My Luteal Phase Always Drains Me—Here’s What I’m Doing to Address It

      One thing I thought I could sidestep by being in a committed relationship with another woman? The classic “Is it that time of the month?” comment whenever I get emotional over a TikTok or start an argument about the water filter in the fridge. However, my girlfriend’s least favorite version of me is the week before my period, and that question always pops up like clockwork.

      My version of PMS—bloating, mood swings, and breast tenderness—has me avoiding plans as if it's my full-time job and rejecting bras as if they are committing human rights violations (to be honest, they might be). Over the years, I’ve tried to manage it with heating pads, supplements, and mere wishful thinking. This month, though, I'm changing things up. I’m going to try OLLY’s new Period Hero gummies and hope they live up to their name.

      Why I’m Incorporating OLLY Period Hero into My Routine

      OLLY fans know what I mean. I’ve been adding their Multi gummies to my shopping cart for years during every trip to the drugstore. Now, my daily multivitamin has a charming new companion.

      What I’ve always liked about OLLY is how straightforward their products are: real ingredients, clean formulations, and no strange aftertaste. Period Hero is no exception. It contains a mixture of Chasteberry, Vitamin B6, and Calcium to help manage common PMS symptoms such as bloating, mood swings, and breast tenderness.*

      I appreciate that I can take them every day to get ahead of PMS rather than scrambling during a meltdown. Just two gummies a day, and they easily fit into my current routine. Plus, I usually dislike gummies that taste overly sweet or artificial, but these have a delicious cran-raspberry flavor that is genuinely balanced and enjoyable.

      What’s Inside Period Hero (and How It Supports PMS Symptoms)

      The ingredients in Period Hero are not just trendy or for show; they’re backed by research and frequently recommended by experts for handling monthly symptoms. Here are the key players and their functions:

      Chasteberry (also known as Vitex)

      This herbal extract has been used for centuries to promote hormonal balance. It’s especially effective at alleviating breast tenderness, which many experience during the latter half of their cycle. Research indicates that Chasteberry aids in maintaining healthy prolactin levels, a hormone associated with breast discomfort and other PMS symptoms.*

      Vitamin B6 and Calcium

      These two nutrients are among the most extensively researched regarding PMS support. Vitamin B6 is involved in the production of neurotransmitters that affect mood, including serotonin, which explains its frequent use in alleviating occasional mood swings and irritability.* Meanwhile, calcium has been shown to support the body’s natural reaction to bloating and physical discomfort during your cycle.

      How I’m Using It to Support My Cycle

      Recently, I’ve been adopting a gentler, more mindful approach to my cycle—not through a complete lifestyle overhaul, but by making small adjustments that help me feel more supported throughout the month. Adding OLLY Period Hero to my routine felt like one of those easy changes.

      I’m not anticipating immediate results or a complete transformation, but starting before the symptoms hit just seems logical. I’m equipping my body with tools well in advance (thank you, future self). Instead of eliminating things or looking to "fix" myself during my cycle, I’m concentrating on what I can incorporate to enhance my well-being.

      How to Use OLLY Period Hero

      Each bottle of Period Hero contains 60 gummies, which provides a 30-day supply. You simply take two per day, ideally as part of your regular wellness routine. As mentioned, the cran-raspberry flavor is delightful, and the soft texture makes them easy to consume without the chalky feel of typical vitamins.

      Other Things That Help Me Feel Better During PMS

      Everyone’s cycle is unique, but here are a few gentle changes I’ve been embracing lately:

      Starting the day with warm lemon water

      Replacing intense workouts with a walk or yoga when I’m feeling low on energy

      Taking magnesium before bed to assist with sleep and tension

      Declining plans that I don’t have the energy for (without guilt)

      ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      Paige Cushman, Branded Content Editor

      From small community newspapers to country music marketing, Paige has found the greatest satisfaction in sharing the uniquely human stories that resonate with an audience. As a Branded Content Editor at The Everygirl, she combines her passion for women’s issues and pop culture with her editorial expertise to create quality content for our brand partners.

      This post is sponsored by OLLY, but all opinions expressed are those of The Everygirl editorial board.

      *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.