We have heard a few myths and stories about menstruation from the time you get your first period, and for some of us even before then. For anyone who has ever used a uterus, the normal menstrual cycle has always been an essential component of the body. It makes conceptions feasible, which contributes to the survival of the human race.
Menstruation or periods is often linked with myths and beliefs. To end the stigma surrounding menstruation it is important to understand the myths and facts to provide awareness.
What is menstruation?
The monthly shedding of your uterine lining is known as menstruation. Menstruation is also known as menses, menstrual period, menstrual cycle, and period. Menstrual blood exits your body through your vagina and passes through your cervix. It is a mixture of blood and tissue from within your uterus.
How many days does a menstrual cycle last for?
A menstrual cycle lasts 28 days on average. A cycle, however, can be normal even if it lasts anywhere from 21 to 35 days. Talk to a top gynecologist in Coimbatore if your periods are longer or shorter than the normal menstrual cycle.
What are the signs before menstruation or period cycle?
Most women experience a set of premenstrual symptoms before starting a period. The symptoms can be both intense and mild. But the cramps are a very common symptom. Your uterus is contracting to release its lining, which is why you are experiencing pelvic cramping.
The most common symptoms before starting menstruation can include:
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Breast tenderness
- Food cravings
- Trouble sleeping
- Bloating
- Acne
What are the major myths about menstruation that need to be debunked?
Myth 1: Menstruating women should not perform physical activities:
Contrary to popular belief, menstruating women are not fragile or incapable of engaging in physical activities. Exercise during menstruation can actually be beneficial, alleviating menstrual cramps and improving mood through the release of endorphins. Women should feel empowered to maintain their regular physical routines while menstruating.
Also different women may experience different levels of pain, and depending on your pain levels you can choose to perform physical activities.
Myth 2: You cannot get pregnant if you have sex during periods:
This is a common myth that has been heard and told among women in the conceiving age. It is rare, but possible to become pregnant while on your period. Menstrual cycles and ovulation can be erratic ovulation can occur before, during, or after the bleeding phase, particularly if your menstrual cycle is irregular.
So, even when a person is menstruating, they still need to make sure they use protection or engage in safe sexual behavior.
Myth 3: Women in menstruation should avoid certain foods:
There is no scientific basis for the belief that women should avoid specific foods during menstruation. While individual preferences and sensitivities may vary, there is no universal list of foods to avoid. In fact, maintaining a well-balanced diet during menstruation can help replenish lost nutrients and support menstrual pain relief.
Myth 4: Menstrual Blood Loss Equals Significant Blood Loss:
Despite the visual impression of menstrual blood flow, the amount of blood lost during menstruation is relatively small. On average, women lose about 30 to 40 milliliters of blood during an entire menstrual period. This is significantly less than the amount of blood donated during a blood donation, dispelling the myth of excessive blood loss during menstruation.
Myth 5: Menstruating Women Are Emotionally Unstable:
The stereotype that menstruating women are emotionally unstable or prone to mood swings is unfounded. While hormonal fluctuations may influence mood to some extent, the majority of women do not experience drastic emotional changes solely due to menstruation. It’s crucial to recognize and challenge these stereotypes to promote a more inclusive and understanding society.
Myth 6: Menstruation is only about blood:
Menstruation involves more than just the shedding of blood. The menstrual cycle encompasses various hormonal changes, affecting the entire reproductive system. Women may experience premenstrual symptoms such as bloating, breast tenderness, and changes in mood, and these symptoms may also continue through the menstrual cycle.
Is menstruation painful?
Menstruation-related pain is referred to as dysmenorrhea. For one to two days every month, more than half of women who menstruate experience some form of pain. Usually, there is not much pain. However, some women experience such excruciating pain that it prevents them from going about their daily lives for multiple days out of the month.
What can lead to menstruation?
The female hormones progesterone and estrogen are secreted by the ovaries. Because of these hormones, the uterine (or womb) lining thickens. A fertilized egg can attach to and begin developing on the built-up lining. The lining deteriorates and bleeds in the absence of a fertilized egg.
At which age usually the menstruation or periods stop?
During your forties, you may experience variations in the length, weight, and frequency of your menstrual cycles. Eventually, your ovaries cease producing eggs, which usually occurs by the time you reach age 51.
Important Takeaway:
By challenging misconceptions, fostering open conversations, and promoting education, we can create a world where menstruation is celebrated as a vital aspect of women’s health, free from the burden of unfounded myths. Embracing knowledge and breaking taboos around menstruation contribute to a more inclusive and supportive society for women everywhere. Visit the best gynecology hospital in Coimbatore if you are dealing with menstrual problems.
