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| - Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media video claims that rubbing your wrists together regulates your periods. We did the fact check to term it as False.
The Claim
An Instagram video claims that by rubbing your wrists together for 3 minutes every day, you can regulate your menstrual cycle. The video further suggests that the ovaries and uterus points are located on the wrists, which supposedly explains why women traditionally wear bangles.
Fact Check
What are the causes of irregular periods?
Irregular periods, medically known as oligomenorrhea, can occur due to various reasons. Common causes include:
- Hormonal Imbalance: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders can disrupt hormonal levels, leading to irregular cycles.
- Stress and Anxiety: High levels of stress can affect the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates your period.
- Diet and Exercise: Significant changes in weight, extreme diets, or excessive exercise can also cause irregularities.
- Medications: Certain medications, including birth control pills and treatments for other health conditions, can impact menstrual cycles.
- Chronic Diseases: Conditions such as diabetes and celiac disease can affect your menstrual cycle.
- Age-Related Changes: Perimenopause, the transition to menopause, often brings irregular periods.
Can you get rid of irregular periods by rubbing your wrists together?
No, rubbing your wrists together cannot regulate your periods. There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that wrist rubbing affects menstrual cycles. The claim lacks any basis in gynaecological or medical research.
The video suggests that specific “ovary and uterus points” exist on the wrists, but this concept is not present in any medical literature. The idea appears to be a misinterpretation of acupressure, a practice from Traditional Chinese medicine. Even though acupressure involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to promote health, there is no evidence that it can regulate menstrual cycles or has anything to do with the ovaries when applied to the wrists. Even on so-called ‘wellness’ websites, we couldn’t find any mention of this acupressure point being used to treat irregular periods.
Similarly, there’s also a claim which suggests drinking jeera water with jaggery to induce periods in one day. However, this isn’t true.
Dr Saumya, Gynaecologist at ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Patna, informs us, “The idea of regulating menstrual cycles by rubbing your wrists is completely baseless. The menstrual cycle is a complex process that’s controlled by the endocrine system, involving the brain, ovaries, and uterus. Any disruptions in this system can lead to irregular periods.”
Dr Saumya further continues, “To manage irregular periods, it’s essential to address the underlying cause. This usually involves a medical evaluation and treatment, lifestyle changes, or hormone therapy. If you experience irregular periods, the best thing to do is consult a physician or a gynaecologist. They can help you find the right approach to get your cycle back on track.”
How can I address irregular periods?
Managing irregular periods involves identifying and addressing the root cause. Here are some effective strategies:
- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can help regulate your periods.
- Reduce Stress: Practices such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can help manage stress levels.
- Medical Treatment: If a medical condition like PCOS or thyroid disorder is causing irregular periods, your doctor may prescribe medication or other treatments.
- Hormonal Contraceptives: Birth control pills or hormonal IUDs can help regulate menstrual cycles.
- Regular Check-Ups: Regular visits to a doctor can help monitor and manage your menstrual health.
What are the consequences of relying on false claims?
Believing and relying on false claims can have several negative consequences that impact physical health and overall well-being:
- Delay in Proper Treatment: Relying on ineffective remedies like wrist rubbing can delay proper diagnosis and treatment of underlying medical conditions.
- Worsening of Symptoms: Ignoring professional medical advice in favour of unreliable methods can lead to worsening symptoms and potentially serious health issues. For example, conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders require specific medical treatments and lifestyle adjustments.
- Emotional Distress: Unsuccessful attempts to regulate periods can cause frustration and stress. It eventually makes the people feel disillusioned or betrayed by the misinformation, leading to increased anxiety.
- Financial Costs: Investing in baseless home remedies can lead to unnecessary financial expenses. These costs can accumulate over time, placing an additional financial burden on individuals and families.
- Loss of Trust in Medical Professionals: When people rely on false claims and do not see improvements, they may lose trust in legitimate medical advice and healthcare providers. This mistrust can negatively impact the future interactions with medical professionals. And, this can make them less likely to seek necessary medical care or follow through with prescribed treatments.
- Spread of Misinformation: Believing and sharing false claims contributes to the spread of misinformation. This can influence others to follow ineffective or harmful advice, perpetuating a cycle of ignorance and misunderstanding about health.
- Negative Impact on Public Health: Widespread belief in false claims can have broader public health implications. When large numbers of people engage in ineffective or harmful practices, it can put extra pressure on healthcare systems. This in turn diverts attention and resources away from reliable medical treatments.
Conclusion
The claim that rubbing your wrists together can regulate your periods is false. There is no scientific basis for this, and it is not supported by medical research or expert opinions. Irregular periods can be due to a variety of factors, and it is necessary to address them with proper medical care. If you experience irregular periods, seek advice from a healthcare provider rather than relying on random social media claims. Never try to self medicate or treat yourself on the basis of a social media video.
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