Strange Health investigates period hacks: scooping, facial masks with menstrual blood and the science of menstruation

Overview

In this episode of Strange Health, Katie Edwards and Dan Baumgart investigate viral period hacks that circulated online, such as scooping menstrual fluid from the shower and using saved menstrual blood as a facial mask. They consult Sally King, a medical physiologist at King’s College London, to separate anecdote from evidence and to explain the science of menstruation, vaginal health, and the biology of menstrual fluid stem cells. The discussion covers safer period products, the dangers of internal cleansing, the limits of skincare claims tied to menstrual blood, and how medical education and social attitudes shape our understanding of periods. The aim is to provide evidence based context for everyday health decisions.

Introduction and context

Strange Health tackles a viral trend around period hacks, beginning with a viral video about period scooping and a segment on applying saved period blood to the face. The hosts speak with Sally King, a menstrual physiology expert at King's College London, to unpack what this means for health and to distinguish fact from fiction.

Period scooping and period hygiene myths

The expert explains that pelvic floor muscles can influence the speed and volume of menstrual flow, but that this does not shorten a period. Rather, scooping may reduce perceived flow temporarily, but it cannot change the underlying shedding of the uterine lining. The discussion clarifies that nothing inside the vagina should be washed with water or soap, a practice known as douching, which can disrupt the vaginal microbiome and raise infection risk. The vaginal environment is acidic and self cleaning, so introducing soap, detergents, or Dettol can be harmful.

Vaginal cleansing and ph balance

King emphasizes that the vagina’s pH is part of a delicate balance protected by good bacteria. Neutral or alkaline substances disrupt this balance and can predispose to infections such as bacterial vaginosis or thrush. The conversation also covers the risks of using fingers or objects to scoop menstrual fluid, noting the need for caution about pH and materials introduced into the body.

Period products and safety

The hosts highlight modern period products such as menstrual cups and period pants, which offer practical benefits for heavy periods and athletic activities, while reducing some drawbacks of traditional disposables. Proper education about vulvar hygiene and washing the outside of the vulva, not the vagina, is discussed as part of safe use.

Period masking and skincare claims

Period masking, the idea of applying menstrual blood to the face for skin benefits, is addressed with scientific caution. The claim that stem cells in menstrual fluid can improve skin is not supported by current evidence since topical skin penetration and barrier function limit such effects. The segment also reflects on the social and cultural perceptions of menstruation and the importance of moving beyond taboos.

Stem cells and future research

King explains that menstrual fluid contains stem cells and that researchers are exploring its potential for wound healing and regenerative medicine, including applications seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. She underscores that these uses are still in the early stages and not commercially available, and that simple topical application cannot replicate systemic therapies that deliver these cells.

Medical education and health context

The episode touches on how menstruation is taught in medical education, noting gaps and biases that may overlook non conception related aspects of reproductive health, including endometriosis, miscarriage, and normal variation in cycles. It emphasizes that periods evolved as a protective mechanism related to pregnancy and childbirth rather than as a marker of health per se, and that stopping periods on hormonal contraception is generally safe for many people, though timing and cycles can be affected when stopping after long usage.

Takeaways and resources

The discussion closes with practical takeaways: there is no universal normal period, there are safer and more convenient period options than risky internal cleansing, and while menstrual blood is scientifically interesting, topical skincare claims lack solid evidence. The episode points viewers toward reliable resources such as Menstrual Matters for myth busting and education, and encourages ongoing curiosity about menstrual science.