17+ Myths About Periods that Need to End Right Now

Reading myths about periods is important for students to remove the stigma associated with mensuration. It will also help them to develop a clear and accurate understanding of menstrual health. While some families avoid giving “the talk” to their girl children, others find it difficult to convey facts about women’s body to young females. Therefore, in this blog, you will find a comprehensive list of 17+ common myths about periods or mensuration so you can debunk the facts. Put your reading glasses on and get ready to adopt a positive and more informed approach towards mensuration.

Top 10 Myths About Menstruation

1. You cannot swim during your period

This is one of the most common myths about periods. Many people, both female and male, think that a menstruating woman cannot swim. However, you can use tampons or menstrual cups and engage in any light exercise such as swimming. 

2. Having periods is embarrassing and shameful

It is important for people to understand that periods are a natural part of our lives. Periods are not gross, dirty, or impure. Instead, they are a sign that females can create lives within themselves. Thus, it is high time to break the stigma and have open and healthy discussions about periods. 

3. Periods are a personal issue

In 2014, the United Nations declared that menstrual hygiene is a public health issue. Many women in rural areas do not have access to proper hygiene, resources, and adequate support. Thus, poor sanitation can lead to other concerning medical issues. Moreover, estimates suggest that in India, girls miss 1-2 days of school every month due to their periods. 

4. Period blood is dirty blood

This is another common myth about periods. Many people think the blood coming out of women during periods is impure and contagious. On the contrary, menstrual blood is a mix of blood, mucus lining, uterine tissue, and bacteria. It is not impure, nor does it make the woman dirty. 

5. Mood swings during periods are not real 

Interestingly, very few people believe that women are not acting but actually feeling emotional distress during periods. This is because, during periods, estrogen levels drop significantly whereas progesterone levels increase. Estrogen is linked to serotonin or the happy hormone in our bodies whereas progesterone is linked to depression and anxiety. 

6. If you miss your period, you are pregnant

A late or missed period is more common than what you may have experienced. There can be several reasons for this such as unhealthy diet, medicines, excessive weight gain or weight loss, illness, and stress. Therefore, missing your period may not always mean that you are pregnant. 

7. You should not exercise during periods

There is no scientific evidence that prevents you from exercising during periods. However, many people are of the opinion that women should avoid physical activity as it can disturb the menstrual flow and cause discomfort. Some people like to engage in light exercise and yoga as it may help relieve aches and pains.

8. You should not wash your hair during periods

This is also one of the popular myths about periods. There is no scientific evidence why you should not wash your hair during periods. In other words, you do not have to compromise with your personal hygiene. Instead, make sure to change your sanitary napkin every few hours, take a shower every day, and wash your hair as per your routine. 

9. All menstrual cycles are the same and of 28 days

A lesser-known fact about periods is that each menstrual cycle is unique. The average duration of a menstrual cycle is about 25-30 days and can take up to 40 days. Therefore, it is best to track your periods to understand your ovulation and detect changes in the cycle. 

10. Heavy bleeding is completely normal

As mentioned earlier, each menstrual cycle is unique and can have different duration. Your cycle length and bleeding also depend on your diet, medical history, and lifestyle. However, if you suddenly start experiencing heavy bleeding, it may not be normal. Instead, it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. 

Also Read: 10 Surprising Psychological Facts About Girls

Funny Myths About Periods in India

1. Consuming tangy foods like tamarind, pickles, and curd during mensuration can affect your blood flow.

2. Buying sanitary pads from shops is embarrassing and thus, the product should be covered and hidden in a newspaper. 

3. Menstruating women should not touch or go near plants as it can kill them.

4. Menstruating women should sleep in a separate room or shed to avoid contaminating others. 

5. Girls should drop out of school once they get their periods. 

6. Any form of physical activity can disturb the menstrual flow during periods. 

7. Girls should not talk about periods in public or have open discussions about what they are going through. It is shameful and embarrassing. 

8. A menstruating woman should not enter the kitchen to avoid contaminating the food and utensils. 

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