Debunking 3 silly but common myths about periods

Yes, we are in the 21st century. We have sent a satellite into orbit around Mars on our first attempt, we can transport live organs across cities and save lives, and as far as technology goes, we are now really chasing virtual Pokémon characters all over the streets.

But, despite all that, we still believe that when a girl gets her periods, she stops growing in height; we still believe that when a girl discusses periods with others, she will get her own period faster; we still believe that eating non-vegetarian food will bring on a period.

Also read - Vedas don't portray menstruating women as impure. Why should we?

I didn't just make all this up. In fact, I was rather shocked when I recently heard that a group of moms in Gurugram were wary of sending their daughters on a school camping trip because they felt the girls would discuss periods, and this would bring on their own respective periods faster than usual.

Then, they would be robbed of their innocence and, of course, their height would remain stunted.

I cannot even find the words to describe the disgust, anger and shock I felt when I heard about this. Wanting to protect your children is fine, but citing periods as a reason to not let them experience what should be an intrinsic part of their education, just doesn't make sense.

Worse, it's us women who ourselves demonise periods, and we scar our own daughters for life when we make it seem like such a dirty, horrible phenomenon that has the power to stunt girls - in every way.

Women all over the world are fighting for equal rights and trying to reclaim public spaces as their own.

When we let periods get in the way, especially before kids even hit puberty, we are not only giving up our right to places and experiences but also fencing ourselves and our kids in.

But, coming to brass tacks, to get clarity on the matter, I spoke to Dr Sonia Naik, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Max Hospitals, and asked her to clear the air about these myths.

Also read - 3 reasons why you should exercise during periods

She added that it was unfortunate that urban, educated women thought this way even today, and added some more myths to my list.

Here, they are, debunked by her, one by one.

1. Talking about periods will bring on a girl's periods faster

"First, the average age of a girl getting her periods is now younger, at 10, compared to 12 earlier. Whether this is due to the environment, the adulterated food or an increase in the overall exposure to sexuality and sensuality, we don't know.

But discussing among their peer group is fine, it's the best way. And if kids are made aware with information disseminated in a proper manner, it's better.

There is no proof that talking about periods brings it on faster. When you get your periods is dependent on other factors, such as genetics perhaps, but not on discussions."

2. Once you get your periods your height gets affected

"Not true; even if they start menstruating, girls continue to grow in height till the age of 18."

3. Eating non-veg or a high-protein diet will bring on periods

"There is absolutely no truth to this myth as well. Kids should eat a regular, balanced diet."

Instead, here are some important facts to know and tips to talk to your daughter about periods:

# "There are some signs that can indicate when a girl is going to start her periods.

After the age of 9, a girl will first see that her breasts will start to develop, second, there will be axillary hair (pubic/armpit hair), possibly some acne, and these are clear signs that a period will start soon. This is a good time to prepare the child.

Usually, within a year of the breasts developing, a period will start. If the order is different (the hair comes before the breasts develop), it should be reported to a doctor.

# When you talk to your child, explain that this is part of growing up.

The body is undergoing changes and this is one such change - the endometrial lining in the uterus breaks or detaches and the bleeding is a result of that.

Deal with it physiologically (kids even study it in biology nowadays), but refrain from calling it dirty blood, or toxic waste. Stools and urine are toxic; this is not.

Associating periods with these words will instil negative connotations for life.

# Initially, possibly even up to 2-3 years, periods will not stabilise.

A girl may skip months or get it every 10-15 days. The duration of each period and the cycle will vary.

For cramps, you can give a full tablet of Meftal up to three times a day.

(Courtesy of Mail Today.)