5 COMMON PERIOD MYTHS: BUSTED

Periods are a topic that is typically not talked about openly and because of such, is coupled with mystery and myths.  While periods themselves may not need to be discusses regularly (though we don’t shy away from such natural occurrences), we definitely want to at least address the rumors floating about your flow.

Here are some of the most common myths about periods and the facts that back up busting them!

MYTH: AVOID EXERCISE WHEN ON YOUR PERIOD! 

Now, listen, we totally understand the desire to dodge the gym when you’re facing menstrual cramping and feeling more like binging Netflix than burpees. However, the truth of the matter is that even 30 minutes of brick walking is better than nothing and you may even find the movement helps with the blood flow and easing menstrual cramping.  Granted, you must honor your body and heed it’s guidance.  If you need rest, consider that.  But even some light stretching and movement can help with getting a deeper rest in!

Ultimately, get some movement in. The more you move, the more oxygen delivery and decreased prostaglandin release, which helps alleviate cramping. Even your mind can get a workout in because exercise can also assist in the release of endorphins which swaps pain with the feelings of pleasure.

MYTH:  WOMEN WHO HANG TOGETHER, HEMORRHAGE TOGETHER.  

You may have experienced this first-hand with fellow employees, roommates and even female family members, however, the verdict is still out on whether this is true in all cases – which means it isn’t fully considered undisputed making it a myth until further.

According to a recent Glamour article, a 1992 meta-analysis in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that the most influential results supporting menstrual synchrony could be explained away by errors, and more recent evidence has been even shakier. They actually go on to state that we naturally like to find patterns, which is why we tend to look for proof that this phenomena exists versus trying to debunk it in our own lives, let alone, overall.

MYTH:  PERIOD SEX WILL NOT RESULT IN PREGNANCY.

You’d think that because your period is the shedding of uterine lining made for a baby that the timeframe to conceive is shortly after your period is over and ovulation begins again.  While that may be the highest chances for probabiity of pregnancy, it isn’t the only time your body can reproduce.  Therefore, having sex during your cycle doesn’t guarantee a baby-free environment.  The rule of thumb? If you're having sex, there's always a possibility you could become pregnant. In fact, even your period trackers – while aimed to help you calculate ovulation – are still best for measuring and not 100% accurate or promising of avoiding conception.

MYTH : PERIODS = BAD MOODS.

Periods aren’t the most comfortable experiences, obviously. But that doesn’t mean that, no matter what, a period must mean misery.  Sure, you may be more emotional – or open to expressing emotions – because of hormones, however, it again may just be the brain looking for patterns and associating moodiness with the simultaneous  scenario of your cycle.

According to Dr. Jessica Shepherd, a OBGYN, “while hormones do change throughout your cycle, the shifts don't necessarily mean you're chemically disposed to be in a 'bad mood.' Mood changes do happen, though your period shouldn't always shouldn't be tied to positive or negative moods, and can depend on many external factors as well.”

MYTH:  PERIODS ARE 28-DAYS LONG and 5-7 DAYS OF BLEEDING.

Your cycle depends on your body and all of our bodies vary vastly in size, lifestyle and more.  In fact, most cycles fall between 22 to 35 days.  Some even may skip a month at a time. There are many factors that can affect this including nutrition, hormonal and lifestyle changes, medication usage and medical diagnoses. In fact, pop on over to our recent blog on how long typical periods last and when to seek medical attention.

Period knowledge is out there, you just have to ask the right questions. Take what you hear with a grain of salt, and consult with your doctor for more information.