Periods are natural. They are biological. They are normal.
And yet, in India, menstruation is still treated like a “secret,” a “shame,” or worse, something impure.
For centuries, women and girls have been forced to suffer silently because of myths, restrictions, and misinformation. From being told not to enter temples to being discouraged from talking openly about pain, periods have become one of the most misunderstood parts of a woman’s life.
It’s time to change that.
It’s time to break the myths.
Why Period Myths Still Exist in India
Menstruation myths are not just about old traditions. They exist because:
- People avoid talking about periods openly
- Sex education is still considered “taboo”
- Girls grow up hearing shame-based statements
- Even educated families sometimes follow outdated beliefs
The result? Millions of girls feel embarrassed, scared, and confused when they get their first period.
Common Period Myths in India (And the Truth Behind Them)
Let’s break the most common myths one by one.
Myth 1: Period Blood Is Dirty or Impure
✅ Truth:
Menstrual blood is not dirty.
It is simply blood mixed with uterine lining tissue, which the body sheds naturally.
There is nothing impure about it.
A woman on her period is not “unclean”, she is healthy.
Myth 2: Girls Should Not Enter Temples or Participate in Religious Activities
✅ Truth:
This belief is cultural, not scientific.
Periods are a natural biological function.
No religion says a woman is less human during menstruation. The restriction is created by society, not biology.
Myth 3: Girls Should Not Touch Pickles or Food
✅ Truth:
Periods do not spoil food.
Touching pickles during periods has absolutely no scientific basis.
This myth exists because menstruation was wrongly associated with impurity.
Myth 4: Period Pain Is Normal, So Don’t Complain
✅ Truth:
Mild cramps are common, yes.
But extreme pain that affects daily life is not something to ignore.
Severe pain could be a sign of:
- PCOS
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Hormonal imbalance
Women deserve medical attention, not dismissal.
Myth 5: Talking About Periods Is Shameful
✅ Truth:
Periods are part of life.
Talking about them is not “bold” or “shameless”, it is necessary.
Silence creates:
- fear
- misinformation
- unsafe practices
- poor hygiene
When we talk openly, we educate and empower.
Myth 6: A Girl Should Hide Her Sanitary Pads
✅ Truth:
Sanitary pads are hygiene products, not something to hide.
Would we hide a toothbrush? A soap?
Then why should a pad be treated like a secret?
Myth 7: Using Tampons or Menstrual Cups Is Unsafe
✅ Truth:
Tampons and menstrual cups are safe when used correctly.
In fact, menstrual cups are:
- cost-effective
- eco-friendly
- long-lasting
- safe for most women
Women should have choices, not fear.
Myth 8: Periods Should Be Regular Always
✅ Truth:
Every woman’s cycle is different.
A cycle can vary due to:
- stress
- diet
- weight changes
- sleep patterns
- hormonal changes
- medical issues
Irregular periods can be common, especially in teenage years and early adulthood.
The Real Problem: Period Stigma Hurts Girls’ Lives
Period myths are not harmless.
They impact girls’ education, health, and confidence.
In many parts of India:
- Girls skip school during periods
- They use unsafe cloth due to lack of access
- They feel ashamed of their bodies
- They grow up believing pain is their “duty”
This is not just a health issue.
It’s a dignity issue.
What We Need to Change in India
Breaking myths requires action at every level.
✅ 1. Period Education in Schools
Menstruation should be taught as normal biology, not as an embarrassing “girls-only topic.”
✅ 2. Parents Talking Openly
Parents must stop treating periods like a secret.
A girl’s first period should feel supported, not scary.
✅ 3. Normalizing Menstrual Products
Pads, tampons, and cups should be treated like everyday essentials.
✅ 4. Ending Period Restrictions
Women should not be told to stop living normally just because they are menstruating.
✅ 5. Better Access to Hygiene Products
Affordable sanitary products should be available everywhere, especially in rural India.
A Message to Every Girl Reading This
Your periods do not make you weak.
They do not make you impure.
They do not make you “less.”
Your body is powerful.
Your cycle is natural.
And you deserve comfort, care, and respect.
Periods Are Not a Taboo, They Are a Reality
India is progressing in education, technology, and development.
But when it comes to periods, we still carry centuries-old shame.
It’s time we stop whispering.
It’s time we start teaching.
It’s time we normalize menstruation.
Because a society that shames women for a natural process is not a healthy society.
At SheLit, we believe that women deserve truth, dignity, and freedom, especially about their bodies.
If you’ve ever been made to feel ashamed about your periods, remember: the problem was never you. It was the myth.