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| - Last Updated on March 23, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that it is not natural for a woman to bleed every month. Rather, it is propaganda for the feminine hygiene industry. We fact-checked and found that this claim holds no scientific evidence and is absolutely False.
The Claim
The caption of a Facebook reel as it opened read: ‘ Like I said before…Menstrual cycles aren’t natural!!’
The narrator in the video further said, “Not every woman bleeds. Bleeding is sold to us, unfortunately for us but fortunately for the feminine hygiene industry.”
Fact Check
What is Menstruation?
Menstruation, also referred to as periods, is a natural biological process that takes place in the female reproductive system. It happens about once a month and entails the discharge of the uterine lining. Every menstrual cycle, the body readies itself for the prospect of pregnancy, and if conception doesn’t happen, the uterus discards its lining, leading to vaginal bleeding. The amount and texture of menstrual bleeding may differ, ranging from light spotting to a heavy flow.
Does a woman’s body follow a monthly cycle?
Yes. The menstrual cycle, a monthly process in the female body that readies it for pregnancy, follows a specific pattern. This cycle can last from 21 to 35 days, and it consists of four stages that are triggered by hormonal changes.
The first stage, the menses phase, initiates the cycle by shedding the uterine lining through the vagina if pregnancy has not occurred.
During the follicular phase, the second stage, estrogen levels increase to encourage the growth of the uterine lining. At the same time, follicle-stimulating hormone prompts the development of follicles in the ovaries to produce an egg.
The third stage, ovulation, is characterized by an increase in luteinizing hormone, which triggers the release of the egg. The egg travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus.
The fourth and final stage is the luteal phase, in which increased levels of progesterone prepare the uterus for a possible pregnancy. However, if the egg is not fertilized by sperm, the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease, leading to the shedding of the uterine lining and the beginning of the menses phase once again.
Is monthly menstrual bleeding not natural?
Absolutely not. Monthly menstrual bleeding is a natural process in the female reproductive system. It is a part of the menstrual cycle, which prepares the body for the possibility of pregnancy. As explained above, during each cycle, the uterus builds up a lining of blood and tissue in case a fertilized egg implants there. If pregnancy does not occur, the lining is shed, resulting in menstrual bleeding. Menstruation typically begins (menarche) during puberty, usually between the ages of 10 and 16, with an average onset age of 12.4 years. Menopause marks the end of the menstrual cycle due to a decline in hormone levels, occurring between the ages of 45-55 years.
Additionally, if the periods are irregular or do not occur, it may indicate an abnormality. The absence of periods can be a sign of abnormality, known as amenorrhea. Primary amenorrhea is when a girl reaches age 15 without experiencing her first period. In contrast, secondary amenorrhea is the absence of at least three periods in a row for someone who has had them before.
An absence of periods for 90 days or more is considered abnormal unless the person is pregnant, breastfeeding, or going through menopause. Irregular or abnormal periods can have various causes, including hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, eating disorders, excessive exercise, stress, and certain medications. In some cases, it can indicate an underlying medical condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure, or a pituitary gland disorder.
It must be noted that due to cultural and social factors, menstruation has often been stigmatized and considered taboo in various parts of the world.
This stigma has led to a lack of education and awareness about menstruation, resulting in myths and misunderstandings about the process. Therefore, it is important to promote education, awareness, and acceptance of menstruation to help break down the stigma and discrimination surrounding this natural process. By doing so, we can improve the health and well-being of individuals who menstruate and create a more inclusive and equitable society.
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