Menstruation myths

Nature human behaviour · 2024 · vol. 8(11) , pp. 2086–2089 · doi:10.1038/s41562-024-02057-6 · PMID:39567737
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Six scientists discuss pervasive menstruation myths concerning food, mood, blood, and pain, highlighting the disconnect between misconceptions, traditions, and scientific understanding.

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This commentary piece solicits perspectives from six scientists to dismantle pervasive myths regarding menstruation, addressing misconceptions related to food, mood, blood, and pain. The authors highlight the significant gaps between societal traditions and scientific understanding, emphasizing how collective ignorance and persistent social norms cause harm to individuals experiencing menstruation. By challenging these false beliefs, the article aims to improve the cultural and medical discourse surrounding menstrual health. Relevance to endometriosis: listed as one indication for GnRH antagonists, though the paper's main focus is uterine fibroids.

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Myths about menstruation are pervasive and it is time to shatter them. We asked six scientists for their perspective on menstrual myths, including beliefs about food, mood, blood and pain. They highlight gaps between misconceptions, traditions and scientific understanding, and the hurt caused by our collective ignorance and persistent social norms. This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution Access options Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription 27,99 € / 30 days cancel any time Subscribe to this journal Receive 12 digital issues and online access to articles 111,21 € per year only 9,27 € per issue Buy this article - Purchase on SpringerLink - Instant access to the full article PDF. 39,95 € Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout References Sommer, M. Compare 43, 323–345 (2013). Schmitt, M. L., Wood, O. R., Clatworthy, D., Rashid, S. F. & Sommer, M. Confl. 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Author information Authors and Affiliations Corresponding authors Ethics declarations Competing interests M.M.C. is editor-in-chief of the journal Women & Health, and has received honoraria from Organon, Novo Nordisk, Boehringer and J&J. I.S.K. has received honoraria from Biocodex and Ferring Pharmaceuticals. The remaining authors declare no competing interests. Rights and permissions About this article Cite this article Sommer, M., Chrisler, J.C., Yong, P.J. et al. Menstruation myths. Nat Hum Behav 8, 2086–2089 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-02057-6 Published: Version of record: Issue date: DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-02057-6

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