Myth No. 1: Do Not Wash Your Hair or Body

Fact: Other than the discomfort that cold water causes, there is absolutely no reason for not washing your hair or taking a bath. A nice warm bath may actually help relieve the cramps and premenstrual tension plus there is no harm in keeping yourself clean and fresh.

Myth No.2: Exercise is Harmful During Periods

Fact: Periods are a sign of healthy and normal functioning body; it’s not an ailment so you can very much exercise, work out or play sports during these days as you do when not menstruating. You may not like to perform strenuous activities yourself due to already persisting cramps, however, it has been proven that brisk walking and light exercise helps you keep fresh and “charged up” during periods.

Myth No.3: You Should Not Go Swimming When Menstruating

Fact: The only reason you should avoid swimming during menstruation is the fact that you are not wearing a tampon! It’s perfectly fine to get into water when menstruating and swimming will not hinder with menstrual flow.

Myth No.4: Nutrition Does Not Effect Menstruation

Fact: Only a healthy body can maintain a healthy hormonal interplay so it is highly important for young girls to eat healthy food. Malnutrition often leads to irregularities in the monthly cycle and sometimes complete cessation of periods (amenorrhea). So try to include proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and fats (yes you heard it right!) in your diet in order to have regular cycles.

Myth No. 5: Cold Drinks & Pickles Cause The Cramps

Fact: Cold drinks and pickles may cause a sore throat but certainly not the menstrual cramps. These cramps are due to uterine contractions; a normal physiological manifestation of periods. So, go ahead and treat your taste buds with whatever you like!

Myth No.6: Periods Lasts for Only One Week

Fact: There is absolutely no truth behind this! The time of bleeding varies from woman to woman. The average span is said to be 3-10 days which can alter. Even during the course of lifetime, a girl may have different lengths of periods.

Myth No.7: After the First Period, You will Get Periods After 28 Days

Fact: It’s not necessary to get a regular pattern after the first period. Some girls don’t have a regular cycle all their lives!

Myth No.8: You Loose Loads of Blood During Periods

Fact: No you don’t! Enormous amount of blood as it may seem to you, it’s only about six to eight teaspoons on average that a girl bleeds. However, in Asian population the amount of bleeding is usually large so it is advised that young girls and women maintain a high iron diet in order to avoid anemia.

Myth No.9: Teenage Girl Missing a Period Means Pregnancy!

Fact: Most probably this one was created by a paranoid mother! It’s wrong since not only teenage girls but also women of older ages may miss a period due to illness, stress or dietary changes.

Myth No. 10: There is No Such Thing as PMS

Fact: This is another wrong perception that the fatigue, depression and mood swings experienced by women before periods is nothing but all in their heads! Pre Menstrual Syndrome or PMS is pretty much real and has physiological reasons behind it. Before menstruation the hormonal levels change and so they result in mood swings, weight gain and even cramps. Usually these symptoms are observed around two weeks before the periods and can be relieved with proper medication.