Women-Controlled Research Gets Recognition!

By Francie Hornstein, former co-director of the L.A. Feminist Women's Health Center (FWHC)

I'm writing to encourage you to contribute what you can to Kathy Hodge's travel to the upcoming Society for Menstrual Cycle Research Conference.  I attended this conference in the 1970's to present research conducted by the FWHC.  Our research was a grassroots effort to document our own menstrual cycles, in detail.  While we were a bit nervous to be meeting with this group of "real" research scientists, our research was met with respect, enthusiasm and honest curiosity.

The 1970's marked the beginning of women in science investigating topics of concern to other women.  Since then, research conducted by women in science has proliferated.  Kathy's attendance at the conference is important for two reasons: 1) She can represent the history of work done by the feminist health movement and the FWHC in particular and 2) She can hear about current research related to women's health done by women in research and academia.  These connections are invaluable in determining the direction of future research that benefits women's health.

Checks are gladly accepted!  Please write the check to:
Women's Health in Women's Hands c/o Carol Downer

Mail to:
womenshealthinwomenshands.org
2451 Ridgeview Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90041

To read about the "Perks" offered to show our APPRECIATION for your FINANCIAL SUPPORT - please read "Kathy Hodge Can Make HISTORY with YOUR Financial Help!"

So far $280 of the $2400 requested has been raised.  To see a list of contributors go to femwords.blogspot.com

Thank you! on "Kathy Hodge Can Make HISTORY with YOUR Financial Help!"

YOU CAN MAKE HISTORY HAPPEN!

Your donation can fund Kathy Hodge* to present the report of the 1975 Women’s Health Center’s participant-controlled study of the female menstrual cycle at the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research Conference in Boston, June 4th to 6th, 2015.

“In male-dominated science, not as much work has been done to find a simple indicator of a woman’s days, which begin prior to the basal body temperature change at ovulation, as has been done on walking on the moon”

DONATE to cover Kathy’s out-of-pocket expenses
Needed: $2400.00
Donate via PayPal or check c/o Carol Downer 

Continue Reading

 Thank You for Your Support!

• Karen Nixon ($25.00) 
• Francie Hornstein ($50.00)
• Judith Kaluzny ($50.00)
• Shelby Coleman ($50.00)
• Monique Harriton ($25.00)
• Melissa Davis ($40.00)
• Teresa Downer ($40.00)
• Thora J. DeLey ($25.00)
• James J. Cox ($50.00)

Kathy Hodge Can Make HISTORY with YOUR Financial Help!

YOU CAN MAKE HISTORY HAPPEN!

Your donation can fund Kathy Hodge* to present the report of the 1975 Women’s Health Center’s participant-controlled study of the female menstrual cycle at the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research Conference in Boston, June 4th to 6th, 2015.

“In male-dominated science, not as much work has been done to find a simple indicator of a woman’s days, which begin prior to the basal body temperature change at ovulation, as has been done on walking on the moon”

DONATE to cover Kathy’s out-of-pocket expenses
Needed: $2400.00
Donate via PayPal or check c/o Carol Downer

HISTORY

In 1975, the Feminist Women’s Health Centers did the first-ever participant-led menstrual cycle research. 

9 staff members of the Feminist Women’s Health Center (including Kathy Hodge) met each day for over a month, recording changes in our vaginas and cervixes, our moods, basal body temperature, and other physiological changes.

FINDINGS

“We found that healthy females can have a wider range of normal than previously believed.  We did see cyclic changes, but not the ones medical textbooks focused on.  Moods defied cyclic interpretation in our study, which frankly surprised us.”

PUBLICATION OF RESULTS

The findings were published in the journal, Women’s Health (now defunct), Helen Marieskind, editor-in-chief.

ABOUT THE SOCIETY FOR MENSTRUAL CYCLE RESEARCH

The Society for Menstrual Cycle Research is a nonprofit, interdisciplinary research organization.  Its membership includes researchers in the social and health sciences, humanities scholars, health care providers, policy makers, health activists, artists and students with interests in the role of the menstrual cycle in women’s health and well-being.

The Society works to have menstrual health respected as a human right.  The UNDP and UNICEF have highlighted menstruation as “the single most important factor affecting school drop-out among girls”.

THE CONFERENCE

• Keynote by Reproductive Justice Pioneer Loretta Ross
• Kick-Off Flash! Plenary showcasing several short diverse talks that make the menstrual connection
• 2015 Making Menstruation Matter award presentation to Our Bodies, Ourselves
• Plenary on Menstrual Cycle Hygiene Management campaigns around the globe
• “Mainstreaming the Flow”: (Still) Selling my Soul to Start the Conversation” with Tomi-Ann Roberts
• “Widening the Cycle”, a menstrual art exhibit and plenary
• Poetry Open Mic and Raffle hosted by Dominique Christina
• Lunette Comedy and Cocktails with the Crimson Wave Girls

KATHY WILL PRESENT A SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS

This breakthrough study exploded the medical myth that any variation from the 28-day cycle was “abnormal”.  We also found that relying on the results of routine one-time, “snapshot”, readings of lab tests could result in grossly inappropriate and even harmful diagnoses and treatments. Mood changes during our cycles seemed more impacted by the environment.

WE HAVE THE FOLLOWING PERKS TO SHOW OUR APPRECIATION FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT

THE PERKS!

$5.00 OR MORE 

YOU WILL RECEIVE A SOCIAL MEDIA SHOUT-OUT AND A REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE FROM KATHY (We will list your name on our website, blog, facebook, and twitter as a supporter of Kathy’s presentation.)

$25.00

A copy of Pat Maginnis’ “Condom Coloring Book”
Donate: PayPal or check c/o Carol Downer

$40.00

A Self-Examination Kit, including speculum, flashlight, hand mirror and instruction sheet (donated by Women’s Health Specialists)
Donate: PayPal or check c/o Carol Downer

$50.00

A used, good-condition copy of A Woman’s Book of Choices” by Rebecca Chalker and Carol Downer (it’s out of print)
Donate: PayPal or check c/o Carol Downer

$100.00

Framed Pat Maginnis cartoon showing a uterus being pulled in a tug-of-war between patriarchal men and population controllers) OR a PDF copy of Kathy Hodge’s paper, with tables and charts.
Donate: PayPal or check c/o Carol Downer

We gladly accept checks!  Please write the check to:

Women's Health in Women's Hands c/o Carol Downer

Mail to:
Womenshealthinwomenshands.org
2451 Ridgeview Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90041

Social media shout out will be posted immediately.  Kathy Hodge’s PDF report will be e-mailed, and other perks will be mailed by July 31st.

Thank You for Your Support!