Must-Have Menstrual Products – An Ideal Life

Let’s be real—periods can be rough! Whether you’re dealing with cramps that feel like a tiny gremlin is clawing at your uterus, the delightful surprise of a leak, or just feeling totally drained, having the right menstrual products in your toolkit makes all the difference.

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Over the years, I’ve built up a collection of must-have period products that make this portion of my cycle a little more bearable. From eco-friendly options to cozy comfort essentials, here are some great products to support you through that time of the month.

Lena Menstrual Cup

If you haven’t made the switch to a menstrual cup yet, consider this your sign! The Lena menstrual cup is my personal favorite for a ton of reasons. Unlike tampons or pads, these menstrual products hold more fluid (meaning fewer changes throughout the day), are reusable for years, and don’t come with the waste of disposal products. It’s made of medical-grade silicone, which means no harsh ingredients in these sensitive areas. Plus, once you get used to inserting and removing it, it’s so much more comfortable—you’ll barely notice it’s there!

Livia Kit

Cramps? No, thank you! The Livia kit is truly a game changer for menstrual pain. The small, discreet device clips onto your waistband and sends electrical pulses to confuse pain signals before they reach your brain. Instead of relying solely on painkillers, this drug-free solution keeps cramps at bay with gentle stimulation (and, in my experience, it’s more effective than painkillers!). It’s portable, lightweight, and can be worn under clothes, making it perfect for work, errands, or just lounging at home.

Period Panties

Leaks are low-key the worst, and while cups and tampons do their job, having a backup plan never hurts! Enter period panties. Whether you wear them on their own for light days or as backup protection with other products, these are a must-have.

Organic Cotton Pads

If you’re more of a pad person, these cotton pads from Shop Miss A are a great eco-friendly, budget-friendly choice. These are gentle on sensitive skin with no added scents, making for an infinitely more comfortable experience.

Menstrual Pain Relief Pills

Sometimes, you’re hit by intense cramps just in time to realize you haven’t charged your Livia device. I still make sure to have some OTC meds—classic menstrual products in their own right—on-hand! My go-tos are just generic menstrual pain relief pills from Dollar General. They help to ease not just cramps but also headaches and lower back pain, too.

Raspberry Leaf Tea

Raspberry leaf tea has been used for centuries for menstrual health! This tea helps reduce cramps by toning the uterine muscles and promoting overall cycle balance. I swear by Yogi’s raspberry leaf tea, in particular, for a cozy, calming way to ease discomfort.

Liquid Iron

Do you feel absolutely exhausted during your period? That could be caused by iron loss from bleeding, and liquid iron supplements are a fantastic way to help replenish those levels. They’re easier to absorb than pills (a great break for those of us who take far too many pills already) and can help combat that drained, foggy feeling. Pro tip: take it with vitamin C (like a glass of orange juice) for better absorption!

Warmies

Heating pads are must-have menstrual products for sure, but Warmies microwaveable stuffed animals take it to a whole new level. Not only do they provide warmth for cramps, but they also smell like lavender and are super soft and cuddly. Basically, they’re a self-care essential!

Dark Chocolate

Did you know that the stereotypical craving for chocolate during shark week is one that makes a lot of sense? Dark chocolate is rich in magnesium, which can help relax muscles and reduce cramps while giving you a bit of a natural energy boost. Plus, it just makes you happy! I’ve been loving these dark chocolate almond bars from Walmart.

While I’m super satisfied with my collection of menstrual products so far, there are a few more options I have my eye on:

Red Raspberry Leaf Gummies

Not a tea person? No problem! Pink Stork’s red raspberry leaf gummies provide the same hormone-balancing benefits in an easy-to-take gummy form. They’re convenient, delicious, and great for on the go! Plus, Pink Stork is the brand of geniuses behind my favorite nausea sweets, so you know they’ll be good.

PMS Support Gummies

More essential menstrual products from Pink Stork! These PMS support gummies are packed with vitamins and herbs that help ease PMS symptoms naturally—they contain not just red raspberry leaf but also black cohosh and evening primrose. They’re especially great for reducing irritability and water retention.

This herbal liquid extract supports cycle regularity and hormone balance. It’s ideal for those dealing with irregular cycles, heavy flow, or painful cramps. I also love this brand’s liquid multivitamin!

USB Period Heating Pad

Traditional heating pads are great, but a USB heating pad? Even better! This compact, portable heating pad plugs into a USB port, making it perfect for travel, work, or using on the go.

The Worst Period Symptoms and How to Handle Them

No two periods are the same, but most of us deal with at least one of these struggles every cycle. Here’s how to fight back!

Heavy Flow

• Use the Lena menstrual cup (it holds more than tampons!)
• Wear PINK period panties as a backup
• Take liquid iron to prevent fatigue

Relentless Cramps

• Use the Livia Kit for drug-free relief
• Heat up a Warmie whenever you need it
• Sip on raspberry leaf tea

Mood Swings

• Chew a PMS support gummy
• Get some magnesium from dark chocolate
• Take some deep breaths

Total Exhaustion

• Start your morning with liquid iron
• Make a warm raspberry leaf tea and rest
• Let yourself relax—your body is going through a lot!

By understanding your symptoms, you can create a period toolkit with plenty of helpful menstrual products that actually help you feel better.

Your period doesn’t have to be miserable, friend! With the right menstrual products, you can turn those rough days into a time filled with comfort, self-care, and a bit of indulgence, even while dealing with the irritation of PMS symptoms.