Myth 4: Ice baths are bad for menstruation.
There’s a lot of confusion about whether you should avoid getting into cold water during your period, or whether it’s better to soak in your local rocky shores in extreme temperatures.
For some people, cold water therapy can be a useful support for mood, stress levels, bloating and discomfort. For others, it can feel…incredibly uncomfortable and they might even be tempted to reach for a hot water bottle instead.
As with anything else, menstrual experiences, individual pain levels, and what activities may help or hinder people vary greatly. The only lesson here is to always listen to your body and follow what feels right for you.
Myth 5: You shouldn’t exercise during your period.
For some reason, there’s a myth that it’s bad to be active or exercise during your period. However, this is completely false. In fact, research shows that exercise can help with menstrual pain, and menstruating men who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer from menstrual cramps, cramps, and mood disorders.
It’s worth noting that during the second half of your menstrual cycle, technically called the luteal phase, some people may feel more tired than they did in the previous weeks. During this time, you may not want to do much high-intensity training. This is completely ‘normal’, so make gentler exercise and rest a priority during this time.
Personal preference also comes into play, and it’s important to listen to your body as the best guide when choosing the amount and type of exercise you do during your menstrual cycle.
Myth 6: PMS isn’t actually real.
Sadly, there are many statements that delegitimize PMS and are sometimes heard as jokes.
