Myths vs. Facts: Common Misconceptions About Periods

Understanding Menstruation: What Really Happens in the Body?

Oh, my child, before we clear the myths, you must first understand what menstruation really is. Periods are not a curse or something to be embarrassed about—they are simply a natural cycle that prepares a woman’s body for pregnancy. The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones and involves different phases:

1. Menstrual Phase (Day 1-5): The uterus sheds its lining, leading to bleeding.
2. Follicular Phase (Day 1-13): The body prepares an egg for release.
3. Ovulation Phase (Day 14): The egg is released from the ovary.
4. Luteal Phase (Day 15-28): The body prepares for pregnancy; if fertilization doesn’t happen, the cycle restarts.

Myth: Menstrual blood is dirty or impure.

Fact: Menstrual blood is not impure—it is simply the shedding of the uterus lining. It contains blood, mucus, and tissue, just like any other normal bodily function.

Myth: Women lose a lot of blood during their periods.

Fact: On average, women only lose about 30-80 ml of blood during their period—that’s just a few tablespoons! The body easily replaces this blood, and it does not make a woman weak unless she has an existing health condition.

Hygiene Myths: What Should and Shouldn’t Be Done?

Oh, my dear, hygiene is so important during menstruation, but many false beliefs make it confusing. Some old traditions tell women not to bathe, wash their hair, or touch certain things during their periods, but let me tell you the truth.

Myth: Women should not wash their hair or bathe during periods.

Fact: There is no harm in bathing or washing your hair during periods. In fact, a warm shower can relax muscles and reduce cramps! Staying clean also helps prevent infections.

Myth: Using tampons or menstrual cups takes away virginity.

Fact: Virginity is a social concept, not a medical one. Using tampons or menstrual cups does not affect virginity—it only helps with hygiene and comfort. The hymen can stretch due to various reasons, not just intercourse.

Myth: Pads and tampons should be changed only when fully soaked.

Fact: A pad or tampon should be changed every 4-6 hours to prevent infections, even if it is not completely soaked. Leaving them for too long increases the risk of bacterial growth.

Food Myths: What to Eat and What to Avoid?

Oh, my child, many people believe that women should not eat certain foods during their periods. But food is fuel for the body, and eating the right things can actually make periods easier to manage.

Myth: Drinking cold water or eating cold foods stops periods.

Fact: Cold foods do not stop periods—this is a complete myth. The menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones, not temperature. You can drink cold water or eat ice cream if you want!

Myth: Women should avoid dairy products during periods.

Fact: Some women feel bloated or experience cramps with dairy, but not everyone needs to avoid it. If dairy suits your body, there is no reason to stop eating it. In fact, yogurt is good for digestion and helps prevent infections!

Myth: Eating sour foods like pickles and tamarind worsens cramps.

Fact: There is no scientific proof that sour foods affect periods negatively. You can enjoy your favorite pickles and tamarind without worry!

Physical Activity and Exercise: What is Safe?

Oh, my dear, many people believe that women should not move too much during their periods, but the truth is exercise can actually help reduce discomfort.

Myth: Women should not exercise or do physical activities during periods.

Fact: Light exercise like walking, stretching, or yoga helps improve blood circulation and reduce cramps. Avoid extreme workouts if you feel weak, but regular movement is good for health!

Myth: Girls should not participate in sports while on their period.

Fact: Many athletes continue their training during their periods. Wearing the right products like tampons, menstrual cups, or period-proof underwear helps in staying comfortable.

Myth: Doing yoga or stretching increases bleeding.

Fact: Yoga actually reduces period pain and helps relax the body. Certain poses, like the child’s pose and butterfly stretch, are especially good for relieving cramps.

Emotional and Mental Health Myths

Oh, my dear, many people think that women become overly emotional or "crazy" during their periods. But let me tell you, hormones do affect mood, but they do not control women!

Myth: Women become weak and incapable during their periods.

Fact: Periods do not make women weak! Some women may feel tired or experience mood swings due to hormone changes, but they can still work, study, exercise, and do everything as usual.

Myth: Period pain is just in the mind, and women exaggerate it.

Fact: Menstrual cramps are real and can be very painful for some women. Conditions like PCOS and endometriosis make periods even more painful, and they should be taken seriously.

Myth: PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) is not real.

Fact: PMS is real and affects many women. Symptoms like mood swings, bloating, headaches, and fatigue happen due to hormonal changes before periods start.

Questions & Answers

Q1: Can periods be irregular sometimes?

Ans: Yes, periods can be irregular due to stress, diet changes, hormonal imbalances, or medical conditions like PCOS. If irregularity continues for many months, it is best to consult a doctor.

Q2: Is it okay to exercise during periods?

Ans: Yes! Light exercises like walking, yoga, or stretching help reduce cramps and improve blood circulation. Avoid heavy workouts if you feel weak.

Q3: Does drinking cold water stop periods?

Ans: No, drinking cold water does not affect periods. Menstruation is controlled by hormones, not the temperature of food or drinks.

Q4: Should I avoid eating sour foods like tamarind and pickles during periods?

Ans: No, there is no scientific reason to avoid sour foods. You can eat whatever makes you feel comfortable.

Q5: Is it unhealthy to use tampons or menstrual cups?

Ans: No, tampons and menstrual cups are safe if used correctly. Change them regularly to prevent infections. They do not affect virginity.

Q6: Do women become weak during periods?

Ans: No, periods do not make women weak! Some may feel tired or experience cramps, but they can still work, study, and exercise as usual.