Period syncing – it’s an idea that’s been around for generations, but is it fact or just another myth?
As a medical professional, I’ve heard this theory many times. Just the other day, a young girl came to my clinic complaining of irregular menstruation. She was convinced that spending time with her friend who had irregular periods was the cause of her own menstrual irregularity.
“A case of menstrual synchrony!” I said smilingly. I went on to explain what period syncing was and why she need not worry. In this blog, I will be sharing the facts about period syncing.
What is Period Syncing?
Period syncing, also known as menstrual synchrony, is a theory that suggests when a woman comes in physical contact with a menstruating woman, their pheromones influence their monthly cycles. It’s been an old wives’ tale for centuries that women who live together begin menstruating on the same day. This coincidence happens so often that it’s widely believed as truth!
Also Read: How Often Should You Change Your Sanitary Napkins During Menstruation?
Studies on Period Syncing
In fact, there have been several studies conducted that have supported this belief. The menstruation myth was born in 1971 when Harvard doctor Martha McClintock studied a group of 135 women living in a college dorm. Their research concluded that over the course of a school year, period synchronization increased among roommates and close friends. McClintock deduced that period synchronization was the result of spending time together, eating meals together, or experiencing stress together. The study also suggested a theory called the “alpha uterus” in which a woman can influence the period dates of an entire group of women.
Many menstruating women have accepted that period syncing is a real thing, but medically or scientifically, there is no solid evidence to prove this theory. And hence, it is deemed a widely popular myth! In 2006, a study concluded that “women do not sync their menstrual cycles.” This was from 186 women living in groups in a dorm in China. This study said that any period syncing that occurred was within the realm of mathematical coincidence.
Another large study conducted by Oxford University used data from 1500 people. It concluded that it’s very unlikely for women to disrupt or influence each other’s menstrual cycles. Thus, it’s more likely to be the laws of probability that eventually make your period sync. But the influence of one woman’s period on another is an unproven theory!
Conclusion
While it’s easy to believe in old wives’ tales and myths, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. When it comes to period syncing, the evidence simply isn’t there to support it. So, the next time you hear someone talking about period syncing, you can confidently say that it’s just another myth that’s been debunked by science.
