Who: Emma N., 25, Chicago, IL
Surprising Oura insight: Emma noticed that her POTS symptoms would often worsen right before her period—a pattern confirmed by the drop in her HRV and Readiness Scores. By seeing these shifts, she’s been able to plan for extra rest and hydration around her cycle.
What led you to Oura?
I live with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), which is a condition where I get a rapid increase in my heart rate, dizziness, and fatigue when standing up from a sitting or lying position—and I wanted a better way to track my health data. Oura has been a game-changer in monitoring my heart rate, sleep quality, and activity levels, which helps me find the right balance between exertion and recovery.
With POTS, it’s helpful to have data to spot trends—like how my menstrual cycle impacts my heart rate. It’s become a valuable tool for keeping me on track with managing symptoms and maintaining my overall well-being.
READ MORE: How Your Menstrual Cycle Impacts Your Entire Body
How has POTS affected your daily life?
POTS has definitely added some challenges to my day-to-day life, especially during my menstrual cycle when flare-ups are more frequent. It’s something I always have to keep in mind—making sure I stay hydrated, avoiding overexertion, and pacing myself.
Despite these challenges, I make it a point to stay active and exercise regularly, knowing how important it is for managing my symptoms long-term. It’s a balancing act, but I’ve learned to listen to my body and adapt.
Which Oura features have been most helpful for your condition?
Cycle Insights stands out because my POTS flare-ups often occur around my cycle. I’ve noticed that my heart rate variability (HRV) and Readiness Scores drop before flare-ups, which allows me to prepare for those tough days. If my scores drop, that’s my cue to scale back and adjust my schedule to accommodate lower energy levels.
I’ve also seen how poor sleep amplifies my symptoms, so the sleep insights really push me to make rest a priority. When I do sleep well, it directly improves my energy levels and helps reduce dizziness and fatigue.
READ MORE: PCOS and Sleep Disturbances: Here’s the Link Between the Two
What are some recovery strategies you implement when you experience a flare-up?
My first priority is staying hydrated and increasing my salt and electrolyte intake to help stabilize my heart rate and blood pressure. Rest is also essential, so I’ll adjust my schedule and take things slower when I need to. Focusing on my sleep hygiene—keeping a consistent bedtime, winding down earlier, limiting screen time, and creating a more restful environment—has noticeably reduced the severity of my POTS symptoms and flare-ups.
I also incorporate low-impact exercises like yoga to stay active without overexerting myself. Since my menstrual cycle tends to trigger symptoms, I try to plan ahead by prioritizing self-care during that time—whether that’s preparing meals in advance, setting boundaries, or simply giving myself permission to rest.
How has Oura changed your approach to managing POTS?
Oura has been an incredible tool in managing my POTS. Having access to real-time data makes a big difference, giving me early warnings of potential health issues, and allowing me to adjust my plans rather than waiting until I’m already feeling terrible.
While it’s not a cure, it’s a valuable aid for staying in tune with my body. If you’re dealing with POTS or any chronic condition, Oura can be a game-changer in understanding and responding to your body’s needs.
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