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Period 101. All You Need to Know (e-book)
Your period, your business. Period. Why is knowing about your period so important? Well, it’s the circle of life, my friend. Or the circle of your menstrual cycle. Yea, let’s say that. Once upon a time there was little someone could say to even make me care about knowing my period. Honestly, still now I wonder. But at the end of the day, how I feel is tied to my cycle. How I feel determines how I act. And how I act contributes to how I feel. You feel where I am going with this? Your period is a sign that something is happening, but there are other silent signals throughout your period that you might be missing. If you knew these signals, knew what to do, you just might make your day a little bit better. 1% better every day, right? Just kidding I’m not here for that. That is completely different to what we’ll dive into, and distraction is my downfall but let’s try stay on track. Let’s get this straight: this isn’t a ‘period power’ e-book or any kind of notion that puts periods on a pedestal. It’s black and white. Your body has a menstrual cycle consisting of hormones that drives the way you feel and therefore act. Shouldn’t that be important for you to know? Who am I to say? This isn’t about me, it’s about you, however, I’m just a girl who probably thought about periods (& the menstrual cycle) like you once. I’m not trying to make you all woo-woo and dive deep into a world of periods and cycles. The aim of this is: for you to know just a little bit more about how your body works and how it affects your day-to-day. Basics A menstrual cycle typically ranges from 21 to 35 days. There are four phases of your menstrual cycle: Menstrual, Follicular, Ovulation, and Luteal. Your period is the celebrity of your cycle and starts it off. The cycle is a beautiful thing (stay with me here), your body goes through a journey of preparing for possible pregnancy, and if the egg is unfertilised (= no baby), you get your period. What is the Menstrual Cycle? Think of the menstrual cycle as your body’s monthly to-do list for reproduction. It starts on the first day of your period and ends the day before your next period begins. Hormones like estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) act like conductors, signaling your ovaries to release an egg and your uterus to build or shed its lining. If pregnancy doesn’t happen, the cycle resets with a period. And we already know it’s not just about reproduction - it affects energy, mood, and physical performance. Before we get into the actual grit of what the menstrual cycle is, we’ll first need to understand what the key hormones are, what they do and how they affect us. Stick with it, it’s important to know these to understand your menstrual cycle as a whole. The menstrual cycle is driven by four key hormones, let’s assume they’re our cast in our overall movie (the menstrual cycle): estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinising hormone (LH). These hormones act like messengers, coordinating your ovaries, uterus, and brain to prepare for a possible pregnancy each month. Estrogen is the Oscar-winner, she’s the energy booster that wins every time. Estrogen is a hormone mainly produced by your ovaries (and a bit by fat cells and adrenal glands). Think of it as your body’s “glow-up” manager, giving you energy and confidence. Estrogen has a big role building up the uterine lining (endometrium) during the follicular phase to prepare for possible pregnancy. This is essentially the opposite of what your period is. Estrogen boosts mood, energy and skin radiance which is especially noticeable during the follicular phase and ovulation phase. Estrogen triggers the LH surge that leads to ovulation. When she’s active, she wants everyone to know: Estrogen peaks in the follicular phase (days 1-13) and ovulation (day ~14), drops during menstruation and late luteal. You know how there’s that one person that everyone just loves because they always make you feel good? That’s Estrogen! Estrogen is the girl that everyone likes - she makes you feel ready for workouts, social events or create projects. Progesterone is another key player. Think of the one socialite that they say, if you’ve been on her show, you made it. Progesterone is her. Think of progesterone as the calming prepper. Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum (a temporary gland in the ovary after ovulation). It’s like your body’s “chill pill,” getting things ready for a potential baby. Progesterone stabilises the uterine lining during the luteal phase to support a fertilised egg. Remember the show host? She’s calming and relaxing, same as progesterone. However, its drop can cause PMS symptoms like irritability or cravings. Fortunately, progesterone prevents uterine contractions until menstruation. When progesterone is active, it rises in the luteal phase (days 15-28), drops if no pregnancy occurs, triggering a period. Progesterone’s calming effect supports self-care routines (e.g., journaling, pilates). Connect progesterone’s role to self-care days, with the Halo Cup handling pre-period flow stress-free. Now try remembering this one: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): The Egg Coach. FSH is like a personal trainer for your eggs, picking the star player for ovulation. FSH is made by the pituitary gland in your brain. It’s like a coach cheering on your ovaries to get eggs ready for the big game (ovulation). FSH stimulates 10-20 follicles (egg-containing sacs) in the ovaries to grow during the follicular phase and helps one follicle become the dominant one that releases an egg. When FSH is active, it rises early in the follicular phase (days 1-10), peaking just before ovulation. FSH sets the stage for ovulation, which your audience might notice as a high-energy, confident phase which is ideal for Halo Cup’s secure fit during active moments. Tie FSH to the follicular phase’s energy. The last hormone to remember is the luteinising Hormone or LH, AKA: the Ovulation Trigger. LH is also made by the pituitary gland, like FSH. It’s like the starting gun that signals “Go!” for ovulation. LH surges mid-cycle (triggered by high estrogen) to make the dominant follicle release its egg during ovulation. It helps form the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. When LH is active, it peaks sharply around day 14, just before ovulation. LH’s role in ovulation aligns with your peak confidence and social vibe. LH is like the green light at a race- it tells the egg it’s time to launch. The Four Phases: Breakdown and Meaning Now that we’ve discussed our cast, let’s breakdown the movie. There are four phases that make the movie: menstruation, follicular, ovulation and luteal phase. We’ve talked about the menstrual cycle lasting about 28 days. Your menstrual phase marks days 1-5. Next is the follicular phase. This one is a bit funny because it actually overlaps the menstrual phase lasting from about day 1 to 13. Next, the beloved ovulation phase days 13-14. The luteal phase is the longest, lasting from days 15-28, or the second half of your cycle. Let’s break down each phase. Timeline can vary person to person. Menstrual Phase Days 1-5 - Your inner Winter Your menstrual cycle begins the day you get your period. As we’re aware, the menstrual cycle is a loop of your body prepping for pregnancy. When you get your period, this is your body telling you pregnancy has not occurred which means the uterus sheds its lining (endometrium). This lining, along with blood and tissue, exits through the vagina. Hormone levels (estrogen and progesterone) are low, triggering the shed. During this phase, you might feel tired, crampy (because of uterine contractions), or bloated. Energy is often lower, and some experience mood dips. Rest and reflection can be beneficial around this time. Pair the Halo Cup with cozy self-care (e.g., a hot water bottle for cramps). The Follicular Phase Days 1-13 - Your inner Spring The Follicular phase (AKA your inner spring) starts on day 1 of your period and overlaps with menstruation for a few days. FSH stimulates your ovaries to grow 10-20 follicles (tiny sacs with eggs), but usually only one becomes the dominant egg. Estrogen rises, thickening the uterine lining to prepare for a potential pregnancy. Energy and mood lift as estrogen climbs, especially post-period. You might feel more creative, social, and motivated for workouts. This is a high-energy phase; perfect for running, weightlifting, or social events. The Ovulation Phase Days 1-13 - Your inner Summer The crowd favourite. A spike in LH (triggered by high estrogen) causes the dominant follicle to release a mature egg from the ovary. The egg travels down the fallopian tube, ready for fertilization if sperm is present. This is your fertile window (up to 5 days before and 1 day after ovulation). You’re at your peak here; confident, energetic, and often glowing. Some feel mild pelvic twinges (mittelschmerz) or notice cervical mucus changes (clear, stretchy). Embrace your social butterfly vibe for events or dates. The Luteal Phase Days 1-13 - Your inner Autumn The ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum, producing progesterone to maintain the thickened uterine lining for a possible pregnancy. If no fertilization occurs, progesterone and estrogen drop, signalling the uterus to shed (next period). The luteal phase takes a big chunk of your cycle; it’s the entire second half of your cycle! Early luteal feels productive, but as hormones dip, you might experience PMS (e.g., irritability, cravings, bloating). Energy may wane, and some feel sluggish. This phase can challenge your active routine so listening to your body is extra important during this time to manage PMS. Focusing on strength training or low-impact activities can be helpful and prioritising self-care is a must! Key Points to Remember “Normal” cycles range from 21-40 days: the textbook answer being 28. Stress, diet or conditions like PCOS can affect your cycle length Hormone drive everything. Estrogen boosts energy and mood (follicular, ovulation), while progesterone calms and prepares (luteal). Low hormones trigger periods It’s Not Just Physical: The cycle affects mood, energy, and performance, which is why cycle syncing (aligning activities with phases) is empowering Journal Prompts for Each Phase ‘Your mentality is your reality’ - Suzy Kassem Journaling is not only for when you’re experiencing inner turmoil. Journaling can unlock patterns you didn’t know existed- patterns driven by your hormones. As we’ve uncovered, the daunting luteal phase is when your energy levels begin to lower to a pit. Or chasm. And this phase lasts the whole second half of your cycle. Journaling can help you uncover your patterns in mood, energy levels and overall state at different points of your cycle. You might learn something about yourself. Menstrual Phase (Inner Winter): Low energy, reflective vibe Prompt: What’s something I can let go of this cycle (stress, a bad habit)? How can I nurture myself today? Why: Low estrogen/progesterone encourages introspection Follicular Phase (Inner Spring): Creative, upbeat mood. Remember: your follicular phase overlaps your menstrual phase. Prompt: What new idea or goal am I interested to explore? How can I channel my energy this week? Why: Rising estrogen boosts motivation Ovulation Phase (Inner Summer): Confident, social peak Prompt: What makes me feel unstoppable right now? How can I use my new-found energy boost to my advantage? Why: Estrogen/LH surge fuels boldness Luteal Phase (Inner Autumn): Introspective, PMS possibly occurs Prompt: What’s *actually* making me stressed? What’s triggering my cravings? What small things can I do to create calm? Why: Dropping progesterone can cause mood dips Real chat... Tampons, pads, menstrual cups- why is choosing a sanitary product important to me? I don’t know what your story is, but mine was I used what was given to me. I used what was the ‘norm’ or the automatic answer. Pads and tampons. As much as I would love to say ‘being eco-conscious’ was my reason for switching sides, it wasn’t. I love a luxury item, and 'reusable' doesn't necessarily scream luxe. We’re all the main character of our own lives so for me, the idea behind the efficiency of a menstrual cup when compared to pads or tampons, is what sold me. Leak-free? Wearable for up to 12 hours? No more late-night supermarket visits for just pads and tampons (I know no one cares, but I was an embarrassed 18-year-old buying these things). Now that I’m a bit older, I care about what I put in my body. I care about getting the water filter. I think about the pesticides sprayed on my veggies. I don’t want the microplastics from plastic containers when I can swap to glass. Little changes make a big impact. Money savings is also very important to me. I’ve saved over $1000 in what would have been spent on pads and tampons probably in the last five years. That is a return flight to Thailand for me. It could be a coffee machine for the coffee lovers. We all have our reasons, and I implore you to try the options. Find out what works best for you. And thank me later <3
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What Menstrual Cup is Best for Me?
What is a Menstrual Cup? A menstrual cup is a reusable, bell-shaped device made from medical-grade silicone that collects menstrual flow. Unlike pads or tampons, it’s eco-friendly, reusable for up to 10 years, and provides up to 12 hours of leak-free protection. Why Use a Menstrual Cup? Before diving into how to choose the best menstrual cup, let’s explore why you’d want one: 1. Eco-Friendly Choice 🌏 Menstrual cups reduce waste by replacing thousands of disposable pads and tampons. A single Halo Cup can last a decade, making it a sustainable option for environmentally conscious women in Australia and New Zealand. One Halo Cup weighs about 0.02kgs, eliminating roughly 30kgs of waste (assuming pads & tampons)! 2. Saves Money 💸 While the initial cost of a menstrual cup is higher, it’s a one-time purchase that eliminates monthly expenses. With proper care, a Clenergise period cup saves you hundreds of dollars over time compared to disposable products. One Halo Cup can save you about $1000AUD. If you're anything like me, this is a plane ticket to Thailand! 3. Comfort and Reliability 🧘🏽 Menstrual cups offer all-day comfort and hold more fluid than tampons, providing up to 12 hours of protection. Whether you’re working, exercising, or sleeping, a well-fitted cup ensures leak-free confidence. 4. Body-Safe Made from medical-grade silicone, menstrual cups like those from Clenergise don’t absorb vaginal moisture or contain harmful chemicals, reducing irritation and promoting vaginal health. 5. Ideal for Active Lifestyles From swimming to hiking, menstrual cups stay secure during any activity. They’re perfect for women in Australia and New Zealand who lead active lives and need reliable period protection. How to Choose the Best Menstrual Cup for You Wondering, “What menstrual cup is best for me?” The right choice depends on your body, lifestyle, and flow. Here’s how to find your perfect match: 1. It's All About Flow, Right? Wrong: Body anatomy is important here. Selecting the right Clenergise menstrual cup size (regular or large) is like choosing a pair of earbuds for a workout. Music (or your flow) doesn't have anything to do with fit. If your ear canal is wider, they’ll slip out without a snug fit. We've all had some earbuds that fall out, 2. Consider Your Body Age and Childbirth: Women under roughly 25 years old or those who haven’t given birth vaginally usually prefer size Regular, while those over 25 or post-childbirth usually prefer a size Large cup for a better fit. 3. Check the Design Stem Type: Clenergise cups feature a unique Halo Stem for easy removal. If you've tried a cup before, you might know the struggle of digging around up there to find a straight stem. Suction Holes: The Halo cup has four suction holes for a secure, leak-proof seal, perfect for active women. Firmness: Clenergise offers cups with a balanced firmness, catering to both comfort and ease of insertion. 4. Prioritise Material Always choose a cup made from medical-grade silicone for safety and durability. Halo cups are 100% body-safe, free from harmful chemicals, and designed for long-term use. 5. Lifestyle Fit Active Women: If you swim, run, or practice yoga, choose a cup with a strong seal, like the Halo Cup, to stay leak-free. Travelers: A menstrual cup’s compact design and long wear time make it ideal for travel across Australia or New Zealand. We on this side of the globe love our camping and road trips so your Halo Cup will be your friend here. Speaking from someone who did exactly this! Beginners: A menstrual cup almost always takes some getting used to, like anything else new to you. Why Choose Clenergise? Based on the Gold Coast by a kiwi gal who has been using cups since 17 years old, Clenergise is your trusted source for menstrual cups in Australia and New Zealand. Here’s why we stand out: Quality for your bodi-ly: Our Halo Cups are made from 100% medical-grade silicone. We use this material for its biocompatibility. Customer Support: Our team provides personalised guidance to help you choose and use your menstrual cup. DM us on Instagram @clenergise or check out your size guide on the Shop Now page Eco-Conscious: We’re committed to reducing period waste with sustainable products. One Halo Cup that weighs 0.02kgs, eliminates about 30kgs worth of waste over time (assuming the use of pads and tampons) How to Use Your Menstrual Cup Once you’ve chosen the best menstrual cup, here’s how to use it: Sterilise: Place your Halo Cup in its sterilising case. Pour boiled water over it and let sit for about 3 minutes. Fold and Insert: Use your preferred folding method (we prefer a C-fold or punch-down fold), insert, and let it pop open to form a seal. Run your fingers around the base of the cup to ensure it has "popped" to ensure a seal has been created. Wear: Enjoy up to 12 hours of protection, depending on your flow. Remove and Clean: Pinch the base of the cup to relieve the seal and gently pull the Halo Stem, empty, rinse, and reinsert. Store: Store in its sanitising case or breathable pouch until your next cycle. Ready to Find Your Perfect Menstrual Cup? Answering “What menstrual cup is best for me?” starts with understanding your flow, body, and lifestyle. At Clenergise, we make it easy to buy a menstrual cup online with our Halo Cup, designed for comfort, reliability, and sustainability so that you Forget You're on Your Period, Period. Shop Clenergise today and discover the freedom of a better period!
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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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