These Are the Only Products That Get PS Editors Through Periods

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As a commerce editor, I find that the best way to curate a shopping guide is by polling our PS editors, all of whom have plenty of experience when it comes to product testing. So when I came up with the idea to share some of my go-tos for alleviating cramps, headaches, and general fatigue during my period, I knew where to source additional ideas. After chatting with a group of my colleagues, I realized that we all have our own remedies for self-care and self-soothing during this often uncomfortable time of the month.

Some of the recommendations folks suggested were ones I've tried — I feel so much more in-tune with my body when I track my menstrual cycle on an app, for example — but there were lots of items I didn't know existed! From senior content director Jessica Andrews's favorite herbal-infused cooling pads to video director Genevieve Farrell's stick-on body massager for relieving achy joints, I am now embracing a collect-them-all mentality when it comes to this genius must-have list.

Ahead, check out the products we're actually using during our periods, and find out how they earned a spot on our must-have lists.

Cooling Menstrual Pads
amazon.com

Cooling Menstrual Pads

The Honey Pot Company Herbal Pads ($8, originally $9)

What's special about these menstrual pads? They're infused with herbs like lavender, rose, aloe vera, and mint, and are super breathable (even cooling!). They're ultra absorbent and complete with an organic cotton cover and wings to wrap around your panties for the perfect fit.

Editor quote: "I swear by Honey Pot Company herbal pads because the combo of lavender, rose, aloe vera, and mint is just so soothing. Besides being organic and super absorbent, the pads have a cooling sensation that gives me an extra dose of comfort during a really vulnerable time." — Jessica Andrews, senior content director, Shopping and PS UK

Essential Oil
amazon.com

Essential Oil

Majestic Pure Peppermint Essential Oil ($13)

This natural peppermint oil can be used for anything from your hair to a home diffuser, and the brand offers a whopping 36 different scents with the option to buy a couple packs at once. Each of Majestic Pure's essential oils are tested by an independent lab for efficacy and constituents. The amber glass bottle has a purpose too — it keeps out UV rays to preserve the quality of the liquid inside.

Editor quote: "Peppermint essential oil! Putting a little on your belly makes such a huge difference!" — Jae Payne, creative director

OTC Pain Reliever
amazon.com

OTC Pain Reliever

Aleve Gelcaps With Easy Open Arthritis Cap ($20, originally $24)

While everyone has their go-to for pain relief, many of our editors agree that Aleve works better than other medications during uncomfortable times of the month. Aleve claims to offer all-day strength (for 12 hours) and assist with headaches and menstrual cramps. The naproxen sodium is what targets pain, and it's the number one orthopedic doctor recommended brand in its category.

Editor quote: "Aleve (or generic naproxen) is the only thing that will touch my cramps - Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc. are all useless." — Jordan Shalhoub, lead social content producer

Heating Pad
amazon.com

Heating Pad

Thera Care Heating Pad ($25)

A heating pad helps increase blood flow through the body, and can be particularly soothing when it comes to cramps. This model comes with the option for both dry or moist heat, the latter of which can help aid in the heat's penetration to the muscles for a faster solution. This pad is a favorite of one of our editors, thanks to its four heat settings and two-hour automatic shut-off, which covers you in case you fall asleep while using it. You can also remove the cover and throw it in the washing machine.

Editor quote: "My plug-in heating pad is a MUST for bad cramps." — JS

Cycle Care Supplement
PS Photography | Sarah Wasilak

Cycle Care Supplement

Bond Cycle Care Dietary Supplement ($29, originally $39)

This strawberry-flavored supplement is meant to be taken nightly before bed, mixed into a glass of water. One 6.9-ounce package provides a 28-day supply.

According to the brand, the bioavailable ingredients include ashwagandha, which is meant to mitigate muscle spasms and mood swings; super antioxidant glutathione, which may help affect hormone levels; lemon balm, which is intended to ease pain from bloating and indigestion; and magnesium, which may relax the uterine muscles that are directly connected with uterine cramps. (Worth noting: there isn't necessarily a ton of high-quality research into all of these ingredients and their benefits.)

An alternative supplement that targets the same results and is backed by one of our editors is Buff Chick Flourish ($30), should you prefer a capsule.

Editor quote: "I took Bond's supplemental powder for a full 28 days and really enjoyed the sweetened beverage in the evening when I was winding down from a busy day of work. My mood swings definitely tend to be severe both right before my period and during ovulation, and I felt slightly more relaxed during both of those periods after digesting this for a full month. Presumably, the more you stock up and make it a consistent part of your self-care routine, the easier your period symptoms will get." — Sarah Wasilak, associate director, Shopping

Period Tracking App
apps.apple.com

Period Tracking App

Clue Period Tracker & Calendar ($40/year)

The Clue Period Tracker helps you better understand your cycle; the more you log, the better read the technology will have on your body. Not only does it help you analyze changes in your flow, feelings, and sex drive, it allows you to log your birth control method, set up calendar reminders, and you can sync your period data with Apple Health. If you're trying to get pregnant, dealing with menopause, or closely following your ovulation, the app is there to support.

Another editor favorite is Flo ($40/year), which functions similarly with a slightly different interface.

Editor quote: "I have become very dependent on my Clue period tracking app. I mostly use prescription pharmaceuticals to combat my menstrual cycle symptoms, including migraines, but the app has helped me notice patterns with my emotions and my pain, so I can get ahead of the most challenging symptoms." — Nancy Einhart, head of content, PS

Menstrual Cup
amazon.com

Menstrual Cup

Tampon Tribe Reusable Menstrual Cup ($40)

This menstrual cup is firm enough to stay in place for up to 12 hours, while also warming to your body temperature and providing flexible comfort. It's ideal for active women with heavy periods, and its rounded edges a part of the brand's patented leak protection design. What's more, it's silicone-free and available in two different sizes.

Editor quote: "I switched from tampons to a menstrual cup five years ago and it has made my periods so much more pleasant. I can leave the cup in for 12 hours, and I experience less pain, discomfort, and leakage than I do with tampons." — NE

Chocolate
target.com

Chocolate

Hu Almond Crunch Dark Chocolate 70% Cacao Bar Case of 12 ($76)

Comfort foods and snacks are a must during your period. You can stock up on a pack of 12 of the popular Almond Crunch flavor from Target. The chocolate brand is known for being gluten free, organic, and vegan — and most importantly, it tastes great.

Editor quote: "Hu chocolate bars simply make me feel better. They are delicious (the almond butter and puffed quinoa one will blow your mind) but also organic and non-GMO. I feel good about eating them because their ingredient list is short and simple. They are the best healthier take on chocolate I've tried." — Genevieve Farrell, director of fitness and wellness video

Sleep Mask
PS Photography | Sarah Wasilak

Sleep Mask

Therabody SleepMask ($99)

Therabody's SleepMask is constructed from plush cushioning that contours to your face to completely block out the light, and you can turn on the rhythmic vibrations that are meant to ease tension as you drift off to sleep. The product can be particularly relaxing for someone with a headache, which can be a common symptom during your menstrual cycle. To read more about the way this device works to soothe, read our Therabody SleepMask Vetted review.

Editor quote: "The Therabody SleepMask definitely makes for a soothing experience. Just like the rest of the brand's products, it's extremely comfortable against the skin and the blackout fabric blocks out 100 percent of light . . . I tend to use the mask as more of a massage tool when I'm unwinding at the end of the day, rather than as a sleep essential." — SW

Wearable Body Massager
walmart.com

Wearable Body Massager

Hyperice Venom Go Body Massager ($99, originally $129)

This device can be worn anywhere on your body and provides both heat and vibration through three therapeutic vibration patterns. There are nine different combinations you can choose from, and it's even TSA-approved for carry-on bags if you have a long flight. It weighs just 0.2 pounds, making it extremely portable and convenient even if you're just working around the house or running errands.

Editor quote: "My back gets super achy, and while I'd love to drop everything and get a massage, that isn't always in the cards for me. Hyperice Venom Go is a spot treatment you can apply to your back that uses heat and vibration to loosen and relax your muscles. Once you attach the pads, you can go about your day." — GF

Fitness Tracker
PS Photography | India Yaffe

Fitness Tracker

Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon ($449, originally $499)

The Oura Ring 3 calibrates your sleep, heart rate, workouts, calorie burn, and general wellness, so it can come in handy during the times of the month you want to be most in-tune to your body. Of course, the perk is that it's lightweight and easier to wear for most than a smart watch. You can read more information in our Oura Ring 3 review.

Editor quote: "Getting a little bit of extra rest can really help to alleviate some of the fatigue and aches. My problem? Prioritizing going to sleep a bit earlier when life is moving a mile a minute (while chasing two toddlers). The Oura Ring has helped me by alerting me when my readiness is low. Oftentimes, I'll know I'm rundown but it's not until my ring alerts me that I'll actually take action to find some downtime. The Oura Ring also has cycle insights and tracking to help learn how your cycle impacts your body." — GF


Sarah Wasilak is the associate director of Shopping at PS. With plenty of experience in the commerce market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.