Some of the more unusual facts and stats of menstruation that we think everyone needs to know about, including some that slip through your radar, such as the fact that periods last longer than you think they do. So you think you know everything about periods? Think again. Below, we’ve gathered some of our favorite – and unexpected – period facts that you should know.
Your periods get worse when it is cold
During the winter months, a woman’s flow, period duration, and even pain level are longer than the summer.
- This is thought to be because of a lack of sunshine, which helps our bodies to produce vitamin D and dopamine – which both boost our moods, happiness, concentration, and all-around health levels.
You can still get pregnant if you’re on your period
Although it is more unlikely, sperm can survive in the body for up to five or six days, so if you have a short cycle, have sex towards the end of your period, and ovulate just after your period finishes, you could potentially fall pregnant.
You lose a lot less blood than you think during your period
The average woman can lose anywhere from one tablespoon to a small cup of blood during a normal period.
- Losing too much blood can increase your risk of anemia – which can cause dizziness, tired and poor circulation.
The average starting age for periods has changed over the years
Nowadays, the average age to start menstruating is 12- a whole five years younger.
- Scientists think there are a few key reasons for this: improved nutrition, fat cells make estrogen, increased stress levels, and high-stress levels
Your period can affect how you sound and smell
Vocally, women’s voices can change slightly during their menstrual cycle due to our reproductive hormones affecting the vocal cords.
- The same female reproductive hormones also affect your natural scent, meaning you smell different when you’re on your period.
You will spend nearly 10 years of your life on your period
From the time of her first cycle to menopause, the average American woman will have around 450 periods in her lifetime.
- Translated into period products, this works out to around 11,000 tampons that the average woman uses in a lifetime.
It’s easier than you think to have eco-friendly periods with period panties
Disposable tampons and sanitary pads are no longer the only options out there.
- There are menstrual cups and period panties to choose from that you can keep and reuse for years.
