TrueFem

Home
TrueFem

We help women–from adolescence to menopause–make sense of their reproductive health and hormones

Join the TrueFem Community to learn more about how your health and hormones can be restored through knowledge of your reproductive health. We can help you advocate confidently for your own health and wellness in your medical care.

19/09/2024

I went to Kenya when I was 17, and I came back a completely different person.

Literally, changed my life overnight.

When I came back started a nonprofit organization to fund development projects in Kenya. For 15 years, we have been doing incredible things. But the most exciting thing has yet to happen this year.  
I’m taking fertility education to over 500 women in Kenya from the bush communities to boarding schools in March 2025. Our medical partners will be trained to provide education on simple fertility awareness methods that can change the lives of hundreds - if not thousands - of teen women in the years to come.

in Montana just dropped its September issue, and I’ll humbly admit our story got a nice spread. But it’s not just about a magazine spotlight - it’s really as story about how friendship, altruistic ideas and WOMEN can change the world.

Women who can finish their education, contribute to their communities, plan their families and have agency in their reproductive health decisions are women who will change the world.

If you’re interested in donating to this “Women’s Empowerment Project,” check out my bio link. Even the smallest donation will have a huge ripple for the young women in Kenya who will benefit from simple fertility education.

A small donation funds a “Dignity Kit” for a woman in the tribal community or a teen at a boarding school, complete with a CycleBead fertility bracelet and a reusable menstrual kit sourced locally in Kenya.

I’ll carry your support with me to Kenya- donate a tax deductible donation via my link in bio 🇰🇪 🙏❤️

22/07/2024

Teen women are perhaps the most vulnerable population receiving poor medical care and evaluation.   Why?

So many things have been normalized in this population. Painful period, acne, fatigue, and irregular cycles are common in teens, but these things are not normal.

Let me repeat: COMMON does not mean NORMAL.

For the teen women out there that are suffering from painful periods and body image issues related to their weight and symptoms, there is hope.

Here’s the scoop👇🏻

Within two years of starting your first period, ovulation should fully mature to a “normal” cycle that includes:

➡️ A cycle between 24-36 days long (a few days shorter or longer is considered within normal range for this population)
➡️ An ovulatory phase with 5-6 days of fertile mucus
➡️ Signs of ovulation (peak day identified by cervical mucus)
➡️ A luteal phase between 9-18 days long (12-14 average)
➡️ Symptoms like PMS should not last more than 3 days before the start of a period, and should be mild in nature
➡️ Periods should NOT be painful, restricting activities of daily living or requiring over the counter pain control
➡️ Bleeding between 3-7 days without large clots or completely soaking through pads within an hour

So often, teens present to their first OB/GYN visit with common complaints and are prescribed birth control (hormonal contraceptives) to fix, eliminate (or worse, “REGULATE”) their periods.

It is a huge loss of “healthy years” for teen women to be prescribed pharmaceuticals to fix period problems without addressing the root causes behind the symptoms that manifest. So often, the issues women are trying so hard to tackle in their 20s and 30s often present within the first few years of their first period!

We help teens understand what their cycles are revealing about their health. We desire all young women to have access to transformative medical care to re-write the story of their health and wellness.

Check out our on-demand courses for teens- link in bio!

09/04/2024

I like this trend I keep seeing of vulnerability in social media space, but I was a little nervous to jump on board. However, I think it helps everyone see that we are all human. Behind every post is a motivator, an insecurity, and raw life.   So here’s a few things I’m working through, too.

I am first and foremost a mother. And juggling the desire to have professional involvement while also trying to be a good mother is NOT an easy task. And, the truth is, I’m not so great at it!

And because of this, I often question if I’m really doing a good job at my primary vocation as a mom.

I’m often intimidated by taking next steps (NP school?!) because I don’t have it all together already. Laundry? Everywhere. Schedules? A giant mess. Summer camp for my kids? Missed the deadline.

I am also really tired a lot due to my own chronic issues and journey trying to remedy them. And I don’t get my movement in every day, nor am I perfect at eating food in the right order or buy every single thing organic. Despite knowing all “the things” I should do, it’s not always that simple (I get it).

But we are all trying our best in this messy, raw life.

Now you know :)

25/03/2024

Did you know that only 3% of women worldwide can identify their approximate time of ovulation?

In the recent storm of conversation around women wanting more in their reproductive health, this statistic is the pinnacle illustration of a gap in education.

Understanding fertility in underserved areas throughout the world is the difference between life and death in some cases. Closing the knowledge gap is one of the best ways to elevate women, reduce teen pregnancy, and improve health outcomes.

This July, I’m taking a small group of dedicated Rotarians to the field in rural, tribal areas of Kenya to expand reproductive health education to women and girls in remote parts of Kenya.

Can fertility awareness work for women without running water? YES.

Can fertility awareness work for teens without basic necessities? YES.

Is fertility awareness an effective method in resource deprived communities? ABSOLUTELY.

Understanding basic physiology should not be reserved for a privileged class.

Follow for more and upcoming updates from the field!

—————
PC: Sarah Rolfing’s outreach to Magadi, Kenya in 2016.

26/02/2024

Pulsatile hormones are crucial in reproductive health because they regulate the delicate processes of fertility, ovulation, and pregnancy. 🌿 
A pulsatile hormone is a type of hormone that is released from glands in the body in intermittent bursts or pulses, rather than being continuously secreted at a steady rate. These bursts occur in a rhythmic and cyclical manner, with periods of increased secretion followed by periods of lower secretion or even temporary pauses. 
In women, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are released in pulsatile patterns from the pituitary gland in the brain, orchestrating the menstrual cycle and ovulation. These hormonal pulses are finely tuned to stimulate the growth of ovarian follicles, the release of mature eggs, and the preparation of the uterine lining for potential pregnancy. 
Prolactin, another pulsatile hormone, plays a significant role in lactation. However, elevated prolactin over time can result in reduced fertility in both men and women. In women, it can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance necessary for ovulation and implantation of a fertilized egg. It can cause disruptions in the menstrual cycle, leading to irregular periods or even amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).

The pulsatile nature of hormone release allows the body to respond dynamically to changing physiological needs and environmental cues.

This rhythmic pattern of hormone secretion is critical for regulating numerous functions in the body, including growth and development, reproduction, metabolism, sleep-wake cycles, and stress responses 💪🏼

Stay tuned for more about how to evaluate pulsatile hormones in lab work!

Follow for more fertility education - links in bio! 👆🏻

15/01/2024

At TrueFem, we believe every woman deserves access to reproductive health education because it impacts everything about the body– from head to toe– across the lifespan.

This excerpt from the white paper (available online) is a perfect summary of why REAL informed consent is based on a full reproductive literacy.

“Empowering a woman to take care of her hormonal health is multifaceted.   It entails educating her to observe events throughout her cycle and to note any irregularities that require health care consultation.

Without knowledge about the hormonal interplay of her cycle, a woman’s ability to make empowered, informed sexual and reproductive decisions is hindered, as it renders her own health and fertility confusing.

Every woman should understand how her body works in order to equip her to make the choice that is best for her. Hormonal health knowledge also includes fertility literacy, or awareness of the behaviors that affect her reproductive health over the course of her lifetime.

Understanding of menstruation also is key, as it protects a woman from the stigma and shame that surround menstruation in many cultures.

Unfortunately… women around the world are lacking in knowledge that enables them to take care of their hormonal health, evidencing a need for the education FEMM provides.”

➡️ Check out our 1:1 live programs, as well as on-demand courses in our bio! We offer scholarships for those experiencing financial need so everyone has access to this important education. 🙌🏻
 Follow us for more fertility education!

07/01/2024

Did you know that the ebb and flow of estrogen and progesterone during the menstrual cycle can have fascinating effects on the brain and behavior?

🔍 Estrogen’s Impact: As estrogen levels rise, typically during the follicular phase, cognitive functions like verbal memory and attention tend to peak. This hormone can also influence mood regulation, making this phase a time of increased mental sharpness and a confident outlook. The laws of attraction are influenced by high estrogen levels around the time of ovulation.

💤 Progesterone’s Influence: Enter the luteal phase, where progesterone takes the lead. This hormone has a calming effect, promoting relaxation and potentially impacting sleep patterns. Progesterone plays a vital role in maintaining neuronal function in the brain. It also encourages behavior that supports a possible pregnancy (higher metabolic rate, increased caloric intake, increased sleep).
 The Interplay: The dynamic dance between estrogen and progesterone creates a symphony of changes. Some experience heightened creativity and improved spatial abilities, while others may feel more introspective or contemplative. 
It’s crucial to note that every woman’s experience is unique. Hormonal shifts affect individuals differently, and factors like stress, lifestyle, and health can further modulate these effects.

If you want a fascinating read for 2024, add to your list and grab a highlighter!

Follow us for more interesting insights into your health and fertility 🫶🏼

Address

59901-59904

Website

http://www.truefem.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when TrueFem posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to TrueFem:

Shortcuts

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic?

Country:

City: