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Kellie Johnson Gets Real About Endometriosis and How Kosi’s Changing the Game
We’re all about making periods easier with our eco-friendly period cups, but we also want to talk about the stuff that doesn’t get enough love—like endometriosis. Endo is a silent condition, and we talked with Kellie Johnson, someone who’s been dealing with stage 4 endo and channelled that pain into starting a business called Kosi. Kosi’s behind the world’s first 360° wearable heat pack (patented!), and it blew up so hard on Shark Tank Australia that it sparked a bidding war, landing Kellie a partnership with Jane Lu, the founder of fashion sensation Showpo. Kellie’s story is raw, and she’s giving us insight for anyone navigating endo or wondering if they might have it. Endo 101 with Kellie So, what’s endometriosis? “It’s when tissue like your uterus lining grows where it shouldn’t, causing a lot of pain and scarring,” Kellie explains. For her, stage 4 means it’s “deep infiltrating—like roots, really hard to get rid of.” It’s spread to her bowel, bladder, even sticking her bladder to her ovary, plus she’s got an endometrioma—a “chocolate cyst” that bleeds and scars. Endo’s got stages (1 to 4) based on spread and depth, but Kellie warns, “Pain and stage don’t always match. I’ve got severe pain with stage 4, but some people don’t even know they’ve got it ‘til they can’t get pregnant.” It hit her fertility hard too: “It took us four years and five miscarriages to have our baby, Lola.” The Diagnosis Grind Kellie’s been hurting since her first period at 12—“I was throwing up from the pain”—but didn’t get diagnosed ‘til 24. “It takes years, and there’s so much misinformation,” she says, noting how some doctors dismiss it. “I was told I didn’t have a health problem, just depression.” Endo often needs surgery to confirm, though Kellie’s endometrioma was severe enough, it showed up on a scan. Her advice? “Keep a diary of symptoms—pain before your period, mid-cycle flares, weird stuff like sweating or bowel issues. And don’t be afraid to get second opinions. If something feels off, see three or four doctors if you need to.” Living with Endo Endometriosis is known as one of the most painful and silent conditions. For Kellie, flares hit hard—sometimes during ovulation or bowel movements since her endo’s on her bowel. “I’d get convinced I was gonna die, the pain was so bad,” she shares. She tried a low FODMAP diet to ease bowel flares, cutting out stuff like garlic and gluten to starve out pesky gut bacteria. But there’s no cure, and surgery isn’t a fix—it came back for her in a year. Costs add up too: “I’m already into six figures,” she says, between surgeries and IVF. Kosi: Born from Pain, Backed by Sharks (caused a bidding war!) Kellie was always “the heat pack girl at every workplace ever,” but they never stayed put or covered enough to fully relieve the pain. So, during her IVF journey after a miscarriage, she started sewing. “My first samples were terrible— rice would be spilling out on the floor and my puppy would be following trying to eat the rice,” she laughs. But Kosi’s 360° wearable heat pack was a game-changer: “It was like a switch for my cramps.” It wraps your torso, giving hands-free relief. After launching, it went viral on TikTok, then nabbed Jane Lu on Shark Tank. “Jane gets what women go through,” Kellie says. Now, Kosi’s helping endo warriors everywhere. Kellie’s Big Tip “Lean on the endo community,” Kellie urges. “It can feel isolating, but online groups are there—they’ve got so much knowledge.” It also pays to be prepared - if you're in a situation where you think you might have endo, curate a list of questions to ask your doctors. The endo community will help you with this. Let’s keep talking about this stuff—no one should suffer in silence.
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How Menstrual Cups Work: Your Period’s New MVP
Alright, so you’ve heard the buzz about menstrual cups, and maybe you’ve even snagged yourself a Clenergise Halo Cup (smart choice, by the way). But if you’re still scratching your head wondering how this little silicone wonder actually works, don’t sweat it—I’ve got you. Think of the Halo Cup as your period’s personal assistant: efficient, low-maintenance, and ready to make your life a whole lot easier. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how it does its thing, Clenergise style—because periods don’t have to be a drag. The Basics: Catch, Don’t Absorb Unlike tampons or pads that soak up your flow like needy sponges, the Halo Cup takes a different approach—it catches it. Picture a tiny, flexible chalice (with a halo vibe, obviously) that sits snugly in your vaginal canal, collecting everything your uterus decides to throw its way. No drying you out, no weird fibers left behind—just pure, simple collection. And because it’s made of medical-grade silicone, it’s smooth, safe, and ready to roll for up to 12 hours. Yep, you heard that right—12 hours of freedom before you even have to think about it. Step 1: The Fold-and-Go Getting the Halo Cup in place is easier than it sounds—promise. You start by folding it into your preferred folding style. Then, with a deep breath and a relaxed vibe, slide it in, aiming back toward your tailbone, not up. Once it’s in, it pops open—kinda like a tiny high-five to your insides—creating a gentle seal against your vaginal walls. That seal? It’s the secret sauce that makes it an anti-leak design. No suction drama, just a comfy fit that says, “I’ve got this.” Step 2: The Halo Stem Magic Okay, let’s talk about the real star of the show: our famous Halo Stem. While the cup’s chilling and collecting your flow, that little halo at the bottom is your VIP pass to easy removal. After 6-12 hours (depending on your flow—light day or river rapids, you do you), give the Halo Stem a gentle tug. No fishing expeditions, no awkward moments—just a smooth exit. Pinch the base to break the seal, pull it out, and voilà—your period is under control, and you’re not cursing in the bathroom. Step 3: Empty, Rinse, Repeat Once it’s out, tip that lava flow into the toilet. Give your Halo Cup a quick rinse with water and it’s ready to go back in. During your period, that’s the routine: wear, empty, rinse, repeat. When your cycle’s done, boil it in a pot for a few minutes to sterilize, and stash it in its cute Clenergise keep case ‘til next month. Low fuss, high reward. Why It’s a Game Changer Here’s the kicker: the Halo Cup doesn’t just work—it works better. It holds more than a tampon (we’re talking 3-5 times the capacity, depending on whether you’ve got the Regular or Large), cuts down on waste (bye-bye, landfill guilt), and saves you cash in the long run (like, $800+). And, with that Halo Stem, you’re not stuck doing gymnastics to get it out. Whether you’re crushing a workout, bingeing your fave show, or just living your life, the Halo Cup’s got your back—er, your front. The Clenergise Difference At Clenergise, we’re all about keeping it real and making your period less of a hassle. The Halo Cup’s sleek design—available in Regular and Large—means it fits you, not some one-size-fits-all fantasy. It’s not just a menstrual cup; it’s a ticket to feeling empowered, comfy, and in control. So, there you have it—how the Halo Cup turns your period into a no-big-deal kinda deal. Ready to give it a whirl? Grab yours from The Halo Cup – Clenergise and see why this little cup is the MVP you didn’t know you needed.
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Are Menstrual Cups Safe? Let’s Spill the Tea on the Cup
Wondering if the Clenergise Halo Cup is safe? Spoiler: it’s a total yes. Made from medical-grade silicone, it’s non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and free of nasty stuff like BPA or latex. Unlike tampons, it collects rather than absorbs, slashing the risk of TSS and keeping things comfy for up to 12 hours. That famous Halo Stem makes removal a breeze—no stress, no mess. Keep it clean with a rinse and a boil, and you’re set. Available in Regular and Large, the Halo Cup’s a safe, sustainable win for your body and your vibe. Clenergise has your back—period.
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Finding Your Perfect Fit: How to Choose the Right Menstrual Cup for You
So, you’ve decided to ditch the tampons and pads and step into the world of menstrual cups—smart move! Lucky for you, you’ve landed in the right spot with us. Here at Clenergise, we’ve taken the guesswork out of the equation with our signature Halo Cup. Same killer design, two sizes—Regular and Large—and our famous alo Stem to make retrieval a breeze. No more fumbling around like you’re on an underwater expedition. But how do you know which size is your match made in period heaven? Let’s break it down together—because choosing the right Halo Cup should feel as good as using it. Step 1: Get to Know Your Flow First up, let’s talk about what you’re working with down there. Are your periods more of a “light drizzle” situation, or are you dealing with a full-on “crimson tide” vibe? If you’re on the lighter side, our Regular Halo Cup is your go-to—compact, comfy, and just the right capacity for those low-key days. But if your flow is heavy enough to make you side-eye your pad stash by noon, the Large Halo Cup has your back with extra room to keep you covered (literally) for longer. Either way, that Halo Stem means you’re grabbing it out with zero drama—because who’s got time for a fishing trip mid-period? Step 2: Cervix Height—Low-Key Okay, time to play detective for a sec. Do you know where your cervix hangs out during your period? If not, no biggie—just grab a flashlight (or your phone, we’re modern here) and take a peek. A higher cervix means the Large Halo Cup might feel more at home, giving you that extra length to keep things reachable. Low cervix? The Regular Halo Cup’s shorter profile will sit pretty without making you feel like it’s overstaying its welcome. And with our Halo Stem’s genius ring design, you’ll never be left digging around, no matter where your cervix decides to chill. Step 3: Life Stage—Your Body, Your Rules Your body’s been through some stuff, and that’s worth factoring in. If you’re under 25 and haven’t had kids, the Regular Halo Cup is usually the sweet spot—snug, simple, and perfect for a “starter” vibe. Over 25 or post-childbirth? The Large Halo Cup might be your new bestie, offering a little more space and a fit that vibes with your pelvic floor’s current mood. No judgment here—it’s all about what feels right for you. Step 4: Active or Chill—Pick Your Player Are you the type who’s out there crushing HIIT workouts mid-period, or are you more about cozying up with a hot water bottle and a binge-worthy series? Good news: both Halo Cups are built to keep up. The Regular’s a dream for lighter days and laid-back vibes, while the Large steps up for heavier flows and those “I’m not slowing down” moments. And that Halo Stem? It’s a game-changer either way—firm enough to grip, flexible enough to move with you. Why the Halo Cup’s Your Ride-or-Die With Clenergise, you’re not just getting a cup—you’re getting the cup. Our design’s all about keeping it simple yet brilliant: one anti-leak style, two sizes, and that iconic Halo Stem so you’re never stuck wrestling it out. Whether you go Regular or Large, you’re saying goodbye to leaks, waste, and awkward removal moments. It’s period freedom so you forget you're on your period, period. Give It a Spin Here’s the real talk: your first cycle with the Halo Cup might take a little getting used to—think of it like breaking in a new pair of boots. Start with the size that vibes with your flow and body and let that Halo Stem work its magic. If it’s not love at first use, that's okay, it takes some time to get used to. However, pretty soon you’ll be wondering why you didn’t snag a Halo Cup sooner. Our reviews say it all. Ready to find your fit? Grab your Regular or Large Halo Cup and join the period revolution. Your body (and the planet) will thank you.
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It took me a decade to realise that my ‘normal’ was a disease
The first time they opened me up, they found Stage 3 endometriosis. Although I’d been in pain most of my life, it was only less than a year before the surgery that I curiously Googled endometriosis for the first time and had a hunch that this might be me. Endometriosis is a progressive, life-long disease when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in unwelcome places. It takes an average of 7-9 years to diagnose and affects about 10% of people assigned female at birth. For a decade, this disease was growing on my ovaries, my bowel and behind my uterus. Every month, these tissues got inflamed, scarring and fusing my pelvic organs together, but menstruating and being in pain come hand in hand, right? I was raised to believe that pain was normal, that having a week struck off every month was normal, that somehow painful bowel motions were normal. Retrospectively, it’s delusional, but when you live that reality every day you learn to keep going. The cost of this is huge, and finances are only one part of it. When you practise something a lot you become an expert at it, whether it’s a good or bad thing. My body became really good at finding ways to feel pain even when there wasn’t an anatomical reason for it. Over time I developed vaginismus and vulvodynia – conditions that suited my parents’ prescription of chastity. I’ve stopped having my periods and have had the disease excised, but to this day a sharp pang strikes under my belly, and I sit here writing this with the feeling of a hot poker lodged into my hip. In the year of my diagnosis, endometriosis cost me $21,825.95, spent on surgery, specialist appointments, Chinese and Western medicine, ultrasounds, pelvic physiotherapy, and GP consultations. I’m lucky to have had health insurance at that time, but it may not be the last time endometriosis costs me thousands because there is no cure. I remember the feeling of waking up from my laparoscopy and feeling the right number of bandages on my belly to indicate that they had found endometriosis. Thank god there was a reason I felt terrible for so long. For a while, I worried that maybe I was making it up. Maybe I was wasting everyone’s time. Ultrasounds can only find an extent of endometriosis, and as far as mine had gone, there weren’t any alarm bells. I didn’t want to share how awful I was feeling in case it wasn’t real. This diagnosis did wonders for my self-confidence. Being in the pre-diagnosis stage is the hardest. I lurked on Reddit threads to find a sense of solace and understanding, while turning up appointment after appointment with a well-practised script to keep moving forward to a diagnosis. You’re deflecting well-meaning advice and managing your symptoms while they’re at their worst. In this time, community is needed. Someone who will make you feel validated is needed. People who know what they are talking about are needed. And while the wait until a diagnosis is long, these are the people who may help that time feel shorter. - Eda Tang
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