As a student who uses female hygiene products once every month, you can be rest assured I know my periods.

So when I heard that there are companies who compile a monthly subscription care package to send to women during that special time of the month, I was genuinely interested in what these packages included. After all, many other companies send makeup packages or care packages to monthly subscribers; how different could a box meant for periods be?

So, doing what any curious person would do, I searched for one of these care packages online and ordered one from popular period-box company “The PMS Package.”

And I was pleasantly surprised. “The PMS Package” sends out the package once per month, at any date of your choosing, and the package includes some basic feminine products, Advil and a scented candle, things that many women would appreciate when they have headaches or just want to relieve stress.

However, what confused and disappointed me is that the packages came with a basket of candy and cakes. Although  cravings for sweets and other unhealthy foods are common during periods due to low levels of serotonin, gynecologists strongly suggest against women having overly-sugary foods during that time of the month. By including chocolate, cookies and salted caramel popcorn, among many other sugary snacks in their packages, companies like The PMS Package demonstrate that they clearly know little about what a woman actually needs during her period.

On the other hand, some companies do pay more attention to women’s health requirements. For example, the period box “LOLA” sends packages with no unhealthy snacks, but only high-quality period products and stress-relieving body mist. Others, like “A Genie’s Dream,” send healthy treats, like KIND bars and Earl Grey tea leaves: treats known to provide nutrients and good health benefits.

Regardless, I don’t particularly see the meaning behind companies sending period boxes to women each month. To be honest, if I wanted female hygiene and stress-relieving products, I could just buy them at the convenience store instead of ordering them from a company. Moreover, I could easily buy the snacks these packages send me in bulk at my local Costco.

But I admit, as a woman, it’s nice to have a care package sent to you during the most stressful time of the month, no matter how easily accessible the items in the package are. Having a stash of backup period products, painkillers, and small trinkets can only make a woman’s day better, so these boxes may serve some purpose after all.