Menstrual Cycle 101 with Analog Nature at Femme Rising
Date: Saturday, March 22, 12-2PM
Admission: $45
Where are you from? And where are you now?
I was raised in Klamath Falls, OR and after high school lived in San Francisco for 10 years. When I started searching for deeper truths about my body and menstrual cycle, I lived a nomadic lifestyle for 2 years, traveling to various places for months at a time—Maui, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador. At the end of my travels, I was looking for a place to live that was near family and surrounded by nature. I tried Bend, OR for 6 months and then finally settled in Portland, OR back in March. I am loving it here and feel grateful and happy to be planting roots here.Can you tell us a little bit about your career path up to this point?
My journey with my career has began to shift as I have started to prioritize my well-being, so prepare for a long answer that flows into your next question about what sparked this venture... I always knew I wanted to be creative for a living but didn't know how to do it, or what that looked like. I attended the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Graphic design seemed to cover a broad umbrella of creative pursuits, so I enrolled in their program. I got a job as a graphic designer at a corporation right out of school and have been working there as a visual designer for almost 10 years.I thought that that was a solid career path to follow and maintain until I started having extreme overwhelm and anxiety rooted around my cycle in 2020. I had always had terrible cramps on my period that I was used to numbing out with ibuprofen—but I started experiencing anxiety and depression cyclically around my period. My body was speaking to me in ways I couldn't ignore, and it wanted me to prioritize it over everything else. I went to the gynecologist to get help. I had to been to the gynecologist many times in the past for menstrual cycle symptoms. My grandma and mom both had endometriosis, and doctors always assumed this is where my pain came from but never tested me, because it's extremely difficult to get a proper diagnosis unless you are actively trying to have children. This time I expressed the emotional symptoms that were coming with the cramps, and she prescribed antidepressants to take cyclically. I grew up with both my parents working in western medicine, so I was only familiar with western medicine at the time. Desperate for immediate solutions, I was very tempted to do it. But there was a part of me that knew that if I started taking this cyclically, it would become a worse problem in the future. It was a bandaid, not a long-term solution, and I wanted to get to the root. I decided to prioritize my health over my career and get to know my body more intimately. Unsure of how long this might take, I started off by taking time off work and signed up for a 3-week, 200-hour yoga teacher training in Maui.Before I went to my teacher training, I met up with a very close friend and old soccer teammate from college. I opened up to her about my frustrations with my cycle and not being able to find a solution, and she expressed similar negative experiences with her cycle. Discussing solutions together, she mentioned that sometimes she would use turmeric oil to help alleviate cramping and discomfort during her period. This was exciting to me and felt like a very tangible natural solution. So we proceeded to create our first menstrual cycle blend together that weekend. And we became excited about the joint creative endeavor of creating a brand from it…It didn't quite feel like the best time for me to start a brand, but it did feel like an avenue to help me figure out the answers I was looking for.I proceeded to continue prioritizing my health and learning alternative practices centered around well-being. I conducted various interviews during my travels to help me find the answers I was looking for, with the intention to share on a blog platform to help make the information more accessible. After completing my YTT, I immediately started to experience less severe anxiety. And I continued to mix different essential oil blends that I’d use to massage on my womb while I meditated during my period. And my friend and I would facetime occasionally and share new learnings that we had discovered, or new oil remedies that helped alleviate our cramps.It was difficult, at first, to shift my relationship with my cycle. I would apply a blend, massage my abdomen where I felt pain, and start to meditate on this area. Instead of ignoring the pain, like I had for so many years, I was listening deeply. I was feeling into the pain and massaging with compassion and curiosity—a much different approach than previous years when I had ignored, abandoned, and shamed. This simple gesture created slow and subtle shifts in my way of being, and I learned to understand and love my body in an entirely different way. Paired with yoga, learning from other women, and committing myself to a life rooted in well-being, real, sustainable change occurred. The more I learned from others, the more I grew, and I actually started to craft yoga flows around each phase of my cycle.My friend and I realized what we really needed at that time of life was the support and the joy that comes from collaborating on a new creative pursuit together. But that we didn’t actually want the shared responsibility and pressure of running a business together. She wanted to focus her creative pursuits and energy on other amazing endeavors, while I wanted to continue going deeper into learning and sharing more around natural cycles. So I took the learnings from the beginnings of that brand and began Analog Nature.To this day, it's been about a year where I have consistently had no cramps outside of subtle cramping on the first day (which is considered normal), and my cycle has been synced with the moon for the past 2 years. I bleed with the new moon and ovulate with the full moon. It is an ongoing relationship, and if I do happen to have cramps now, I know that it's because I may not have had the healthiest cycle that month versus a systemic genetic problem I was born with.Alongside Analog Nature I am starting to pursue more freelance design work and yoga teaching opportunities that are more complementary to the work I enjoy doing for Analog Nature. It's cool to see, actually, how everything can intertwine. I've always loved doing creative work for small businesses or people who are passionate about their ideas and work, and through starting Analog Nature, more of those creative endeavors I enjoy have started to present themselves—which is a byproduct I wasn't necessarily expecting. Same with yoga; when I originally took the YTT training, it was more for my own healing, and I am excited to feel a desire or spark to try teaching some of my personal flows I crafted around my cycle. If you are curious about my design and yoga offerings you can check out my personal website linked here.
What was the impetus to starting this business, these products?
Analog Nature was born in June, emerging from my personal healing journey to find natural solutions for period pain and anxiety.This quest led me to explore natural healing methods and ways to work with my cycle, ultimately guiding me to yoga and herbalism. I'm eternally grateful for the transformative wisdom and knowledge I continue to gain on this path.These days, I rarely experience cramps. When they do arise, the natural menstrual cycle oil combined with mindful, loving meditation eases the discomfort. Healing my relationship with my cycle has unlocked my creativity and deepened my connection to the joy of creating and collaborating.Through nature, connection, community, and art, I've discovered growth, purpose, well-being, and pure joy. In creating Analog Nature, I hope to help others cultivate the innate joy living within them.I envisioned building a brand platform where I could share both the menstrual cycle oil and education around it, given the profound healing benefits I experienced. Beyond that, I wanted to expand the offerings to nurture various life cycles for all kinds of people through authentic, helpful information and pure botanical goods. What I loved most about my self-healing journey and finding a natural remedy that worked, was learning from amazing healers, working with oils, collaborating, building community, hearing people’s positive experience's with the oil reducing their cramping, and making knowledge more accessible. So naturally, I created a foundation that builds on these cherished elements.How do you go about crafting your natural remedies?
Our essential oils are sourced globally from regions where they grow best, then carefully hand-blended in Oregon. Every ingredient is purely natural—we use only authentic essential oils and organic carrier oils. We rigorously test our ingredients to ensure they're free from pesticides and synthetics, delivering them in their purest form. This testing process guarantees optimal therapeutic properties to enhance your well-being.For all our natural oil remedies, we collaborate with expert advisors who specialize in naturopathy and aromatherapy. We combine our insights to create the best blends for natural, holistic well-being solutions. Our mission is to craft remedies and wellness products that help harmonize humans with the natural world. Our extended Oregon-based team includes Caryn, a certified clinical aromatherapist, and Dr. Kelcie Rosendahl, a licensed naturopathic physician.
“TK.”
— Brooke Stewart
Can you tell us a bit about the artisanal side of the brand?
There is something deeply healing about creating analog art and working with our hands. I think it comes from the same place as approaching pain with loving intent and curiosity—it sends us to a space of understanding through loving awareness rather than definition. There is profound healing and therapy in creating freely. The womb space is connected to creativity and joy, and as I did more healing work in this zone, I felt my innate creativity pour forth. I started creating art for myself again, and crafting a brand purely based on my own expression became deeply therapeutic.
On a macro level, as I was starting Analog Nature, I was also being introduced to AI in my corporate graphic design job. This made me see even more clearly the importance of returning to nature, celebrating handwork, and fostering community collaboration.
This inspired the idea for our artist series of seasonal body oil blends. For each small-batch artisan blend, I collaborate with artists and designers to create bespoke labels inspired by their personal experience with each oil. To capture the oils' therapeutic essence, I invite artists to work with the oils and develop their own ritual before creating their original artwork. Through this process, I hope the artists experience both the therapeutic benefits of the natural oils and the meditative nature of analog art-making.
Additionally, I work with artisans and makers on seasonal small-batch products that align with our brand values and support well-being. Maria Jose Gomez is an incredible designer who crafted the beautiful natural rose-dyed bags some of our products come in, as well as our achiote-dyed heating pads.
I embrace the beauty of collaboration and connection and am always looking for opportunities to share and connect via art and expression. If you are an artist, designer or healing arts advisor interested in collaborating feel free to reach out. I love learning from others and helping amplify and share others' unique expressions.
As an entrepreneur, I’m curious as to when you knew you wanted to turn your work into a business, and something that could serve others? Any scary points during that contemplation? Any exhilarating points?
It has all been scary, but also thrilling. I never would have guessed I'd be cultivating a business that grew from my personal relationship with my cycle. As I experienced more healing on my journey and uncovered hidden knowledge, I felt increasingly compelled to share and help others. That desire continues to drive me. I want people to feel empowered to embrace all parts of themselves—their natural rhythms and connection to nature. Through Analog Nature as a brand platform, I hope to continue this mission in whatever shape or form it takes.The scariest moment was deciding not to take antidepressants for my menstrual cycle five years ago, choosing instead to trust that alternative options existed, even if I didn't know about them yet. Once I decided to explore the unknown and discover different ways to work with my cycle, I had to trust the people and opportunities that presented themselves. As I met more amazing people and learned from them, my trust and faith grew exponentially. I remain in awe of what embracing uncertainty with an open heart can reveal.Now the scary part is speaking up and putting myself out there—trying to share this information and grow the brand in a way that feels authentic and genuine to my intention, while making sure I put my own health and well-being first. It can feel scary to inquire about interviewing people for my blog, reach out to artists, do pop-up markets, speak publicly, and teach yoga classes. But I want to try because I believe others might benefit from the knowledge I've gained in my own healing journey. So whenever I feel scared, I tap into that faith and trust in the unknown and listen to my heart. From there, beautiful opportunities and aligned connections flow in naturally and then I continue to grow. And eventually that unknown becomes known, and i’m able to love and embrace it.I think I’m mostly struck by how little I know about my body, and this cycle that I experience monthly. Reading some of your posts totally change the way I feel about menstruating. Why is it that we have this shame, or negativity around menstruating? (Maybe it’s just me?)
There's so much unnecessary shame around menstruation! Yet it can be such a powerful and empowering part of ourselves. I felt the same way five years ago when I started learning more.
A major issue I experienced firsthand at age 14 and that I have heard is a common problem- is that often times in Western healthcare, the focus is on treating immediate problems rather than addressing root causes. When people visit doctors about menstrual pain or symptoms, healthcare providers can sometimes dismiss it as a natural problem to occur unless you are trying to conceive. But periods aren't meant to be painful. If they are, your body is trying to tell you valuable information about your body. Another thing that I think could shift the relationship is offering more information around the various phases of our cycle at an early age in sex education.
In one of my interviews with Ayurvedic practitioner Serena Arora, I really love her answer to the question "what is one thing you wish every woman knew?"
She states..."I believe it was seen—how powerful we really were—and that had to be suppressed and dimmed and shut down and put in a box, because that power was scary. It was scary, not only to others—and I would say the male counterpart—but also to women themselves." Full interview linked here
To me, aspects of this shame and negativity around menstruation stems from this suppression. Historically, there has been a profound neglect of women's needs and natural rhythms. If we learned to embrace our flow instead of shame it, we could find empowerment and harmony as a collective.
“TK.”
— Brooke Stewart
Any wisdom or care for those who have experienced loss in their wombs?
While I don't have personal experience with this aspect of life yet, I believe everything happens in perfect timing and we must trust the process. From my research and the shared wisdom of health and wellness experts, life is truly miraculous. Getting pregnant and having a baby isn't as straightforward as sex education often suggests. Miscarriages are actually quite common, especially with first pregnancies, as the body adjusts to this new experience. I encourage people to be gentle with themselves and maintain love and compassion for their incredible bodies as they work toward bringing new life into this world. It is a profound journey. Just as a seed needs darkness in the soil before it can grow, this process takes time—particularly when it's the first time something is growing there. Patience, love, and grace are essential elements in nurturing any form of growth. Wine can be seen as an analogy, you can study it for life! Find what pulls you in and dive in. Ask questions, try all the wines, and trust your palate. The most important thing about wine is if you enjoy it. Sometimes it’s not necessarily the flavor of the wine that lingers, it's the stories. Take the soundbite you want to share with your people. Any wisdom or care for those experiencing perimenopause or menopause?
Again, not something I am as familiar with from a personal perspective. But, I’m currently researching this more as I am doing user tests with a new oil to help aid with hot flashes. And one thing I am finding is that if you have a balanced menstrual cycle and don’t experience very bad symptoms during your cycle you are more likely to have a peaceful time during the transition into menopause. Another thing is menopause as an archetype can be thought of as your wise woman years and there can be a lot of power in this phase of life if greeted with grace, curiosity, respect and love.Any wisdom for folks who used to period tracking apps (but since the change of leadership in the U.S.) have been recommended to stop? Do you have other ways to track your cycle that you like?
I keep a moon cycle journal, which has been helpful for tracking feelings and flows through each phase. I make notes about the moon's phase and how I'm feeling during that particular phase of my cycle. When I experience unbalanced symptoms, I document ways to better care for and nurture myself during that phase in the next cycle. I typically make one journal entry per season, about four times each month.Also, I have tested many period-tracking apps—Flo, Natural Cycles, Stardust—but recently discovered Lively, which is by far my favorite because they organize everything based on what season you are in and they fully protect your private information.When you describe the seasons and how to understand our cycles, there is sort of a coming to terms/agreement/peace about reading how you describe each phase. When did you come to understand our bodies and cycles in this poetic and grounding way?
Yes! That article, Seasons of the cycle was actually written based on an interview with Andrea Núñez, who is a women's holistic hormone health coach in Guatemala. So it is thanks to her of how I first came to understand my body in this poetic grounding way. I had the pleasure of meeting her 3 years ago, and the information she shared was some of the most insightful from all of my interviews. The connection to seasons really resonated with me and helped me better understand the 4 phases of my cycle by putting it in terms I could easily relate to. After learning about the cycle phases this way, I began to see more clearly how to better accommodate each phase of my cycle.
How can we be more attuned to our bodies and listen to ourselves with more care?
Prioritize your health and well-being, not from a place of "should," but from a place of love and respect. Never forget that you are worthy of your full love and attention.When you love and respect something, you approach it with kindness, compassion, patience, and curiosity. You listen with loving intent and trust rather than reacting with fear and anxiety.Let me share how this played out with my menstrual cycle pain and anxiety. For the first eight years of my cycle, I was sending a very different message to my body. Let's personify the pain for the sake of this metaphor—I'll name my menstrual cycle "Red."Red came to me at 14 with intense pain and anger. My cramps were so severe that I was dry heaving at school. Being new to Red, I didn't know how to integrate her. I went to the doctors—my usual response to pain—and they said, "Oh, that's normal. You can take birth control to change her, plus that way you won't get pregnant when you start having sex." So I did this, and Red quieted for a bit, with less painful periods. Eventually, Red brought the pain back, so I just blocked her out with ibuprofen, telling her to go away, ashamed of her return. Then she came back with a vengeance, screaming at me for help, bringing fear and anxiety along to make me care. Finally, I listened and approached her differently than I had at 14.Instead of numbing Red's pain or suppressing the emotions she brought, I turned toward her with compassion and love. I became curious about what Red wanted and needed—what she truly wanted and needed, not my idea of what she should need. Rather than shaming her and her perceived negative traits, I embraced her and explored why she was there, causing such pain and emotional overwhelm. By facing the pain, I was able to integrate her with love and respect, discovering the power and joy that existed on the other side.From a tangible perspective: When you create space to listen to your pain with love and compassion, you invite new healing cycles within your body. Massaging natural herbs—combined with mindfulness and intentional breathing—into the painful area allows for deep, loving self-awareness. This ritual helps you work through the pain rather than numb it.Do you think it’s okay to try?
YES! If we don’t try, how will we learn? I love what by way of us is doing with empowering people to lean into sharing what they love doing and how they are doing it. There are so many amazing people out there, who are doing amazing things and have so much incredible knowledge to share. The more we try, the more we grow collectively and independently.As people come to our 101 workshop with you, what do you hope that they leave with?
I hope they leave feeling excited and curious about cultivating a loving, respectful relationship with their menstrual cycle. I hope they gain a sense of agency to embrace their cycles and feel inspired to work with their own inner seasons and natural rhythms. AND! I hope they experience joy in welcoming spring's natural, vibrant energy.