Menstrual Myths: Debunking Misinformation About Your Cycle
There is no shortage of health and wellness misinformation online, making it harder to discern who to trust and what sources are credible. Women’s health is unfortunately one of the biggest targets. With an endless stream of new things to be insecure about, combined with body and beauty standards for women, some may look to “fix” issues that don’t actually exist.
Her Agenda speaks to four different health professionals about menstrual myths and when to see a doctor.
What’s Actually Happening To Your Body When You Menstruate?
Dr. Shannon Chatham, DO, and Medical Director at Wisp:
“Think of your menstrual cycle as your body’s monthly reset. Each month, your uterus builds up a soft, nutrient-rich lining in case a pregnancy happens. If no egg is fertilized, your hormone levels drop, and your body no longer needs that lining. Your period is simply your body shedding that extra tissue and blood through the vagina. It’s a healthy, normal part of your reproductive cycle, and a sign that your body is doing exactly what it’s designed to do.”
Do You Need To “Detox” Your Body After Your Menstrual Cycle Is Over?
Dr. Roxanne Pero, board-certified OB/GYN and Medical Advisor for at-home fertility tracker Inito:
”Absolutely not. I’ve seen this misinformation perpetuated on social media, and it’s extremely divisive, mainly as a means to fearmonger women into believing they need certain products and tools. It’s a huge marketing strategy with negative implications for women’s health and for women’s education around understanding and embracing their bodies’ natural functions.
“Menstruation doesn’t ‘release toxins’ in the first place, so there’s nothing left over from the period specifically that needs additional post-period clearing. Vaginal steams, sunning, and herbal concoctions placed vaginally can cause more harm than benefit, significantly impacting the vaginal microbiome.”
What Is The Difference Between The Luteal Phase And PMS?
Dr. Pankaj Singhal, OB/GYN Surgeon And Endometriosis Specialist: “The luteal phase (post-ovulatory phase) is a timeframe, roughly two weeks between ovulation and your next period, when progesterone rises to prep the uterine lining. PMS is what you feel during that timeframe: mood swings, bloating, cramps, fatigue, breast tenderness, all driven by that hormonal fluctuation. Simply put, the luteal phase is the ‘when,’ and PMS is the ‘what.’”
SOURCE: Kindel Media
What Should Women Do When Their Periods Feel Too Painful?
Dr. Jody-Ann McLean, physician and women’s health writer:
“Although some cramping is expected because of the uterus contracting to shed the lining, any pain that’s severe, that stops you from your usual daily activities, or that gets worse over time is something that should be assessed. If you need to replan social activities or your work calendar around painful period symptoms, that shouldn’t be overlooked or downplayed. We should never normalize women’s pain.
“Typical period pain can feel like a dull ache or discomfort in the lower abdomen, and it often improves with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relief or heat pads. But if your period pain is severe or getting worse, is sharp or stabbing in nature, or is accompanied by abnormal or heavy bleeding, it’s important to see your doctor. These symptoms may sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition like endometriosis or fibroids.”
