Most of us received a very flawed or incomplete education about the Menstrual Cycle.
Or maybe you didn’t get any at all, because the women in your life were ashamed and thought it was unclean or embarrassing.
But it’s imperative that we unlearn these myths in order to live harmoniously with our hormones, so let’s dive in🤸♂️
Myth #1. The pill can regulate your cycle
Oral contraceptives do not actually regulate the natural menstrual cycle but rather create an artificial one.
The hormones in the pill, typically a combination of synthetic lab-made estrogen and progestin (not progesterone), suppress ovulation and alter the uterine lining, leading to a withdrawal bleed during the placebo week, which mimics a natural period.
This withdrawal bleed is not a true menstrual period but a response to the sudden drop in the artificial hormones.
While the pill can “help” manage symptoms like heavy bleeding and menstrual pain, it does not address underlying issues with the natural hormonal cycle and can mask symptoms of conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis.
🔎Fascinated by this overview of the pill & want to understand the full effect? We’ve got you covered in our free Cycle Wisdom education resources, where we have a whole video dedicated to the Pill!
Myth #2. A healthy cycle is always 28 days
While 28 days is often cited as the average, a normal, healthy menstrual cycle can range anywhere from 21 to 35 days.
The key, however, is that YOUR cycle length should be consistent from month to month, varying by no more than a couple days.
Variations in cycle length can be influenced by numerous factors, including stress, diet, exercise, and underlying health conditions. If your cycle has always been consistent and suddenly changes, that’s a good time to check in with your doctor & see what may have caused it.
Don’t just accept “it happens” as an answer! If your doctor finds no obvious reason for the change, examine your lifestyle and see if your stress has increased or if your diet or exercise patterns have changed.
👉If your cycle varies by more than 4-5 days each month (for example if one month you bleed on day 28 and the next you bleed on day 35) that is a sign that something has changed with your ovulation patterns and must be investigated before it causes further health issues.
Myth #3. Ovulation always happens on day 14
Ovulation doesn't always occur on day 14 because menstrual cycle lengths and hormonal fluctuations vary widely among women.
The timing of ovulation can range from day 10 to day 21 or later in a cycle, influenced by factors such as stress, illness, lifestyle changes, and underlying health conditions.
The luteal phase (the time between ovulation and the start of the next period) is very consistent, lasting about 14 days for most women, but the follicular phase (the time from the start of the period to ovulation) can vary greatly from woman to woman.
👉Again, watch out for irregularities here. Ovulation is the one determining factor in the length of your overall cycle & if your cycle length suddenly changes, that indicates a change in ovulation patterns (potential hormonal imbalances).
Myth #4. You can get pregnant on any cycle day
This is completely false, although some women are led to believe this from a very young age.
It all links back to ovulation. An egg only lives for 12-24 hours after ovulation, so you are only fertile for about 6-7 days of your cycle.
That means that for most of your cycle, you’re actually NOT able to conceive! Again, if you want to learn more about this, check out the Cycle Wisdom resources linked in Myth #1 or explore Natural Cycles, linked below👇
🥀If you’ve been struggling with hormonal imbalances, PCOS, Endometriosis or mental health challenges, we’re here to guide you to healing🌹
📍Ready to take the first step towards healing?👇
DISCLAIMER: This information is meant for educational purposes only and is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of any disease, or substitute for medical treatment or advice. You should seek the advice of a physician with any questions or concerns regarding personal medical conditions.
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