Is Period Syncing a Real Thing? Here’s The Truth!
Has this ever happened to you - Your close friend gets her period on the same day as you? Now that's some great comradery! However, this scenario can easily make you believe that periods do sync with your friends.
The concept of period syncing has been talked about extensively. Right from mothers to daughters, almost every woman has heard or rather believed it. But is it scientifically proven or is it just some old wives’ tale that we’ve grown up listening to? Let’s find out more about period syncing, right here!
What Is Period Syncing?
Period syncing is a popular belief that women’s periods sync with females who live in close proximity. It could be someone whom you spent the most time with like a roommate, friend, sister, or colleague. The pheromones (a chemical) released by a woman’s armpits are considered to be the cause of this action.
The McClintock Effect
Period syncing is also popularly known as ‘The McClintock Effect’. It was named after a researcher called Martha McClintock who conducted a study to determine whether or not there is menstrual synchrony. This study was conducted with over 135 college-going women who lived in a dorm together. However, the study only accounted for when females began their periods, while factors like the beginning of their ovulation were skipped. McClintock concluded that period synchronisation does occur.
Do Period Sync After All?
The short answer is no! After McClintock's study, there have been multiple other popular studies that outweigh and disprove the theory of periods syncing over and over again. Such studies have repeatedly proved that the idea of period syncing is a myth.
Can Pheromones Or The Moon Sync Periods?
While we are debunking the period syncing myth, let’s look at two other factors that women think affect their cycle.
1. Pheromones -
It’s a chemical that is released by the skin glands from the armpits and is considered to stimulate the brain to begin menstruation. As each one of us follows our own intimate hygiene practices, it's highly impossible that pheromones from skin glands can make your periods sync.
2. The Moon -
Some women also believe that the phases of the moon influence your menstrual cycle. The reality is that there isn’t any such evidence that backs this claim either.
What Can Really Affect Your Periods?
Keeping pheromones and the phases of the moon aside, here are some factors that actually do affect your periods:
1. Stress:
This is one of the most common factors that can affect your period cycle by either making it arrive before the estimated date or delaying them. Stress can also cause painful periods.
2. Birth Control Pills:
As these are hormonal pills, they can manipulate the levels of oestrogen and progesterone in a woman's body which can affect her menstrual cycle.
3. Eating Disorders:
Be it extremely high or low intake of calories, eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia can easily affect your cycle.
Consulting a doctor and understanding what’s affecting your periods is important. Likewise, using the best menstrual products like high-quality sanitary pads and tampons is also equally crucial. Try the ALWAYS Cotton Soft Pads which have a comfortable top sheet that offers cushiony soft comfort. Likewise, it has unique flexi wings that allow you worry-free movement. These pads are also equipped with an innovative absorbent core that keeps leakage at bay. For tampon users, the ALWAYS Tampax Cardboard Tampons is a great pick. These tampons have an innovative absorbent core which soaks the discharge easily. They are equipped with a protective skirt which minimises the risk of leakage. Lastly, the anti-slip applicator provides easy insertion.
How To Estimate Your Period Dates?
Now that you’ve understood that period syncing is a myth, relying on your sister’s or close friend’s period dates isn’t a great idea. Rather, using a period calculator is a wiser alternative. It is the easiest and most effective way to get an estimation of your upcoming periods.
For your next cycle, try out ALWAYS Period Calculator which maps your cycle and informs you when your next period is due. All in just one click!
Looking to manage your period cycle better? Our guide shares practical tips on how to make period end faster that you can try today.
When To See A Doctor
Whether you believe in period syncing which occurs through an alpha female or not, here are some scenarios where you must consult a doctor:
1. Missed periods
2. Painful periods
3. Shorter or prolonged periods
4. Heavy bleeding
5. Getting periods more than once a month
Takeaway
The average menstrual cycle is 28 days and not everyone’s cycle is of the same length or even of the same days. This means the chances of your periods overlapping with that of others are quite more. It can be easily mistaken as period syncing. But the truth is, it's just a coincidence. To be more precise about your menstrual cycle, use a period calculator and get the estimated date of your next period.
Stay well prepared for your next period by tracking it on Always Period Calculator
FAQs
1. Is it possible for periods to sync up?
There isn’t any scientific evidence that period syncing occurs. However, as the average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 days and periods last for five days, there are chances that your periods can overlap with one another.
2. Is menstrual synchrony a real thing?
There isn’t any evidence that supports the theory of menstrual synchrony which states that a woman’s pheromones have the ability to influence the menstrual cycle of other females. Instead of relying on pheromones, use the ALWAYS Period Calculator which helps you estimate your next period dates with better accuracy.
3. Will my period sync with my daughter's?
You might find your periods syncing with your daughter as a matter of coincidence. Keep in mind that there’s no role of any pheromones in making it happen. To be prepared for your period, use ALWAYS Period Calculator which informs you about the accurate estimated date when your next period is arriving.
Disclaimer:
Please note the date of the last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; Always pads prioritize safety, protection and comfort of its consumers.