone that needs it. Unrestricted funding will start from 1 December 2022. You may be hearing more and more about body-identical progesterone or ‘natural progesterone’, especially if you’re trying to relieve menopausal symptoms. If you are, here’s what you need to know.
The change comes after Pharmac recently announced a budget increase, allowing them to open up Utrogestan funding list, supplied by Pharmaco. Until now, progesterone had only been funded for the prevention of pre-term labour in certain clinical circumstances. This change is a huge win for a significant number of people who will be able to access funded progesterone for a range of clinical uses, including for menopause hormone therapy. You read that right – progesterone wasn’t previously funded for menopause.
5 Little Things To Do For Your Partner While On Their Period.
It's no secret that we women and uterus owners have the ability to bring forth life into the world. But what some people don't know is that while we're having our period, we also have the power to make or break our partners' day.
When your partner's on their period, the last thing they should be worrying about is you. It's not that they don't love you, it's just that at that moment in time what matters most to them is getting through their period. It doesn't make them a villain for needing chocolate, magazines, the remote and maybe a shoulder to try on. In fact, it makes them normal.
The next time you know their next period is approaching, try one of these 5 little tips to make life easier (for everyone) during that time of the month.
Period TENS Units: 5 Things To Know Before Buying One.
You have crippling menstrual cramps, and all you can talk about is how you wish it would go away. Pain relief doesn't come quickly enough. We understand your pain, and we’re here to help. In this post, we'll take a look at what to know before buying a period TENS machine to help you get relief.
Period Pain Is Not Normal and Here’s Why.
Did you now period pain is not normal? Pain during your period should be a minor inconvenience at best, read our latest blog post to learn more!
How to Exercise with PCOS.
Do you have PCOS and want to lose weight? Your choice of exercise may be effecting you ability to manage your weight! 🏃♀️
Repair Your Hormonal Acne in 5 Steps.
Do you have hormonal acne that won’t budge despite a great skincare routine? It may be hormonal! Read our latest blog post to see how you can address this in 5 simple steps.
6 Reasons Why You Need To Ovulate.
Ever wondered what ovulation is or why it’s important? Here’s 6 ways it can benefit you and your body!
5 Things To Know If You Have PCOS.
Do you or someone you know have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? Getting a PCOS diagnosis can be a confusing road but what happens next? Here’s 5 things to know if you have PCOS.
You deserve
better periods.
And we can help, today.