The female body has long been the subject of myths, misconceptions, and misunderstandings. These myths are not just gossip being passed around, they are the basis of many misconceptions, prejudice, discriminatory behavior and in some cases medical negligence. In this blog post, we’ll explore some prevalent myths and provide the facts that everyone should know and erase these common misconceptions about the female body.
Myth 1: Women Are More Emotional Than Men
From being passed on from generations with phrases like “boys don’t cry” or “kaise ladkiyo ki tarhe ro raha ha” (why are you crying like a girl). This myth has influenced generations after generations and has been deemed as a stereotype. It is not only responsible for suppression of male emotions but also dismissal of female emotions.
The Reality:
We as humans have forgotten that even with different genders we have similar minds and feel the same emotions. If our mind doesn't consider our gender as a factor of what we feel, then why do we? Emotions are the result of a complex process that is influenced by biological, psychological and social factors. Men and women both experience a wide range of emotions but due to unfortunate social stereotypes they are either suppressed or dismissed.
The Science:
Research indicates that hormonal differences, such as those involving estrogen and testosterone, can influence emotional regulation. However, social conditioning plays a significant role in how emotions are expressed. Women are often encouraged to express their emotions, while men might be conditioned to suppress theirs. This leads to the perception that women are more emotional, but it's more about societal expectations than inherent differences.
Myth 2: Women Can’t Build Muscle Like Men
The Myth:
This myth is mostly the result of differences in testosterone levels in male and female bodies and also the common belief that female bodies aren't meant for heavy and hard labor.
The Reality:
The reality is far from the myth. Women might take a longer time building muscles than men because of the difference in testosterone levels which helps in muscle growth but it is actually estrogen that helps in maintenance of these muscles.
The Science:
While low testosterone levels might delay the process of muscle growth they don’t stop it. When the muscles are built, high estrogen levels make sure to maintain them.
Myth 3: Severe, anger, depression or anxiety before periods is normal
The Myth:
Anger, depression or anxiety mostly referred to as mood swings may occur before, during or after the menstrual cycle and are dismissed as normal without any concern but these might be something bigger than just PMS.
The Reality:
If you have recurring emotional and mental health issues during the beginning of your menstrual cycle before your bleeding starts, you may have premenstrual dysphoric disorder. PMDD (PRE MENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER) is something similar to PMS (PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME) but is more serious although the symptoms go away in a day or two after bleeding starts. It may lead to severe emotional distress a week or two before your period and symptoms can be debilitating and affect various aspects of your personal life.
The Science:
The cause of PMDD isn't clear. Underlying depression and anxiety are common in both PMS and PMDD, so it's possible that the hormonal changes that trigger a menstrual period worsen the symptoms of mood disorders.
Treatment of PMDD is directed at preventing or minimizing symptoms and may include:
- Antidepressants.
- Birth control pills.
- Nutritional supplements.
- Herbal remedies. Diet and lifestyle changes.
Consult a doctor if you face severe symptoms of PMDD.
Myth 4: Women Should Avoid Physical Activity During Menstruation
The Myth:
In olden days it was said that women should not participate in any rigorous labor during periods so that her body is not exposed to too much stress which might have led to menstrual cramps. This was then translated or rather applied to every sort of physical activity hence, resulting in this myth.
The Reality:
Exercising during periods doesn’t mean it will add to the pain. On the contrary, the mental and physical pros of doing a well-routined workout can be quite beneficial for allaying the pangs of period pain.
The Science:
Doing regular exercise is extremely beneficial for your health as well as your mind. There is no scientific reason to skip out your daily workout during your periods unless you have severe symptoms. Many doctors will suggest that exercise can be helpful to your body during this time. So, listen to your body and do light exercises to relax your body and mind.
Myth 5: Women’s health is just their reproductive health.
The Myth:
Our society has a weird obsession with women and their reproductive health and this needs to stop. A woman is also a human and can have other health issues too. We as a society need to stop blaming everything on our uterus ( whether periods or a reason for infertility.).
The Reality:
Women have more organs than just a uterus, they can have issues too and should be attended to with the same care that is given to any other patient.
The Science:
Women and men have same organs except for a few and should be given equal medical attention be it of physical illness or mental illness.
Women and their bodies have been overlooked for the longest period of time, whether it is female bodies anatomy, working of a menstrual cycle and let's not even talk about sexual health and awareness. It is high time we change, and start learning about our bodies from factual and credible sources rather than old wives tales or in consistent words of mouth.Let's continue to educate ourselves and everyone around us.
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