Editorial policy

The aim is simple: explain the research accurately, in plain English, without overstating it.

Sources

• Every statistic and every claim about how the body works is linked to a named source: authors, journal, year and, where one exists, a DOI (a permanent link to the paper).
• We prefer systematic reviews, guidelines and large studies. Small studies are included when they're the best available, and they're labelled.
• We check figures against the original paper or guideline, not against news stories or social posts.

Evidence labels

• Established science: large reviews or well-replicated findings.
• Emerging evidence: early, small, single or mixed studies. Questionnaire and self-report studies are always labelled this way.
• Proposed hypothesis: an idea researchers are still testing.
• In my experience: Rebecca's own story, never presented as advice.

Language

• We say symptoms can change across cycle phases. We don't say conditions are "caused by hormones", because mechanisms differ by condition.
• We don't suggest anyone has a condition. Diagnosis needs a clinician.
• Technical terms are explained the first time they're used.

Review dates

Each guide shows the month it was last fact-checked. Pages are reviewed at least once a year, and sooner when major new research or guidance is published.

Corrections

If you spot a mistake, reply to any newsletter email or message @ohdarlingitsbiology on Instagram. Confirmed errors are corrected promptly, and significant corrections are noted on the page.

Money

The site is funded by reader tips and, on some pages, labelled affiliate links. No brand pays for coverage, and affiliate links never decide what we write. See the affiliate policy.