FLO x Sex Education | Women's Hip Hugging, Period/Leakproof, Flow-Absorbing, Washable Underwear Briefs | Made from Better Cotton | Black - XS (UK 6) FLUN-B-XS

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PMS – premenstrual syndrome – is the term used to describe the emotional and physical symptoms that happen before or during the period. The NHS advises that symptoms can include: We've seen anecdotal reports of people using period underwear for mild incontinence issues as well. Some of our survey respondents said they used period pants for this purpose, and indeed some brands, such as Modibodi, advertise their pants for light incontinence leaks too. Reusable pads are made of natural bamboo, cotton and even recycled PET (the plastic from old bottles). They're fixed to underwear by poppers, should last around five years and can be bunged in the wash after use. Bloom & Nora have even partnered up with the Department for Education to supply schools across the UK with free reusable pads, helping to combat period poverty and raising awareness of the waste created by disposable period products. Meanwhile, Wear'Em Out reusable pads will cost you 40% less than standard pads. When starting to design period underwear, Ruby Raut, CEO and co-founder of WUKA, envisaged what a teen would need in school. So, she asked Cath what the ideal first period kit for teens would look like: M&S has a variety of period pants to shop, from low to high absorbency, as well as low and high rise too.

Progesterone and oestrogen cause a build-up of a lining in the womb to prepare for a fertilised egg to attach and start developing. Ovulation occurs when one of the ovaries releases an egg. A big no-no is adding fabric softener though, as this can interfere with the pants' absorbency levels. Schools and colleges then choose how the products are made available to pupils. Some have them in the welfare room, others in toilets. Some organise drop-in sessions where pupils and students can go to collect products. I don’t think my school/college offers this – what should I do?

Honesty is key when talking about this once taboo subject. "It’s important to speak with young people openly and honestly, reassuring them that it’s a natural part of life that most women experience," advises Dr Ameen.

The big question, though: do they actually work? To help you make the switch from single-use sanitary pads to these eco-friendly alternatives, our Runner’s World Lab experts put the best period pants and activewear for runners to the test. Sample sizes by brand: Flo (71), Bodyform (99), LoveLuna (63), M&S (168), Modibodi (87), Pantys (62), Primark (176), WUKA (51). Minimum sample size 50. Also, as your period progresses, the absorbency you require will change. Where you may need maximum absorbency on the first day, the final few days may require much lighter protection.Regular exercise, eating a healthy, balanced diet (potentially with small meals every two to three hours), seven to eight hours of sleep per night, reducing everyday stress with yoga or meditation, taking pain relief, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol if suitable for you*, and keeping a diary of your symptoms for at least two to three menstrual cycles can be helpful. We are also now providing environmentally friendly period pants and reusable period pads as part of the scheme too. These are used in the same way as non-organic but rather than being composed of plastic, both the absorbent body and the string are made out of organic cotton or natural bamboo, which can be composted. They can come with or without a cardboard applicator. Those without applicators are wrapped in a widely recyclable BPA-free plastic; a legal requirement for women's health.