Luteal phase awareness grows online, Maha influencers promote pronatalist views
7 reported
A growing number of women are learning about the luteal phase, the roughly 14-day period between ovulation and menstruation, through social media and podcasts, according to a report from The Guardian. Health coach Emily Rae Detrick discussed the phase on the podcast "Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark," describing it as a way to "honor God" and help "make America fertile again." Google searches for "luteal phase" have risen 300% in the past five years, driven by TikTok videos where women share memes and humorous clips about mood changes, bloating, and acne. Dr. Karen Tang, a Pennsylvania gynecologist, said the trend helps women understand why they feel certain ways, but warned against influencers turning "kernels of truth" into absolute prescriptions. Some Maha (Make America Healthy Again) adherents, including Clark, use luteal phase discussions to promote pronatalism and discourage hormonal birth control, which prevents ovulation and eliminates the luteal phase. The wellness industry also markets products like "PMS bars" and aromatherapy oils to address luteal phase symptoms.
What’s reported
Emily Rae Detrick, a health coach, said on a podcast that the luteal phase is "a way that you honor God and the way we were created."
Google searches for "luteal phase" have risen 300% in the past five years.
Thousands of TikTok posts are tagged "#lutealphase," with women sharing memes and videos about temperament changes.
Dr. Karen Tang said she has noticed an uptick in women coming into her practice who first heard about premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) on social media through luteal phase posts.
PMDD affects about 6% of people who menstruate, according to the American Psychological Association.
Alex Clark, a self-described "cuteservative," has said she wants to get women off birth control to experience their "natural" hormonal cycle.
The wellness industry markets products such as "PMS bars," aromatherapy oils, and teas to address luteal phase symptoms.
Key figures
Emily Rae Detrick, health coach
Alex Clark, podcast host and Maha blogger
Dr. Karen Tang, Pennsylvania gynecologist
Mariah Wellman, assistant professor at Michigan State
Haley Martinez, energy-healing and breath-work coach
Kylah Smook, content creator
Vance Voetberg, Maha blogger and fiance of Alex Clark
Sharon Cancio, full-time YouTuber
Sources: The Guardian
