Myths and Facts about Menstruation

Myths and Facts about Menstruation

Myth 1: In many parts of India, menstruation is considered impure and dirty. Its origins trace back to the Vedas, where women are prohibited from participating in daily life during menstruation.

Fact: Menstruation results from the shedding of the endometrium after ovulation, due to a missed opportunity for pregnancy. Scientifically, menstruating women were traditionally made to rest. This practice was not due to impurity but aimed at allowing them relief from physical strain.

Myth 2: Women are not allowed to enter the kitchen or cook during menstruation due to their supposedly unhygienic condition.

Fact: A study by Kumar and Srivastava (2011) concluded that there is a cultural belief that menstruating women emit a smell or ray that can spoil preserved foods, like pickles. However, no scientific study has proven that menstruation affects food spoilage.

Myth 3: Dietary restrictions during menstruation, such as avoiding sour foods, tamarind, or pickles, are believed to prevent menstruation.

Fact: While these foods do not stop menstruation, they may contribute to dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps) or discomfort, which is why they are often avoided during this time.

Myth 4: Many girls believe that exercise or physical activity during menstruation can aggravate dysmenorrhea.

Fact: Exercise releases serotonin, improving mood and alleviating cramps. It also helps relieve bloating and other symptoms associated with menstruation.

Myth 5: Menstrual cramps are a sign of infertility.

Fact: Menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, are usually caused by normal uterine contractions. In some cases, however, they can be a symptom of an underlying health condition that may affect fertility, but cramps themselves are not an indicator of infertility.

Myth 6: Dysmenorrhea is just premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and is all in one’s head.

Fact: The exact cause of PMS is not fully understood, but hormonal changes are thought to play a significant role. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can reduce PMS symptoms.

Myth 7: Sports should be avoided during menstruation as it aggravates dysmenorrhea.

Fact: Planned physical exercise, including sports, can reduce the severity of menstrual cramps.

Observational Myths about Dysmenorrhea

An observational study conducted on 100 women with primary dysmenorrhea during a PhD research project in 2015 revealed several common myths:

1. Myth: Hostellers believed that their menstrual pain was caused by a change in food habits after moving to the hostel.
   • Fact: The increased consumption of spicy, oily, or junk food may exacerbate symptoms, but the pain itself is not caused by the change in location.
2. Myth: Taking pain medication during menstruation will hamper fertility or lead to difficult deliveries.
   • Fact: There is no scientific basis for this claim. Medicines can alleviate pain and do not affect fertility or childbirth outcomes.
3. Myth: Exercise and sitting for long periods during school or college worsen menstrual pain.
   • Fact: In reality, exercise can help reduce cramps, while sitting for long periods may contribute to discomfort.
4. Myth: Taking a head bath during menstruation is not allowed.
   • Fact: A hot water bath, including washing the head, can actually reduce pain and help one feel refreshed.

Discussion and Conclusion

Many myths surrounding menstruation persist, often without scientific evidence. In today’s world, it is essential to question these beliefs and base our understanding on facts and scientific reasoning to dispel these myths.

Home Remedies for Menstrual Pain Relief

1. Engage in distracting activities, such as spending time with friends, reading, or watching movies, to take the mind off the pain.
2. Mild exercise can elevate serotonin levels, reducing pain and promoting a feeling of happiness.
3. Adopt pain-relieving positions, such as lying on your side with bent knees or in a prone position.
4. Take warm water baths to relax muscles and alleviate cramps.
5. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and avoid consuming soft drinks, excess salt, sugar, and caffeine.
6. A balanced diet with appropriate supplements can help reduce the symptoms of dysmenorrhea.