Knowing Your Cycle: The Biology That Shapes You
Behind every period is a complex cycle of hormonal changes, working in harmony to prepare the body each month. In this article, Charlotte Farer explains the biology of the menstrual cycle in plain language — from the menstrual and follicular phases through to ovulation and the luteal stage. Understanding these patterns can help you read your body’s signals and approach your cycle with clarity and confidence.
Owning Your Cycle: The Emotions That Guide You
Your menstrual cycle isn’t just about periods — it’s a rhythm that shapes how you feel, think, and show up in the world. Hormonal shifts create inner “seasons” that influence energy, mood, and focus. Too often dismissed as irrational, these changes can instead offer insight and guidance. In this article, Grace London explores how recognising emotional patterns across your cycle can help you honour your needs and work with your body rather than against it.
Menstrual Cups: What’s Stopping Edinburgh University Students from Making the Switch?
Charlotte Farrar’s research at the University of Edinburgh reveals that despite free access to reusable menstrual products, many students hesitate to use them due to stigma, misinformation, and infrastructural barriers. Her dissertation uncovers how deeply ingrained cultural taboos and societal norms continue to shape menstrual product choices—even in environments committed to sustainability and free provision.
Strengthening Scotland’s Social Enterprises: Insights from the Cross Party Working Group
On December 3rd, 2024, our Outreach Officer, Caroline Newton, attended the Cross Party Working Group (CPG) on Social Enterprises at the Scottish Parliament. The event was hosted by Social Enterprise Scotland and chaired by Ariane Burgess (MSP).
‘X’ Marks the Spot
Elections around the world often shape policies that impact every aspect of our lives, yet issues like access to affordable period products and reproductive healthcare are frequently overlooked. Julia Ocytko explores how addressing menstrual equity and reducing stigma can drive social and economic progress, ensuring a brighter future for all.
Sanitree’s Holiday Gift Guide
Corinne Dicpinigaitis welcomes the holiday season with some last minute gift ideas. Celebrate sustainably and stress-free with our unique, meaningful suggestions that are perfect for this festive season.
Why is Menstrual Blood So Scary?
Corinne Dicpinigaitis discusses menstrual blood and why some people are so afraid of it.
‘Double, double toil, and trouble’
Julia Ocytko gives a brief overview of hysteria, from its associations with the witch trials to its continuing impacts on modern medicine.
Shaping Scotland’s Menstrual Health Future: Reflections from the Scottish Parliament
Caroline Newton tells us all about her time at 'The Future of Menstrual Health in Scotland' event that was held at the Scottish Parliament earlier this year.
In Vitro Fertilization Shut Down in Alabama – What’s Next?
Maddie Schwarz explores the Alabama Supreme Court's ruling to classify IVF embryos as children, driven by misinterpretations of reproductive medicine and religious arguments, threatening reproductive healthcare and IVF practices, potentially influencing similar restrictions nationwide.
Celebrating International Women’s Day: 10 Reflections from Amina Shah’s ‘50 Ways’ Lecture
In honour of International Women's Day, Jasmine Dawuda attended a lecture by Amina Shah, who emphasized the power of collective action and the importance of recognizing the diverse contributions of women from all backgrounds in the ongoing fight for gender equality.
Under-Researched and Overlooked: The Link Between PMS, PMDD and Suicidality
Seraphima Ogden delves deeply into the crippling realities, diagnostic challenges, and pressing calls for awareness and support regarding PMDD.
The Abolishment of the Period Pants Tax: Everything Wrong with the Government’s Attempt to Do Right
In a groundbreaking move, the UK government abolished the tax on period pants on January 1st, 2024, a victory for advocates of sustainability and menstrual equity. However, Jasmine Dawuda argues that the delay in implementing this measure highlights a lack of prioritisation of environmental concerns and underscores the need for further action to address period poverty and ensure access to essential products for all menstruators.
Menstruation in Times of War
Amid the devastating conflict in Gaza, Palestinian menstruators face a dire scarcity of hygiene products, exacerbating their vulnerability in a war-torn environment. This poignant reflection from Maddie Schwarz urges readers to confront privilege, question societal norms, and stand in solidarity with those enduring the harrowing impacts of the crisis.
Breaking Ground: Unravelling the Circular Economy Bill - A Deep Dive into Scotland’s Vision for a Sustainable Future
Caroline Newton shares insights from her discussion with the Scottish Government regarding the upcoming Circular Economy Bill.
Flowing Towards Sustainability: Navigating Net-Zero Menstruation for a Greener Future
Explore the realm of net-zero menstruation with guidance from Seraphima Ogden in this latest blog post!
Beneficiary Highlight: Meera Shakya
The first edition in our blog series highlighting the amazing beneficiaries working in Jaipur.
Let’s Talk ‘PeriodTok’ Menstruation Content on TikTok—How is it impacting us?
Maddie Schwarz explores the terrifying world of ‘PeriodTok’.
Black History Month: A look into the work and accomplishments of Lynette Medley
Jasmine Dawuda shares the amazing work of Lynette Medley and her daughter Nya McGlone for Black History Month.
A letter from our new Director
Our outgoing Team Leader and incoming Edinburgh Director Frances, discusses her experiences of Sanitree over the past two years and maps out the road ahead.