If You Know Someone With A Vagina...

Episode 8: Menstruation Illumination: Understanding Hormones, Cycles, and Each Other

Wish someone had explained periods and puberty before you had to figure them out on your own? In this episode, Sandi and Beth break down the menstrual cycle phase by phase, explain what hormones are doing in the body and brain, and talk through period products, cramps, PMS, and what’s actually normal. They also broaden the conversation to include boys’ hormonal and emotional development during adolescence, with special guest Kamen helping unpack how biology shapes feelings, behavior, and relationships. This episode is for adolescents, parents, caregivers, and anyone who wants a clearer, more compassionate understanding of periods, puberty, and how we can support each other through both. Stay tuned for the original vajingle, “I’m Menstruating,” and an honest conversation about what it means to be human, hormonal, and still under construction. Watch: Menstrual Disc vs Menstrual Cup – Which Should You Choose? https://youtu.be/dPsJFMebyqs "I'm Menstruating" (Vajingle) Produced by Kelsey Duvauchelle Performed by Kamen Tagalicod and Kelsey Duvauchelle Written by Sandi Fabian, Kamen Tagalicod, and Kelsey Duvauchelle LYRICS: I’m Menstruating Clap if you're a woman, knew your period was coming But still it took you by surprise (clap clap) You had the app for track’n, but your uterus not ask’n You were wear’n your white low rise (clap, clap) Maskin’ with a smile in the feminine aisle, choices go on a mile (clap clap) Tampons and cups, and pads with wings, experiment to find my style (clap clap) The Cycle, We’re educating We’re goin thru, we’re menstruating Communicate and no Debating Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah Menstru-ation, different phases Work with the changes, understanding me I’m menstruating Pain blinding, hormones guiding but I’m not hiding, it’s biology I’m menstruating Listen up y’all it’s a simple demonstration About a process involving human creation Trying to spread word just a bit illumination If you haven’t guessed it now That’s right it’s menstruation Matter fact Phase 1 That’s simply What’s it’s called. The uterus sheds, and brains covered in fog. Low iron causes low drive, feeling so gone And the cramps ooo the cramps they be coming in strong. How long does it last just a couple of days? Roughly 1-5 but that’s just the first phase. WHAT?! But if you’re proactive make sure they hydrate. Slow it down, cancel town, put red meats on their plate. Day 6-13 That’s the follicular phase The brains tells the body to start moving the egg. Causing spikes in estrogen, and the energy’s cool. Comes to an end with the egg in the fallopian tube. SO YOURE TELLING ME THATS THE BEST TIME TO MAKE A BABY? If that’s your end goal, Then it’s time to go crazy. But make sure to talk it out and with some proper preparation You can hit that small window; Phase 3 Ovulation Leading us to the end that That’s the Luteal phase Where the body will react in a couple of ways If they’re pregnant then they cycle has come to an end But if they’re not then we go through it all again Just be careful cuz these effects last around 9 days. Mood swings, hot flashes, and the head will ache. Dizziness, tenderness all over the body, and the burning desire not to talk with anybody. So make fewer plans, get you’re sleep That’s a must. Take ‘em on a walk or a hike in the sun. Respect all their boundaries, communication Cuz after this phase Then we’re back to phase 1. Menstru-ation, different phases Work with the changes, understanding me I’m menstruating Pain blinding, hormones guiding but I’m not hiding, it’s biology I’m menstruating there is no shame cuz what we do there is no shame cuz what we do there is no shame cuz what we do sustains the human race there is no shame cuz what we do there is no shame cuz what we do there is no shame cuz what we do sustains the human race I’m menstruating!

Episode 7: MSM Explained — Menopausal Structural Mayhem

What if your midlife aches and pains weren’t random, but part of a predictable, biological syndrome? Meet MSM: the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause — a concept identified and named by Orthopedic Surgeon and Menopause Champion Dr. Vonda Wright. In this episode, Sandi and Beth break down why your body feels different, what’s happening inside your cells, and the simple, evidence-based steps that can help you stay strong, mobile, and confident through this stage and beyond. You’ll leave feeling informed, validated, and empowered. • Wright, V. (2025). Unbreakable: A Woman’s Guide to Aging with Power. New York: Random House. ISBN: 9780593736586. Random House • Haver, M. C. (2024). The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts. New York: Harmony/Rodale/Convergent. ISBN: 9780593796269. Google Books+1 • The Menopause Society — https://www.menopause.org/ The Menopause Society+1 • International Menopause Society — https://www.imsociety.org/

Episode 6: GSM; Why you Gotta Stay Moist!

This episode of "If You Know Someone With a Vagina" (IYKSWAV) focuses on Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), a condition affecting menopausal women due to decreasing estrogen levels. GSM impacts both vaginal and urinary health, often presenting as vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, urinary urgency or frequency, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Despite its prevalence, GSM remains underdiagnosed, and many women mistakenly accept its symptoms as an inevitable part of aging. Hosts Sandi and Beth, both retired nurse practitioners, bring a compassionate and lighthearted approach to the discussion of GSM. Drawing from their own experiences, they openly share the realities of the impact of these symptoms and the importance of effective treatment. Their honest reflections add a relatable and empathetic dimension to the conversation, helping to normalize the topic and encourage others to seek help and support. Through their blend of professional expertise and personal insight, Sandi and Beth foster an environment of understanding and humor, making the subject more approachable for all.

Episode 5: Why, Why, Why Do I Have A UTI?

Whether you’ve had one UTI or 20, this episode is packed with practical advice, expert insights, relatable experiences, and a few laughs along the way. Sandi and Beth follow the path of the urinary tract to explain what a UTI actually is, how anatomy plays a role, and what you can do to prevent them. They are joined by a clinical laboratory Medical Technologist who explains how your pee gets tested and what those urinalysis results REALLY mean. But they don't stop there - they also explore what it's like to navigate UTIs from both a Provider's perspective and a Partner's. If you've ever asked, "Why does this keep happening?"- this one's for you! So stay hydrated, hit the head one more time, wipe front to back, and give this a listen!! UTI (Vajingle) Performed and Produced by Kelsey Duvauchelle Written by Sandi Fabian Special recognition and shout outs: Mary Rericka - special guest Lisa Hines - special editor

Episode 4: HPV, Warts and All

HPV is one of the most common viruses out there - but for many people, a diagnosis can feel confusing, overwhelming, or even scary. In this episode, Sandi and Beth break it all down with honesty, empathy, and a little humor. You'll hear from Mickey, a courageous cancer survivor, who shares her personal journey through HPV-related throat cancer. Whether you've just been diagnosed with HPV, are supporting someone who has, or simply want to know more about prevention and vaccines, this episode is packed with information, insights and support. Let's clear up the stigma and talk about what HPV really means for your health. Because the more you know, the more empowered you are. Special recognition and shout outs: HPV (Vajingle) Performed and Produced by Kelsey Duvauchelle Written by Sandi Fabian Additional Resources: cdc.gov/hpv cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer