There have always been so many myths going around about periods since the beginning of time and the more facts we know about it the better we can understand how our body works. Today we are breaking some of those myths with true facts about periods so read on.
By Mariam Elhamy
Myth #1 You lose a lot of blood on heavy flow days
You only lose the equivalent of 5 tablespoons of blood the whole time you are on your period. Even on heavy flow days, you might think that you’re losing a lot of blood but it’s usually from 1 tablespoon to a small cup of blood.
If you think that you are losing way more than that you should consult a doctor.
Myth #2 You can postpone or bring your period sooner
Some recommend that you try eating or drinking certain things to postpone or have your period sooner, although this might makes sense because period gets affected by cold weather and what your eating/drinking, it is generally not true.
*Cold weather actually makes your period heavier, longer and more painful. That’s why it’s always recommended to have warm drinks and apply a hot water bag.
Myth #3 You can’t get pregnant while on your period
It’s actually very possible to get pregnant while on your period. The reason is that sperm survives for up to 5 days inside your body so if you generally have short periods you might still ovulate after it is finished.
Myth #4 You should get your period when you are 12-13 years old
During earlier times, girls actually used to get their periods at the age of 17. Nowadays because of the more stressful lifestyle (which triggers the period) and different eating habits, the average age for girls to get their period became 12. That’s because fat cells create more estrogen and the more estrogen you have the sooner your cycle will come.
Myth #5 Your cycle starts after 28 days
You don’t have to get your period exactly after 28 days, so don’t freak out if it’s a day or two late. Period cycles differ from one person to another starting from 21 to 35 days depending on your age, activity and other health-related factors.
Myth #6 Your weight and lifestyle don’t affect your cycle
More body fat means excess estrogen production. That means that gaining or losing a lot of weight quickly changes your cycle pattern. Stress could also affect your cycle and result in a late or early period.
Myth #7 Your body doesn’t change when you have your period
Your body changes a lot when you’re on your period. You bloat, your breasts get swollen, your voice changes slightly and you smell different.
According to a study from Florida State University, when men smell clothing worn by an ovulating woman and not a menstruating one, their testosterone levels rise and they are more aroused. The scent change is otherwise undetectable.
Myth #7 You get your normal period while on birth control
You actually don’t lose any eggs when you’re on birth control, so even if your flow looks the same, it’s not caused by the same biological process as a normal period.
Myth #8 Periods synch up
You can’t actually synch periods with someone you live with or see every day, it’s a myth.
Myth #9 Being in the water stops your period
Being submerged in water doesn’t stop your period because your uterine lining will continue to shed normally. The pressure from the water is what stops blood from flowing out, once you’re out of the water it will flow normally.
Myth #10 Your pain tolerance is higher when on your period
During your period your estrogen levels decrease. That means that you have the lowest pain threshold during the premenstrual and menstrual phases.
