Menstruation is not just a biological process, but also a sensitive indicator of how a woman feels – physically, psychologically, and emotionally. We discussed how menstruation relates to nutrition, eating disorders, and overall self-relationship with Adéla, co-founder of Oasy, who, along with Sára Zemancová, teaches women to eat freely, without diets, and with confidence in their own bodies. In the interview, she openly shares her personal experience with amenorrhea, her approach to cyclicality, and tips on how we can better support our health – at school, at work, and in everyday life.
You are a co-founder of Oasy, where, along with your colleague Sára Zemancová, you teach women to eat freely and without diets. You also specialize in eating disorders. How does this relate to menstrual health from your perspective?
Menstrual health is a very sensitive indicator of a woman's overall well-being – including how we eat, how much energy we have, how we manage stress, and our relationship with ourselves. At Oasy, we often work with women who have a disturbed relationship with food and their bodies, and one of the manifestations of these difficulties is often the loss or irregularity of menstruation. In these cases, the body is essentially asking for help. The restoration of the cycle is also a beautiful sign that the woman is returning to herself – to trust, care, and inner stability.
In the past, you yourself experienced amenorrhea. How does this topic influence your life today?
Today, the topic of cyclicality is deeply personal and professional for me. At the time I lost my menstruation, I perceived it as a failure, but in retrospect, I understand that it was my body trying to survive. Today, I much more value my health and see menstruation as a natural and valuable part of female existence. It's a reminder for me that there's no need to function linearly, always the same. We can slow down, we can listen, we can be different in different phases of the cycle – and still equally valuable. Thanks to a healthy cycle, I have an amazing son at home. :)
Do you think that schools teach enough about menstrual health? What information did you lack when you were growing up, and what do you think needs to be emphasized?
Honestly, no, they don't. Menstruation is often mentioned only marginally and mostly in a very biological sense. There's a lack of context about why the cycle is the way it is, how it relates to diet, psyche, stress, and also to the variability of female energy and emotional experience in individual phases of the cycle. It's not sufficiently explained that female psyche and physical capacities naturally change throughout the month, and that this is absolutely normal and fine.
Personally, I mainly lacked the perspective that I wasn't "weird" when I was tired or sensitive. We need to normalize more that menstruation is not just "bleeding", but that it is a complex, living process that concerns the whole woman – physically, hormonally, and emotionally.
Moreover, I remember that when menstruation was "explained" at school, girls stayed in the classroom, while boys were sent elsewhere to discuss something "else." Even then, it seemed strange to me – as if it were something that needed to be hidden, separated, and ideally not commented on. However, with this approach, we unconsciously create shame, silence, and a barrier in communication between genders.
Yet, if we learned about the menstrual cycle together, from an early age, it wouldn't be such a taboo. And if there's any topic that truly should be discussed with men, it's the entire context of the menstrual cycle because it doesn't just concern women, but influences relationships, communication, cooperation, and mutual understanding in everyday life.
And most importantly, at the end of the day, we are all here because a woman has a healthy menstrual cycle.
Has your view of your own body, health, and menstruation changed over the years?
Absolutely. I used to perceive my body as something to "fix" or control. Today, I listen to it much more and learn to cooperate with it in each new phase of life. I realize its wisdom and that when I take care of it, it takes care of me. The menstrual cycle gives me a framework through which I better orient myself in when to create, when to slow down, and when to take care of myself.
Our study shows that women often experience abdominal pain, fatigue, or impaired concentration before and during menstruation. What is your personal experience, and what do you observe in your clients?
This is a very common experience. I myself feel that I need more rest and inner space around menstruation. With clients, I often see that when they start eating more regularly, listening more to their bodies, and allowing themselves to slow down, their PMS and pain significantly improve. Many difficulties arise precisely from long-term overload (= I have to do everything robotically the same every week and ideally constantly push myself), diet mentality, or nutrient deficiency.
Do you adjust your work matters to the individual phases of your menstrual cycle? How?
Yes, as much as possible. I plan more demanding tasks or public appearances for the follicular/ovulatory phase, when I have more energy and communication comes more naturally to me. Conversely, in the luteal and menstrual phases, I try to make space for calmer activities, reflection, and rest. Of course, it's not always possible to plan perfectly, but just the awareness of where I am in my cycle helps me to be kinder to myself and not push for performance at all costs. So I'd say it flows naturally.
Almost a quarter of women in our questionnaire stated that they cannot openly discuss menstruation with colleagues or superiors at work. In your experience, why do you think this is?
I think it's closely related to how we (don't) talk about menstruation from childhood and adolescence. If we learned about the cycle quietly, behind closed doors, without the presence of the opposite sex, often with a feeling of shame or embarrassment, then we carry these patterns into adult life, including the work environment.
Menstruation is then still perceived as something "inappropriate" or "personal" that doesn't fit into a professional context. Women are afraid that they will appear less productive, unreliable, or oversensitive if they admit that they don't feel well because of their cycle. Moreover, there is often a lack of language to talk about these things factually, naturally, and without shame.
From my experience, I perceive that the more women understand their body and cyclicality, the more natural it is for them to talk about these topics, whether in a personal or professional environment. And similarly, it holds true that when an open and respectful space is created from above, for example, by company management or a team, women relax much more easily and stop perceiving their cyclicality as an obstacle.
But it has to start much earlier, perhaps in the young families of future company directors? It reminds me a bit of the question of which came first, the chicken or the egg. :)
What would personally help you during your studies or in the work environment to feel supported and have better conditions for concentration and comfort?
If I were dealing with any difficulties associated with the menstrual cycle, whether physical or psychological, I believe it is absolutely essential to first allow myself to acknowledge it, name it, and then communicate it. Our needs are usually not guessed by anyone else, and this is even more true for topics that are still partially taboo.
I would start by realizing what exactly I need and then try to communicate it clearly and understandably. For example, that I need more peace, the possibility to work from home, flexible hours, or simply that I am not in my usual energy and would appreciate a little space. I think that when we speak openly, with respect for ourselves and our surroundings, we create space for greater understanding from the other side.
From a professional point of view, we know that chronic suppression of needs and emotional discomfort increase the level of stress hormones, which can further worsen PMS symptoms, menstrual pain, or overall hormonal imbalance. It is all the more important for women to feel that they have the right to take care of themselves even in the context of school or work.
And at the same time, I believe that change starts with the individual. When we ourselves speak up about what we need, we can inspire others and thereby gradually change the environment around us.
From your experience and practice – what can women include in their diet to feel better in their daily and work life?
From the perspective of long-term work with women and my own experience, I perceive that it's not just about what we eat, but about the overall approach to ourselves during everyday life. How we take care of ourselves in daily operations has a direct impact on our hormonal balance, psychological resilience, and perception of our own body. I see several key pillars:
Adequate and balanced diet
Regularity and sufficient energy are the foundation of hormonal and psychological stability. When the body lacks energy, it enters a stress mode, which can manifest as worsening mood, fatigue, and stronger PMS.
However, a balanced diet doesn't just mean "eating right," but also allowing yourself food that brings pleasure. Food that comforts us on difficult days, slows us down, or simply makes us feel good. Food is also a way of caring for the soul – not just the body.
Kind movement
In terms of working with the body and psyche, I perceive movement as one of the key tools for regulating the nervous system and internal stabilization. For women undergoing natural hormonal fluctuations during their cycle, sensitive work with movement can fundamentally influence the experience of emotions, the relationship with the body, and the ability to cope with stress.
It's not about performance, but about sensitivity – sometimes it can be supportive to get a good workout, other times it's enough to just sit on a mat for a while or go outside for some fresh air. Movement that is in tune with how we feel can be deeply healing.
Sufficient quality sleep
Women often need more sleep than men – some up to 9 hours. The reason for this is both the hormonal burden we go through during the month, and also the higher mental activity that is typical for the female brain. It is more often involved in parallel activities, and thus more exhausted.
Lack of sleep then translates not only into mood, but also into the ability to cope with stress, emotional balance, the perception of hunger and satiety, and last but not least, into the regularity and quality of the cycle itself. Sleep is not a luxury, but a fundamental form of self-renewal.
Environment that regulates us
Our surroundings – relationships, work pace, visual and auditory stimuli, and even internal dialogue – have a profound impact on our health. The female nervous system is naturally more sensitive, and therefore an environment that does not overwhelm us and in which we feel safe is extremely important.
Sometimes it means limiting stimuli, sometimes consciously creating space just for ourselves. Silence, peace, moments without judgment and performance – this too can be part of daily nourishment. The kind that is not visible but deeply strengthens us.
Thank you very much, Adéla, for sharing your perspective on the menstrual cycle, valuable information, and tips. 🤍 We believe that her openness will inspire other women to listen to their bodies and not be afraid to talk about their cycle out loud. Would you like to learn more about menstrual health?
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Follow Femspace, where we share more interviews and inspiration.
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Download our study, which shows how menstruation affects women in the workplace.
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And if you want to open the topic of cyclicality in your company, book a workshop with us – we will be happy to help your team create a respectful and inclusive environment.
Download our study
What else to read on Femspace?
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Discomfort that companies overlook: Why it's time to address menstrual pain in the workplace
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Spas after endometriosis surgery: My month in Františkovy Lázně and the path to recovery
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Femvie products that can help you
We've selected products related to this topic that can support your health:
- 🌿 Organic sanitary pads — certified organic pads without chemicals
- 🌿 Organic tampons — organic tampons made from certified organic cotton
- 💊 Magnesium — helps alleviate cramps and tension before menstruation
- 🩹 Menstrual patches — natural relief from painful menstruation
- 📦 Worry-free subscription — your organic menstrual products automatically every month
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a normal period last?
A healthy period lasts 3 to 7 days. If you bleed longer or shorter repeatedly, consult a gynecologist.
Why is menstruation painful?
Menstrual cramps are caused by prostaglandins — substances that contract the uterine muscles. Magnesium, heat, exercise, or natural patches can help.
Are organic pads and tampons safer?
Yes. Organic cotton products do not contain pesticides, plastics, or bleaching chemicals commonly found in conventional menstrual products.
What affects the regularity of the menstrual cycle?
Stress, diet, exercise, sleep, and hormonal balance — all of these affect the length and regularity of the cycle. Tracking your cycle can help you identify patterns and any deviations.
