Alright, ladies. There are some genuinely disturbing and harmful myths about our time of the month that have been floating around for centuries. And I, for one, am sick and tired of it. While some of these period-related conspiracies are less harmful than others, there are a handful of beliefs about women’s menstrual cycles that need to be put to an end. Like, yesterday.  

Here are all the myths relating to your menstrual cycle that you should NOT buy into. Like, at all. 

Myth 1: Your Period Is An Excuse To Eat Poorly

Listen up, babes. I know more than anyone how tempting it is to reach for the junk food  during your period. What a brilliant excuse so you can load up on Girl Scout Cookies, Godiva chocolate, and taco wrap supremes — my go-to orders when I’m menstruating. But the thing is, although your period feels like the perfect excuse to pig out and binge on unhealthy junk, it’s only gonna make you feel worse in the long run — both physically and mentally. The sugar rush and added sodium will lead to inflammation, causing feelings of stress and anxiety. Meanwhile, sugar and dairy are absolute no-nos during this part of your cycle because they can intensify bloating and cramps. Yeah, no thanks!

While you have every right to indulge in the foods you love every once in a while, try not to make a ritual out of this behavior just because your period feels like the perfect out. It isn’t. If you really want to know what to eat when on your period, it’s best to stick to a diet that’s rich in iron, magnesium, and foods high in B12.   

Myth 2: You Shouldn’t Exercise On Your Period

It’s best to avoid the instinct to cut off all forms of exercise just because it’s that special time of month. Yes, it’s perfectly true that PMS can make you feel too fatigued and bloated to work out. Yet gluing yourself to your bed all week will only increase your slothfulness. 

Although there’s no need to do anything intense (it’s probably a bad idea, anyway,) going on a brisk walk or any form of light yoga should always be encouraged. It’s good to stretch your legs and get some circulation flowing, especially if you’re feeling helpless to your PMS symptoms. I love going on an hour-long hike when I’m menstruating because it makes my symptoms feel less overbearing. Getting that fresh air and smelling fresh pine trees just does something for my soul — and my PMS.

Plus, several studies suggest that women who engage in active fitness routines have shorter, lighter periods. (Excuse me, while I slip into my running sneakers.)   

Myth 3: You Can’t Get Pregnant While Menstruating

100% false. Ladies, there is no evidence to suggest this is a thing, so just because your bestie swears by this method doesn’t make it a scientific fact. It’s better to be safe than sorry by either wearing protection and/or using birth control pills as prescribed. 

For most ladies who aren’t trying to get pregnant, it’s best to always remember to be safe — Regardless of what day in your cycle it may be.

Myth 4: Tampons Break Your Hymen

There was this girl I went to school with who wasn’t allowed to use tampons because her parents believed they were sinful. This concept was extremely confusing to me, since I always considered tampons to be a useful device that effectively absorbed your flow in a discreet way.

Yet after doing some research, I learned that many religious leaders consider tampons to be “sinful products” that steal a woman’s virginity. According to these beliefs, tampons should only be worn by married women — Oof.  

While everyone’s entitled to their beliefs, it doesn’t sit well with me that women are still shamed for something as natural as their menstrual cycle. (As if we needed more reasons to feel bad about ourselves. For women worried that using a tampon is immoral if you’re not married: rest assured, there’s nothing wrong with using this effective product. It doesn’t break your hymen, affect your virginity, or imply any wrongdoing. You’re safe, and you’re perfectly okay if you choose to use tampons. 

Myth 5: Pads Are Unsanitary

I’m gonna admit it: I’m a “pad” girly, through and through. The truth is, I much prefer using pads to tampons or Diva Cups, because they’re much more comfy. Tampons feel really uncomfortable for me, so I welcome the use of pads during my time of the month. 

However, my preference for wearing pads over tampons has been met with a relentless amount of disgust from my friends and loved ones. Although I know they’re just messing with me and that they mean well, they seem to think that sanitary pads are seriously out of vogue. They compare it to wearing a diaper. And, even worse, they consider pad-wearing completely unsanitary, since you’re basically bathing in your blood. 

While wearing a pad can become unsanitary if not used correctly, simply changing to a fresh one every few hours will keep you completely clean and comfortable. Just make sure you don’t wear the same pad all day long, unless you want to get an infection or rash. Not fun!

Myth 6: Starting Your Period At A Younger Age Means You’re Unhealthy

Some studies suggest ladies who get their periods earlier in life — i.e. before the age of 12 — suffer from health issues, poor diet, and obesity. Although this can be true in some cases, it’s a myth to assume this is always the case. For instance, I’m a health nut who follows a strict dopamine diet, but I got my period for the first time when I was only 11. 

I love my mom more than anyone, but she wasn’t very supportive of my menstrual journey because my period arrived at such an early age. She actually worried about what she was doing wrong as a parent, since it was abnormal for me to “become a woman” so early on. But this only ended up creating more shame within me, and I felt like I’d committed some terrible crime for getting my period when I did.  

In the United States, a study found that 13% of girls have experienced period teasing, and more than 80% fear being teased, especially by male classmates. 

I wish someone would’ve told my mom (and me) that getting your period at age 11 — or any time! — is totally okay. Because guess what? It totally, totally is! 

Myth 7: Periods Are Shameful

You guys. When I got my first period, it felt like my most shameful secret. And I was so deathly embarrassed because I’d gotten it so early. The two situations felt equally morbid. Equally problematic. Equally shameful. And for some reason, I was under the crazy assumption that I was the only girl in the whole world to experience this monthly flow. What is wrong with me? I’d think to myself. And how can I hide this shameful thing once a month every single month?   

In fact, social stigma remains strong in the United States. 58% of women are ashamed of having a period, and 51% of men believe that it is improper to discuss periods at work. The correct term is “menstrual shame” — ewww. 

If only there had been more discourse back then, in the not-so-far off land of the early 2000s, about why there’s absolutely n.o.t.h.i.n.g to feel ashamed about when it comes to your menstrual cycle. It’s a perfectly normal part of life and nothing to be afraid of.