It's important to know how the menstrual cycle works in a nutshell: The menstrual cycle is the body’s monthly rhythm.
Hormones rise and fall over ~28 days, influencing energy, mood, and more. You bleed during your period, build energy leading up to ovulation, then progesterone rises and falls in the second half of your cycle. Often bringing PMS if things are out of balance. Your cycle isn’t random; it’s information the body is sharing with you.
So, if you’ve noticed the week before or week of being especially tough, you’re not imagining it and you’re not wrong for wanting to help!
Understanding the menstrual cycle: why symptoms happen
Menstrual Phase: The uterus shedding its lining, which can lead to fatigue and cramps.
Follicular Phase: Estrogen rises, energy, focus and motivation can increase.
Ovulation Phase: Hormones peak and the body releases an egg.
Luteal Phase: Progesterone rises and then falls. This hormonal shift can trigger a whole slew of symptoms.
We have a simple system for you:
Dr Harrison built Wave Bye around a simple mission: women deserve evidence-based treatments designed for their actual symptoms, not quick fixes or bandaids.
A few key truths to note:
- Most people take pain relievers reactively (after the pain has set in)
- The uterus makes pain messengers called prostaglandins
- These symptoms are best treated before bleeding begins
Your 3-Step Support Playbook
Whether you’re a dad, partner or caregiver, here’s how you can show up in a real, practical way:
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Validate what you see.
“I know your period is really tough, and you shouldn’t just have to deal with it”, goes a longer way than you think.
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Offer evidence-based options, not pressure.
Discuss options to help make each month easier, through WaveBye’s options or through supporting their mood during this time.
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Help with the logistics.
Support isn’t just emotional, it can be practical too. Helping set reminders so premenstrual products are taken before bleeding can be a huge help. Stocking up on menstrual products such as pads, tampons and Bye Bad Cramps can be a relief. Lastly, share educational resources like podcasts, quizzes and blogs that will support their journey.
At Wave Bye, we believe women’s health is worth investing in. Partners and parents can play a powerful role in changing that. If you’d like a simple way to start, forward this to those who need to hear it and explore the products or take the quiz together at Wave Bye.
