I was on birth control pills for around 14 years. When I finally tossed my last pack, I was surprised to learn just how irregular my cycles are. At first, I thought it was the effects of being on hormonal birth control for so long, but after being prescription-free for two years, I still deal with the frustrations of an irregular cycle. 

Since going off birth control, I have become completely obsessed with wellness tech for women’s health to help me better understand my cycle. This includes the coveted Oura Ring, which I wear (and sleep with) daily. I love the Oura Ring because it makes tracking my cycle based on my basal body temperature a total breeze — all I have to do is sync it with the Natural Cycles app, and it tells me where I am in my cycle and can predict my fertility window and period.

Then I had the opportunity to test the Mira Hormone Monitor and realized that, as much as the Oura Ring and Natural Cycles combination is effective at predicting my period (it was almost always pretty accurate), my irregular cycle throws off the technology, making it harder to predict which day I actually ovulate. 

Mira Fertility Tracker Review

HONEST REVIEW: MIRA

Mira Hormone Monitor: Max Kit

$229+

Buy Now

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The Mira Hormone Monitor is a small, egg-shaped device that is essentially like having a lab in the palm of your hand. It connects to the Mira app, where you can load data and share additional insights (including basal body temperature, which I still pull from my Oura Ring and Natural Cycles app) and get a good idea of what is going on internally throughout your cycle — no matter how long or short they might be — to know precisely when you’re ovulating.

“It doesn’t just give you a yes/no answer about ovulation — it quantitatively tracks key reproductive hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH), E3G (the main metabolite of estrogen), PdG (the main metabolite progesterone), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), using urine samples, offering a much more nuanced and accurate view of your cycle,” says Rosemary MacKenzie, a clinical manager and research lead at Mira. 

How Does Mira Work?

To test your hormones, you pee into a small silicone cup that is included with the device, then dip a test wand into the urine for 20 seconds (the app conveniently counts down for you), then you insert the wand into the device, and it works its magic to analyze the hormone levels and give you an accurate view of where everything is at. Once the wand is analyzed, the app doesn’t just store the insights — it uses AI to interpret the details in context, taking cycle history, hormone trends, and irregularities into account to generate personalized insights and predictions, says MacKenzie. The app also tells you when to test based on the data, so you don’t have to track and set reminders for yourself. 

All of this sounds like a hassle — and a lot more work than just sleeping with a wellness tracker and syncing its data to a birth control app — but it’s actually not as annoying as it seems. I have taken my device with me on multiple trips, including on a tour with my musician husband, where I was literally operating a lab from the teeny tiny tour bus bathroom (while the bus was moving, no less). Its small design and simple process made it so easy to keep up with my cycle insights even as I bopped from city to city. 

Verdict

Having a clear idea of my fertility window and ovulation window has been a total game-changer for me, since having an irregular cycle can make getting pregnant more difficult. “An irregular cycle often indicates that ovulation is not occurring regularly or at all, which makes it harder to predict the fertile window,” says Anate A. Brauer, M.D., FACOG, of RMA of New York, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist with extensive experience in treating all medical and surgical aspects of infertility.

She notes that most people with irregular cycles are still able to conceive, but without consistent ovulation, the chances of conception in a given cycle are lower. By understanding my cycle on a lab level, trying to get pregnant has felt less and less like a shot in the dark and given me the confidence boost I have needed in my fertility journey.  

Pros: 
More precise cycle tracking 
Compact size that you can easily travel with 
Comes with everything you need to get started 
User-friendly app 
FSA and HSA eligible 

Cons: 
High price tag (and the refill wands are also pricey)  

For many of us, spring and summer present an opportunity to soak in as much sunshine as possible. But if you’re pregnant, doctors say you should try to stay out of the direct sun as much as possible, particularly in the first trimester, as too much sun can decrease the amount of the crucial pregnancy nutrient folic acid, according to Northwestern Medicine.

But the good news is you don’t have to give up your sunkissed glow just because you’re expecting. In addition to applying a great pregnancy-safe SPF from head to toe every day, make a pregnancy-safe self-tanner or tinted moisturizer your go-to product for getting bronzy, no sun required. Spoiler alert: not all self-tanners are safe to use during pregnancy, though. We asked a dermatologist and an OB/GYN to give us some pointers.

Best (and Safest) Self Tanners for Pregnancy, at a Glance

Best Foam: b.tan Love at First Tan, $9 (originally $10
Best Mousse: Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Moisturizer + Bronzer, $13 (originally $15)
Best Body Lotion: Alba Botanica Sunless Tanner, $10 (originally $18)
Best Serum: Whind Marrakech Sun Instant Glow Tanning Water, $35
Best Face Moisturizer: Coola Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Daily Moisturizer, $48
Best Towelette: Tan Towel Self Tan Towelette, $23 (originally $29)
Best for a Dark Tan: Beauty By Earth Self Tanner Tanning Lotion, $36 (originally $42)
Best Buildable: Vita Liberata Fabulous Gradual Tanning Lotion, $20
Best Skin-Tone Corrector: St. Tropez Tan Tonic Glow Drops, $32 (originally $42)
Best Free Radical Fighter: Skinerals Californium Sunless Tanning Mousse, $30
Most Popular: Lux Unfiltered N°32 Hydrating Gradual Self Tanning Lotion, $38
Best Gradual: Tan Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion, $34

Is Self-Tanner Safe During Pregnancy?

Many self-tanners are safe to use during pregnancy, but not all. Two factors will determine whether a self-tanner passes the pregnancy test: its packaging and the ingredients on the label. “I do not recommend using any aerosol versions of self-tanners,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian to SheKnows. “Stick to the lotions, creams and drops. Aerosolized versions can leave droplets of these ingredients in the air that are irritating and potentially toxic to lung tissue.”

It’s important to read the ingredients on the label. The active ingredient in most sunless tanning products that enhances the pigment by dying the surface layer of the skin is dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, which, thankfully, is minimally toxic. “The concentration of this active ingredient ranges depending on the product,” says Nazarian. “Typically, this ingredient can range from between 1 to 15 percent in self tanners, and thankfully studies have been done that have shown that systemic absorption of this ingredient is minimal. It stains the top layers of skin cells, and doesn’t have significant penetration into deeper layers of skin or [the bloodstream].”

“While there are no studies to prove the safety of DHA in pregnancy, DHA has been used in cosmetics since the 1960s with no reported problems,” confirms Dr. Kelly Culwell, MD, Board Certified OB/GYN, also known as ‘Dr. Lady Doctor.’ “When used topically (on the skin), minimal DHA is absorbed and likely even less (if any) could make it through the placenta.” Of course, it’s totally up to you how safe you want to play it: If you’re still uncomfy with the idea of using products with DHA, skip it.

What Ingredients to Avoid in Self-Tanner When Pregnant, According to Experts

So what should you avoid in a pregnancy-safe self-tanner? It’s okay if the product contains DHA, but it is smart to look for plant-based or organic products, because those should have fewer chemical additives — you should always try to avoid chemicals including parabens, phthalates, and formaldehyde during pregnancy to cut back on your risk of birth defects or preterm birth. Just make sure the label says “paraben-free” or “pregnancy-safe” before you buy a self-tanner. And the shorter the list of ingredients, the better!

“Other ingredients to avoid in pregnancy include formaldehyde and oxybenzone, which either don’t have enough information to prove that they’re safe, or have some evidence to suggest they are harmful during pregnancy (hormones disrupters),” says Dr. Nazarian.

Taking all of that into consideration, you’re left with have plenty of options for sunless tanners that are pregnancy-safe: Some lather on like a lotion, while others can be applied in a thicker foam or drops on the skin. Remember to exfoliate and moisturize before using any self-tanner to ensure even coverage.

Check out our top picks below. Happy bronzing!

MOST POPULAR

Lux Unfiltered N°32 Hydrating Gradual Self Tanning Lotion

$38

Buy Now at Sephora

Lux Unfiltered was co-founded by Sivan Ayla, a mother of two. The self-tanner produces the most natural and bronze tan I’ve ever used! I love that it’s so simple to use, whether you’re pregnant or not. If you are an expecting mama, always check with your doctor before introducing new products, but the formula is gentle and not packed with harmful ingredients. Instead, there is shea butter, avocado oil, and squalane to hydrate and support the skin’s moisture barrier. The gradual self-tanner also includes a light scene that’s floral and earthy. It boasts notes of rose water, palmarosa, cedar, and fresh vanilla.

Product type: Lotion
Key ingredients:
Shea butter
Avocado oil
Squalane
Fragrance: Rose water, palmarosa, cedar, and fresh vanilla

Pros:
Developed by a mom
Easy to apply
Natural finish
Vegan
Cons:
Lightly scented
Some say it’s hard to remove

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BEST FOAM

b.tan Love At First Tan

$9 $10 10% off

Buy Now at amazon

$10 $15 33% off

Buy Now at walmart

Amazon’s number-one best-selling self-tanner is this 100 percent vegan formulation cutely called Love at First Tan. It’s suitable for all skin types and develops into a medium-to-dark tan with no orange tones. It’s even cruelty-free. For best results, let this tanner soak in for four hours or more. ” I started using it when I was pregnant and never stopped. It spreads easily. Color develops right away and it looks like a real tan. I get a lot of compliments with this brand,” wrote a fan.

Product type: Foam
Key ingredients: Water
Fragrance: None

Pros:
Vegan
Cruelty-free
No fake tan smell
Doesn’t streak
Produces a dark tan
Cons:
Some say it fades quickly
Some did not feel the tan was dark enough
Some say it has a weird smell

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BEST MOUSSE

Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Moisturizer + Bronzer

Buy Now On Amazon $13 $13

$13

Buy Now at walmart

This Jergens self-tanner is infused with all-natural emollients like vitamin E and coconut oil to nourish your skin as it bronzes it. And instead of smelling like chemicals, it smells like the beach. “Fav tanning lotion ever. Goes on like lotion, smells good, has a beautiful dark color and stays for a couple days,” one shopper wrote.

Product type: Mousse
Key ingredients:
Water
Vitamin E
Coconut oil
DHA
Fragrance: Coconut

Pros:
Paraben-free
Cruelty-free
No streaking
Not sticky
Cons:
Some say it has too much of an orange hue
Some don’t like the smell

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BEST BODY LOTION

Alba Botanica Sunless Tanner

$10 $18 44% off

Buy Now at walmart

This self-tanner is “powered by botanicals” so you know it’s pregnancy-safe. As you’d expect, it has no parabens, pthalates or synthetic fragrances — just plant-derived ingredients designed to infuse your skin with moisture and hydration while making you look like you baked in the sun. Apply this one for three hours for best results. One shopper called it “the best self tanner I have EVER used, including when I got professional spray tans.”

Product type: Lotion
Key ingredients:
Shea butter
Sweet almond oil
Safflower oil
DHA
Fragrance: Tropical

Pros:
Plant-based
Paraben-, sulfate- and phthalate-free
Synthetic fragrance-free
Cruelty-free
Dye-free
Cons:
Some say they didn’t tan deeply enough
Some say it doesn’t last long enough

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BEST FOR A DARK TAN

Beauty By Earth Self Tanner Lotion

$29 $36 19% off

Buy Now On Amazon

Beauty By Earth notes right on the packaging that this self-tanner is pregnancy safe, vegan, and suitable for sensitive skin. It also is great for getting even coverage for stretch marks, if there are any that you choose to cover up, and is made with plant-based ingredients so you don’t have to worry.

Product type: Lotion
Key ingredients:
DHA
Shea butter
Witch Hazel
Coconut oil
Aloe
Fragrance: Coconut

Pros:
Vegan
Hydrating and moisturizing
Gentle on sensitive skin
Pleasant smell
No orange tone
Cons:
Some say the smell is too strong
Some say it’s too dark for fair skin

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BEST SERUM

Whind Marrakech Sun Instant Glow Tanning Water

$35.00

Buy Now On Amazon

Like the idea of tanning drops better to get a more gradual tan? Whind’s “tinting water” contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin while you get that glow. It’s made from erythrulose, a plant-based DHA alternative that produces color on the skin by reacting to skin proteins. Note: You may need to apply a few layers to match or deepen your skin tone.

Product type: Serum
Key ingredients:
Erythrulose (alternative to DHA)
Hyaluronic Acid
Glycerin
Fragrance: Sweet

Pros:
Lightweight
Buildable
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Cons:
Pricey
Some say the glow doesn’t last long

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BEST FACE MOISTURIZER

Coola Organic Sunless Tan Anti-Aging Daily Moisturizer

$48

Buy Now at ulta

If you like products that do double duty, this is the one for you. A daily moisturizer and sunless tanner in one, Coola Organic’s self-tanner has anti-aging properties built-in. It’s completely clean and organic and even uses DHA derived from beets.

Key ingredients:
DHA
Hyaluronic Acid
Squalane
Aloe Vera
Green Tea Extract
Fragrance: Pina colada

Pros:
Vegan and clean
Cruelty-free
Reef-safe
Deeply moisturizing
Multi-tasking
Anti-aging
Sustainable packaging
Cons:
Pricey
Some say it made them break out
Some did not like the smell

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BEST TOWELETTE

Tan Towel Self Tan Towelette

$25 $29 14% off

Buy Now at walmart

$35

Buy Now On Amazon

Tan Towel towelettes give you the opportunity to self-tan on tho. Each individually wrapped wipe is infused with paraben-free, dye-free liquid that takes two to four hours to show up and lasts a full week. Best of all, Tan Towel exfoliates, moisturizes and tans your skin all at once, so pop one or two of these in your purse and no one will know you spent all day under your umbrella at the beach!

Product type: Towelette
Key ingredients:
Water
DHA
Aloe Vera
Pro-Vitamin B5
Pentavitin
Fragrance: Citrus

Pros:
Paraben-free
Dye-free
Streak-free
Fast-acting
Portable
Moisturizes and exfoliates
Cons:
Some don’t like the smell
Some find towelettes hard to apply
Some say it does streak

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BEST SKIN-TONE CORRECTOR

St. Tropez Tan Tonic Glow Drops

$31 $42 26% off

Buy Now at walmart

If you’re looking exclusive for a face a bronzer, then look to this potent self-tanning serum by St. Tropez. The vegan formula gently but powerfully tans your skin while nourishing ingredients keep your complexion hydrated and happy. It even contains niacinamide, which helps even your skin tone and your overall glow.

Product type: Serum
Key ingredients:
Niacinamide
Vitamin E
Echinacea
Hyaluronic Acid
Fragrance: Floral

Pros:
Vegan
Hydrating
Anti-aging properties
Recyclable packaging
Cons:
Pricey
Some don’t like the smell
Some say they didn’t tan dark enough

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BEST FREE RADICAL FIGHTER

Skinerals Californium Sunless Tanning Mousse

$29.99

Buy Now On Amazon

This Skinerals self-tanner has a different texture: a fluffy mousse that can help even the skin tone, thanks to antioxidant-packed ingredients like acai berry and fig extract. You can apply the mousse to both your face and body. It’s best to lather it on at night and then shower in the morning to give it plenty of time to set (yet, it won’t transfer on your pajamas or sheets).

Product type: Mousse
Key ingredients:
Water
DHA
Lavender oil
Orange peel oil
Vanilla bean extract
Shea butter
Fragrance: Fruity

Pros:
Vegan
Cruelty-free
Good for all skin types
Streak-free
Fast-acting and long-lasting
Cons:
Some don’t like the smell
Some say the results are too subtle

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Vita Liberata Fabulous Gradual Tanning Lotion

$20.00

Buy Now On Amazon

Designed for all skin tones, Vita Liberata’s Gradual Tanning Lotion is buildable on your face or body and can be used daily, as it tans you gradually. The lotion itself is not tinted, so it won’t stain your clothes or bedding (always a win with a tanning product!). Its ingredients include skin soothing shea butter, hyaluronic acid, cucumber extract, and aloe vera for a smooth application and hydrated skin.

Product type: Lotion
Key ingredients:
DHA
Shea butter
Hyaluronic acid
Cucumber extract
Aloe vera
Fragrance: Cocoa butter

Pros:
Tans gradually
Moisturizing
Hydrating
Cons:
Some say it feels sticky
Some say the results are too subtle

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Bali Body Gradual Tanning Butter

$33

Buy Now at Ulta

This tanning butter melts right into your skin! Even though it has a thicker consistency, shoppers love how moisturizing it feels once you apply it. The tanning butter includes low-level tanning actives to create a gradual tan that lasts. Shoppers praise the subtle gold shimmer it leaves behind.

Product type: Lotion
Key ingredients:
Niacinamide
Hyaluronic acid
Vitamin E
Shea Butter
Cocoa butter 
Fragrance: Coconut

Pros:
Tans gradually
Hydrating
Cons:
Smaller size

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Tan Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion

$34

Buy Now at ulta

When you’re looking to build a natural and beautiful tan without worrying about it staining your clothes, reach for the Tan-Luxe The Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion. It goes on streak-free and is perfect for beginners who are too nervous to self-tan at home. The tanner comes in one shade, which adapts to all skin tones! Shoppers also praise the light and airy citrus scent that lingers on the skin all day. For the best results, apply the lotion every other day to maintain your glow.

Product type: Lotion
Key ingredients:
Aloe vera
Raspberry seed oil
Cellutone complex
Fragrance: Light citrusy scent 

Pros:
Tans gradually
No orange streaks
Good for pale skin
Cons:
Need to thoroughly exfoliate before applying

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Experts in This Article

Dr. Rachel Nazarian: New York-based board-certified dermatologist
Dr. Kelly Culwell, MD: Board Certified OB/GYN, also known as ‘Dr. Lady Doctor’

To help guide you before your appointment, we break down the most common types of birth control and the questions you should ask yourself before making a choice. Whether you’re exploring birth control for the first time or considering switching methods, understanding your options (and knowing when to seek professional advice) can empower you to make informed, confident decisions.

Hormonal vs. non-hormonal options

Birth control options include hormonal methods like pills, patches, rings, and injections, as well as non-hormonal options like IUDs and condoms. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods like IUDs and implants offer long-term protection and can be a good option when a patient has a true contraindication to a hormonal option, according to Dr. Maria Sophocles, an OB/GYN based in New Jersey. She adds, “Hormonal options are safe for nearly every woman; non-hormonal options such as a non-hormonal copper IUD are not necessarily more ‘natural.’ Some hormonal options contain estrogen and progesterone while others contain only progestogens (types of progesterone), which are used in women with clot risk or who smoke as they do not increase risk of clots.”

Common birth control methods

Pill – according to Planned Parenthood, if you use it perfectly, the pill is 99% effective. But people aren’t perfect and it’s easy to forget or miss pills — so in reality the pill is about 93% effective. That means about 7 out of 100 pill users get pregnant each year. There are two kinds of birth control pills— combination pills (the most common type of birth control pill) and progestin-only pills.

Patch – The transdermal contraceptive patch is a safe and convenient birth control method that works really well if you always use it correctly. You wear the patch (and change it weekly) on certain parts of your body, and it releases hormones through your skin that prevent pregnancy. If used perfectly, the patch is 99% effective, but it’s actually closer to 93% effective as it can be easy to make a mistake.

Vaginal ring – With the vaginal ring, you wear a small, flexible ring inside your vagina, and it prevents pregnancy 24/7 by releasing hormones into your body. You put it in and take it out once a month. About 7 out of 100 ring users get pregnant each year. The birth control ring may cause negative side effects for some people, such as nausea, headaches, and sore breasts, but they usually go away after a few months.

IUD – IUD stands for intrauterine device (basically, a device inside your uterus). It’s a small piece of flexible plastic shaped like a T. It’s long-term, reversible, and one of the most effective birth control methods, with it being more than 99% effective (fewer than 1 out of 100 people who use an IUD will get pregnant each year). IUDs are so effective because there’s no chance of making a mistake. You can’t forget to take it (like the pill), or use it incorrectly (like condoms). And you’re protected from pregnancy 24/7 for 3 to 12 years, depending on which kind you get. Once your IUD is in place, you can keep it in until it expires or decide that you’re ready to try and get pregnant. Once it’s removed, an IUD doesn’t prevent you from getting pregnant right away.

Birth control shot – The birth control shot is an injection you get once every three months from a healthcare provider. It contains the hormone progestin, which stops you from getting pregnant by preventing ovulation. When used perfectly, the birth control shot is more than 99% effective, meaning less than 1 out of every 100 people who use it will get pregnant each year. However, in real life, the shot is about 96% effective due to people sometimes forgetting to get their shots on time. The most common side effects are changes in your periods, especially during the first year. These include bleeding, spotting, or not getting your period.

Birth control implant – The birth control implant is a tiny, thin rod about the size of a matchstick. The implant releases hormones into your body that prevent you from getting pregnant. A nurse or doctor inserts the implant into your arm and you’re protected from pregnancy for up to 5 years. Similar to an IUD, the implant is so effective (more than 99%) because it’s in your arm, and therefore there’s no chance of using it incorrectly or forgetting to take it altogether. If you decide you want to get pregnant, a nurse or doctor can take it out and you can get pregnant right away.

Factors to consider

Dr. Sophocles notes that two of the main questions to ask yourself when trying to decide a birth control is what can I stick with? Do I have any contraindications? For example, if you are a smoker than an estrogen containing pill is not right for you. Similarly, if you have trouble remembering to take a daily pill, then that method is also not right for you. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance/convenient option then an IUD or implant might be best for you. Those methods are also highly effective (over 99%).

However, as mentioned above, some people use birth control not just to prevent pregnancy, but to also address additional health concerns. Some IUDs can be used to help treat heavy menstrual bleeding whereas hormonal options such as the pill, can help regulate your period, reduce PMS symptoms, improve skin complexion, and help manage conditions such as endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Remember, the right choice is not about following trends or meeting others’ expectations; it’s about finding a method that reflects your unique needs and preferences, while ensuring your health and well-being come first. It’s best to talk to your healthcare provider as they are best equipped to help if you have questions or concerns.

“I regularly speak with patients who are nervous to talk about sex and birth control,” Dr. Kyle Graham, board-certified OBGYN and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group in San Jose, CA, tells SheKnows. For one thing, many patients find the topic embarrassing, he explains. There might also be “cultural reasons where sex and birth control are something not to be discussed,” he adds. And with sex specifically, it’s common to believe that no one else is experiencing the same problem you are, which makes it even harder to bring up — “when in reality,” Dr. Graham says, “their question/concern is one that most people are also asking their doctor.”

Dr. Orchideh Alexander, an OB/GYN at Atlantic Health System, notes that sexual health topics like birth control are simply “deeply personal and sensitive,” and thus hard to bring up. Other people, she adds, “are influenced by the lingering stigma surrounding sexual health in our society.”

How To Talk To Your OB/GYN About Sexual Health

The good news for us patients is that a good doctor can help you move past any awkwardness or stigma. “When a patient is nervous to talk about these topics, I start by reassuring them that they are not alone — many people share the same feelings, and it’s completely normal,” Dr. Alexander explains. According to Dr. Graham, your doctor should be factual and open with you as the patient, and they should make sure that you’re comfortable having anyone else in the room with you (like a partner or family members). You should also be reassured that nothing you say in that room will be “judged, laughed at or brushed aside,” he adds.

You should expect your doctor to ask “open-ended questions about their hopes and concerns around sexual health and family planning,” Dr. Alexander adds. “From there, we work together to create a personalized plan, moving at a pace that feels right for them. I always remind patients that there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to have these discussions — what matters most is that they feel heard and respected.”

Talking To Your OB/GYN About IUDs

Whether you’re a mom looking to wait a bit (or longer than a bit) in between kids or looking into contraceptive options for your teen or young adult, birth control is always a major topic at the OB/GYN. IUDs in particular are the subject of a lot of conversations — and misconceptions.

Both doctors say IUDs are an excellent birth control option. “I have a very positive perception of IUDs and try to convey my positivity to the patient,” Dr. Graham explains, and Dr. Alexander agrees: “I absolutely love IUDs and often share that excitement with my patients.”

Dr. Graham also specifically works to “dispel myths patients have heard from social media or friends” about IUDs — like that they’re only for women who have already had children (nope!) or that they cause infertility (also no). And while IUD insertion can range from uncomfortable to very painful for some people, you should feel empowered to talk to your doctor about pain relief options and seek another provider if you don’t feel comfortable with what they can offer.

When you ask about getting an IUD, your doctor should also give you a general overview of what they are: a small device that is placed in your uterus to prevent pregnancy. “I explain that IUDs are a type of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), meaning that after a single office visit to place the device, patients typically don’t have to do anything for contraception for several years — anywhere from 3 to 10 years, depending on the type of IUD,” Dr. Alexander explains. “It’s an extremely low-maintenance and effective option, and many of my patients end up loving their IUDs.”

What Are the Different Types of IUDs?

Your doctor will also explain the different kinds of IUDs, specifically the difference between the hormonal (levonorgestrel) IUD and the non-hormonal copper IUD, so you can decide which is right for you.

“The hormonal IUD releases a small, steady amount of progesterone over 3 to 8 years, depending on the specific model,” explains Dr. Alexander. Some of the benefits? The hormonal IUD often leads to lighter periods (or no periods at all!) and less cramping; it’s actually considered a treatment option to address heavy or painful periods, Dr. Alexander says.

The copper IUD, meanwhile, is a good option if you’re looking for something hormone-free. It’s also good for 10 years (!), although Dr. Alexander notes that this option can sometimes lead to heavier, more painful periods.

What’s the Right IUD for You?

When you’re deciding the right IUD, it’s important to think about your birth control priorities. You’ll want to think about whether you want a hormonal or non-hormonal option, for starters, and what your menstrual cycle is currently like. “I ask about things like how important it is to them to avoid hormones, whether they’re looking for lighter periods, and how long they want protection,” Dr. Alexander says. Your doctor will also ask about your medical history to see if one option is better for you than another, Dr. Graham says.

The decision to get an IUD or not, and what kind of IUD you get, is up to you and your preferences. Your doctor is just there to guide you through it, answer your questions, and support you — and if you don’t feel supported, again, it’s a good idea to seek out other providers if you can. “Ultimately, it’s a collaborative decision,” Dr. Alexander says. “I make sure patients feel fully informed and empowered to choose what works best for them.”

Before you go, read up on these yoga poses to avoid during your period:

No one likes to be surprised by their period, but there’s something especially terrible about it when you’re a teen. It’s that familiar sinking feeling: realizing it in the middle of class, calculating how to make it to the bathroom as quickly as possible, trying to remember whether you still have a leftover pad in your backpack from last month, hoping above all that you don’t have to spend the rest of the school day bleeding through your jeans. Sorry to bring back any unpleasant memories, but we’ve all been there — and, probably, learned from the experience. The lessons? Make sure to keep your period kit stocked at all times, and start tracking that cycle — whether by hand or on a handy period-tracking app — so it doesn’t sneak up on you again.

Dr. Somi Javaid, a board-certified OB/GYN and founder of HerMD, says that anyone who menstruates should ideally be tracking their cycle. That’s because, during your menstrual years, “presence or absence or changes in your menstrual cycle can be another vital sign indicative of what’s going on with your general health,” she tells SheKnows. For teens, it’s especially important to get into the habit.

Why Should Teens Track Their Periods?

“For the first few years, as your hormones are maturing… cycles aren’t always predictable, and so that leaves teens unprepared,” Dr. Javaid explains. That might mean they’re caught without a period product while at school, at a sports game, or traveling. It might also mean that they’re confused when new PMS symptoms come on. “They already have unpredictable moods because of being a teenager,” Dr. Javaid points out. “Sometimes they’re not aware that they’re moody or angry or depressed… or they are very self-conscious about their [breakouts] or bloating… and it’s really due to PMS.” Knowing that these symptoms are actually due to their cycle can be reassuring.

Plus, picking up on their symptoms is the first step to treating or even preventing them, Dr. Javaid adds. “You can go talk to your provider about options to treat the PMS,” she explains. “Knowledge is power, but it also arms them with the capability, then, to go in and make an informed decision if they want treatment for some of their concerns,” whether that means grabbing some ibuprofen before a day they usually get cramps, or taking preemptive migraine medication if they’re a menstrual migraine sufferer.

How Teens Should Track Their Period

There’s no right medium for tracking a menstrual cycle, Dr. Javaid says — it’s whatever fits into your teen’s life the best. “Some people like old fashioned paper, and they that’s how they keep track of homework assignments and their social life,” she says. “Some people use their notes app. Some people love the period apps.”

When it comes to what your teen should be tracking, they should start with the first day of their period and make a note of what days they bleed. They should also record the heaviness of their cycle — so, how many pads or tampons they use, or how many times they emptied their menstrual cup. Then, your teen should note down any other symptoms, like pain, cramping, breakouts, GI symptoms (like bloating, nausea, or diarrhea), moodiness, anxiety or depression, or changes in sleep habits. It’s all worth making note of, Dr. Javaid says, “because we know your menstrual cycle doesn’t just affect bleeding.”

Are Period-Tracking Apps Safe for Teens?

Of course, period apps come with some concerns these days. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, many users have worried about period-tracking apps sharing data about their health or their cycle, which could be used to determine when a pregnancy begins or ends. That raises major flags for people in abortion-restricting states, especially, whose cycle data could conceivably be used to prosecute them for seeking an abortion. “A big spotlight was placed on HIPAA concerns,” Dr. Javaid explains, referencing the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a federal law that protects medical records and personal health information.

As Dr. Javaid points out, most period-tracking apps are not held to HIPAA standards — meaning, they’re not legally required to protect your health data the way doctors and health insurance companies are. That means that, yes, your teen’s menstrual data could be shared with a third party (meaning any other entity outside the app), if they record it in the app. Recent research has also found that some period apps mismanage health data, leaving it open to hacks or leaks, and many experts continue to recommend deleting period-tracking apps given the continued risks and uncertainty, especially if you live in an abortion-restricting state.

If privacy is a top concern, Dr. Javaid recommends opting for the old-fashioned pen and paper technique, or recording cycles in the phone’s built-in notes app. Other experts recommend the Apple Health app (for those with iPhones), which is “encrypted and inaccessible by default,” per Apple’s company policy. Dr. Javaid notes that some newer period-tracking apps also prioritize privacy and “either delete data as you enter it, or they don’t allow third-party tracking.” It’s ultimately a personal choice, and one that you should talk through with your teen and, if you can, a trusted doctor.

Best Period-Tracking Apps for Teens

If you and your teen do decide to opt for a period-tracking app, think about what they’re looking to get out of it. Are they looking for an app that’s ultra-private? One that can predict their cycle? One with a built-in community? Here are the period-tracking apps Dr. Javaid recommends for teens:

Euki: If you’re looking for an app that prioritizes privacy, Euki is a good choice. This period-tracking app gives you the option to delete all data — either at scheduled intervals or on the spot — and doesn’t permit third-party tracking, meaning the app won’t allow your teen’s menstrual data to be tracked by any other entity. Your teen also has the option to set a pin number for further protection. Besides its privacy features, Euki also offers the typical bells and whistles of a period-tracking app: a calendar, the ability to log symptoms, and resources to learn more about your cycle and health.

Clue: “Clue is a great period tracker recommended by a lot of MDs,” says Dr. Javaid, noting that users can easily track all their symptoms. With the free Clue Basic, your teen can tap into statistics about their cycle and check out cycle predictions; with the subscription-based Clue Plus, they get access to the app’s pattern analysis and content from medical experts to help them recognize patterns in their PMS and get their burning questions answered. If privacy is a concern, the German-based Clue team has also vowed not to share user data with the US government.

Magicgirl: A period tracker made specifically for teens (ages 12 and up), Magicgirl is unique because it offers a built-in community, where teens can talk to other teens about their cycles or symptoms. “I think community is really huge and something people are asking for,” Dr. Javaid notes. The app also features kid-friendly educational videos and tips for young menstruators.

Flo: The most popular period-tracking app, Flo is all about providing as much info as possible. The more data your teen puts in the more “insights and tips [it gives you] as reward,” explains Dr. Javaid, who highlighted Flo’s period predictor. Flo is also encrypted and offers an anonymous mode. “We will never sell your data,” the app says on its site, “but no one (not even us) can identify you when you use Anonymous Mode.”

Whatever app or method they choose, period tracking is a great way for teens to get to know their cycle and their bodies. That knowledge becomes power, because the more they know about their cycle’s patterns and tendencies, the more quickly they’ll realize when things seem off — and get help when they need it.

“[Tracking your period] can actually help us prevent pain,” Dr. Javaid points out. “[You can] prevent the migraine, prevent the cramping, because if you know when it’s coming, you can get the medications on board, if you want to make that intervention.” And preventing the symptoms, or noticing when they’re out of the ordinary, affects your teen’s life way beyond the few days a month they have their period. “It’s not just about the period,” Dr. Javaid says. “It’s about so much more. It’s about overall health.”

Before you go, shop our favorite period products:

But Dewan is also honest about the not-so-adorable parts of motherhood. For example: mastitis. In a set of Instagram photos celebrating her return to The Rookie after maternity leave — including multiple sweet pictures of mom and baby! — Dewan included a selfie showing her reclining on a bed with what look like raw potato slices on her chest. Some fans were left confused. “Wait what do the potatoes do?” one person commented. “Are the soothing or helping with maybe stretch marks or just skin stuff in general?”

Turns out, raw potatoes may help with symptoms of mastitis, which is swelling and redness of the breast tissue, sometimes involving an infection, according to Mayo Clinic. “Mastitis can be triggered by clogged (plugged) milk ducts and engorgement,” Dr. Jessica Madden of Aeroflow Breastpumps, a board-certified pediatrician and neonatologist, and an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), tells SheKnows. “Cracked nipples can also lead to mastitis by allowing bacteria to enter into the breast tissue.”

People who are breastfeeding are most likely to get mastitis, which can include symptoms like breast tenderness or warmth, breast swelling, breast lumps, a burning feeling or pain while breastfeeding, and even a fever. Per the Cleveland Clinic, mastitis affects up to 10 percent of breastfeeding people in the US.

Dewan dealt with mastitis for the first time while pregnant with Rhiannon, she told Us Weekly back in September — and she tried everything to find relief. “Anything someone DMed me, I was like, ‘I’m gonna try that,'” she explained, “because it was so miserable. It was so awful.”

And an Instagram post from August showed Dewan wasn’t exaggerating about all the remedies she tried, sourced from a supportive network of fellow moms. In addition to applying “thinly sliced potatoes after feeds,” she also used hot Epsom salt baths “to help with the shaking,” and put castor oil on her breasts with a warm compress on top. She also took probiotics, vitamins C and E, ibuprofen, and antibiotics.

In the post, Dewan said the potatoes eased her inflammation — so is it true? Well, depends who you ask. According to a 2016 report in the IOSR Journal of Nursing and Health Science, raw potatoes can help with pain, swelling, and redness if applied within the first 24 hours of noticing symptoms. (Per the authors, you should start with six to eight washed, raw potatoes and soak them in room temperature water before applying a few to your breasts. The slices should be replaced every 15 to 20 minutes.)

However, Dr. Madden isn’t convinced. “Although there is some scientific evidence that chemical components in potatoes may promote wound healing, mastitis occurs in the deeper tissues of the breast where components of topical potato slices will not reach,” she explains. In fact, in their most recent guidelines, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine actually recommends against applying topical products to the breast when treating mastitis. “While I don’t think that applying raw potatoes to inflamed breasts is harmful,” Dr. Madden says, “I suspect that in most cases it will not help.”

Instead, Dr. Madden recommends ibuprofen, ice or cold packs, managing breast milk oversupply, wearing a supportive and well-fitting bra, and antibiotics in some cases. It can also help to continue feeding or pumping from the affected breast, but “minimizing pumping and efforts to full empty the affected breast after feeding,” she adds.

As for Dewan, she reported in the Us Weekly interview that she thinks the potato trick worked — but not on its own. “It was kind of in combination with also antibiotics, which really worked,” she explained. “You gotta have the natural and the actual medicine work together.” Sounds like this mom of three found the combination of strategies that worked for her. If you can relate to the mastitis struggle, make sure to talk treatment options with your doctor to relieve your symptoms.

Before you go, shop these essentials for bed-resting moms-to-be:

Egal’s Pads On A Roll wants to make that happen, and they’re targeting a place where surprise periods are especially stressful: the airport.

And we’re not talking about just throwing few boxes next to the sink and calling it a day. Pads On A Roll actually look like toilet paper rolls and are designed to “mirror the logistics of stocking toilet paper in bathrooms,” even down to using the same distributors, according to a Egal press release shared with SheKnows yesterday. Pads On A Roll can either sit on a toilet paper dispenser (like the photo above) or in its own special, labeled dispenser (below), which “takes less than five minutes to install,” the company says.

The ultimate goal is to have a roll of pads in every public or shared bathroom, and Egal says they’ve already installed products in more than 1,700 schools and other public places like libraries, museums, and parks.

Airports are the next stop, and if you’ve traveled through the largest concourse of the Denver International Airport, maybe you’ve already seen Pads On A Roll in action — they’re currently installed in bathroom stalls throughout that terminal and in employee bathrooms. No more emergency runs to the nearest concourse shop? Sounds good to us.

The best part, for us, is how accessible the pads are: you just roll one off like a piece of toilet paper, and you don’t even have to leave your stall to do it. They’re a great solution to those surprise periods teens get at school, too; no shuffling a tampon or pad into their pocket in a silent classroom or whispering to a friend for supplies. Not to mention that the pads are free to use, saving teens money — and at airports, you don’t have to make a supply run to the nearest in-terminal shop.

“Period products could — and should — be delivered as reliably and conveniently as toilet paper,” Penelope Finnie, co-founder and CEO of Egal, said in the press release. “It’s high time we made this much easier for people on the move.” We second that. Period poverty is still a major issue in the US and globally, and there’s no reason why every menstruator shouldn’t have access to period products — including when your period hits unexpectedly at school, in a museum, or while traveling.

Shop more period products here:

Naomi Watts has been quite a badass when it comes to destigmatizing menopause, especially in Hollywood. She’s done so much, and she’s continuing to do more by releasing a new book called Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Known about Menopause. In this book, she revealed how she told her now-husband Billy Crudup (with whom she married in 2023 after six years together) that she has menopause; and the scene is something straight out of a romcom.

Watts recently gave an excerpt of her book to The Sunday Times, detailing how when she and Crudup “were finally about to sleep together off camera, I politely excused myself before things got hot and frisky.” She did this to try to scratch her hormone patch off (and for those who don’t know, a hormone patch help boost estrogen levels)! She tried to rip it off so he wouldn’t know she’s in menopause, but after trying so hard to get it off, she couldn’t. So, she stepped out, and this is what happened:

“Is everything OK in there?” he called, because I was taking so long.
I came out mortified.
“What’s wrong?” he asked. I stumbled and reached for words, but nothing would quite come out.
“Are you OK?” he said, with a gentle hand on my arm.
“Menopause!” I blurted out. “I didn’t want to tell you.”
Suddenly the words came gushing out, “I wear these hormone patches, and I didn’t want you to see it because then you would know I’m in early menopause, which means I am old, and you wouldn’t want me and, oh my God, should I just leave?”
A smile broke over his face. He seemed very relieved that the issue wasn’t a lack of desire. Phew.
He told me he thought it was great I was taking care of myself, and he asked me how he could help.
Double phew.

We love a supportive boyfriend, open communication, and telling your truth. We love the whole dang thing! This is something out of a romcom, and we’re obsessed; and we seriously can’t wait for more tidbits from her upcoming book.

Like we said, she’s been working to destigmatize it for years now, previously telling SheKnows: “I went into perimenopause earlier than my peers and there wasn’t a ton of conversation going on about menopause at the time. My own personal experience echoed what I went through with fertility, which I found to be very lonely and shameful, the notion of not being able to bare children was making me feel ‘less than.’ I knew if I was feeling this way that there were likely others feeling this way, and that society’s perspective needs to change…The menopause movement is coming, and I hope my generation is the last to be suffering in silence.”

Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Known about Menopause will be released on Jan 21, 2025.

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PCOS is a hormonal condition that impacts women of reproductive age, and it occurs when your ovaries or adrenal glands produce too much of a “male” hormone called androgen. PCOS can come with a number of unpleasant and serious symptoms, including cysts on the ovaries, pelvic pain, acne, excess hair growth on the body, baldness or thinning hair, and infertility. That said, no two people experience PCOS the same, as this group of celebrities with PCOS proves. While some like Lea Michele struggled with weight gain and skin issues, others, like Victoria Beckham, have opened up about their irregular periods and struggles with infertility.

The more we spread the word about PCOS, the more likely people are to recognize their symptoms, talk to their doctor, and possibly get treatment, which is why these stories are so important. And beyond that, if you do have PCOS, it helps to feel less alone — and more understood — when those around you speak out about it. “PCOS is not even something that we hear about often,” Keke Palmer told SheKnows in 2021. “But I think [talking about it] was very freeing and also very vindicating.” Keep reading to learn about these celebrities’ journeys with PCOS.

For Trainor, the postpartum period came with mental health issues, breastfeeding struggles and a surprise diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. As she details in an essay on Today.com, the “Made You Look” singer said she hit her “breaking point” one month after giving birth to Barry. “I felt like my body was giving up on me,” Trainor recalls of that moment. “I was alone with Barry and he would not stop crying and then I was crying. I was having a panic attack and I was just over-exhausted, but I felt like I was dying.”

Luckily, Trainor knew where to turn. She “called everyone” on her support team, and got a prescription from her doctor that helped her calm down that very night. Having that kind of support made all the difference, she said. “I know a lot of other moms don’t have that support, or don’t feel like they do, so I can’t imagine how that night turns out for them. It’s frightening and sad.” In telling her own story, Trainor hopes she can show other moms that they’re not alone and that it’s OK to ask for help.

Trainor credits “therapy, my antidepressants and my entire team” for supporting her and making it possible to keep up her career as a pop star while growing her family. She especially shouted out her pediatrician, who told her what she needed to hear when she struggled to produce milk. “Pumping was impossible,” Trainor recalled. She’d struggled during her first pregnancy too, but had heard it might be easier the second time around, “So I decided to try again even though it was my nightmare,” she said. Her doctor, she said, “saved me” by telling her that wasn’t necessary. “Hey, you can stop now,” Trainor recalls him saying. “I’m looking at you and Daryl and you look exhausted. You look defeated. It’s totally OK to have formula.”

At the same time, Trainor was dealing with mental health issues. After her first pregnancy, she experienced labor-related nightmares that involved being on a surgical table and feeling “the doctor’s hands inside of me,” Trainor recalled. Hearing of the terrifying dreams, Trainor’s therapist diagnosed her with PTSD.

Trainor stayed on antidepressants during both pregnancies and, in a past interview with SheKnows, attributed her lack of postpartum depression to the medication. “I only had like the classic, like I’m a mother and I have terrible thoughts,” she told SheKnows in 2023, “but everyone has that.” This time around, though, “my postpartum was there and I felt it,” Trainor said in her campaign video for Bobbie. “I felt myself start to have panic attacks again.”

For Trainor, relying on her support system and taking care of herself was crucial. “I know if I don’t take care of myself, how am I supposed to keep this baby alive?” she said in the video. “I could not get through without antidepressants, without my therapist, the support of my mom coming over every day… I hope that when I share these really personal, private stories, that someone clicks with it and someone goes, oh thank God, me too! If you feel like this, you are normal and you’re OK. I know it’s scary, but ask for help.”

Before you go, check out our favorite affordable mental health apps: