How long are healthy periods? Is PMS real? There are several such myths, fictions around periods that clog the minds of many. Therefore, it is important to set them up right away.
Women become impure when they have their period, or is PMS real? There are several myths that circulate perpetuating taboos. Therefore, it becomes imperative to debunk these unsubstantiated myths and provide people with real facts and knowledge. The fiction about menstruation must disappear. Sharing exclusively with india.com, Dr. Aarati Patil, Gynoveda’s Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder, said: “Menstruation, a natural bodily process, has long been clouded by myths and misconceptions in Indian society. It is essential to dispel these falsehoods and provide accurate information to empower women and promote a healthier understanding of menstruation.”
Every year, on May 28, Menstrual Hygiene Day is celebrated to break the stigmas that surround it and promote awareness of the importance of menstrual hygiene.
Here are five prevailing myths surrounding menstruation, along with the facts that challenge them:
Period Myths and realities
1. Myth: Women discard impure blood during the course of the period.
Made: The misconception that menstrual blood is impure or dirty is unfounded. Menstruation is a vital part of the reproductive system, preparing a woman’s body for a possible pregnancy. Menstrual blood consists of the shedding of the inner lining of the uterus, which develops each month to support the pregnancy. If conception does not occur, this lining is shed as blood during menstruation. Scientifically, menstrual blood is as pure as the blood that circulates throughout the body.
2. Myth: The belief in a fixed 28-day menstrual cycle
Made: Contrary to popular belief, a healthy menstrual cycle is not strictly limited to 28 days. Every woman’s menstrual cycle is unique and can vary significantly. While a 28-day cycle is considered a healthy average, it’s normal for adult women to experience cycles that last between 21 and 35 days. Adolescents can have even wider variations, ranging from 21 to 45 days. Various factors such as emotions, travel, certain medications, sudden weight changes, and lifestyle can influence the length of your menstrual cycles.
3. Myth: A healthy period is a week
Made: The notion that a healthy period should last exactly one week is arbitrary. The duration of bleeding can differ between women and there is no universal fixed time frame. Some women can experience periods that last as little as two days after their first menstrual period (menarche) and still maintain good reproductive health without complications. Factors such as age, stress levels, eating habits, diet, and lifestyle can affect the duration of menstrual bleeding, which can range from 2 to 10 days.
4. Myth: PMS is a psychological illusion
Made: The symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are real and can occur in the week or two leading up to your period. Premenstrual syndrome is the body’s response to hormonal changes during the monthly cycle. More than 70% of women experience symptoms such as bloating, headaches, mood swings, angry outbursts, crying spells, and irritability. Common symptoms include fatigue, cramps, and headaches. Although it is commonly known as “PMS”, if symptoms become severe and significantly interfere with daily routines, it is crucial to seek medical attention.
5. Myth: Pain is a normal aspect of menstruation
Made: The belief that periods inherently involve pain and that it is a normal part of the process is misleading. While some people may experience mild discomfort during menstruation, severe pain is not considered normal. Menstruation is a physiological process that should ideally be as painless as urination. Needing pain relievers or having to stop school, college, or work because of pain indicates the need for medical attention.
There are many things that happen inside a woman’s body. From the start of the menstrual cycle, a girl becomes capable of reproduction. Therefore, understanding the process, everyone should be sensitive enough and break the taboos surrounding this natural process.
Published Date: May 28, 2023 9:26 AM IST
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