Women on social media are discussing "luteal uglies," a term for appearance and mood changes during the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle, linked to a drop in oestrogen and rise in progesterone. Experts confirm these hormonal shifts can cause physical and emotional symptoms, emphasizing the need for more education and self-advocacy.
Many premenopausal women experience "period poops" – GI symptoms like cramps and diarrhea – during menstruation. Research links this to prostaglandins causing uterine and gut contractions, and possibly the vagus nerve or progesterone. Despite commonality, effective solutions are scarce due to limited research funding.
A growing social media trend sees women discussing the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle, seeking empowerment and understanding due to inadequate health education. This trend, however, is also being co-opted by wellness influencers for commercialization and by conservative groups to promote pronatalist ideologies and traditional gender roles.
