It's the middle of the month, and you and your bestie realise you're both reaching for the tampons or sanitary pads around the same time, and you wonder how this happens EVERY month. Is it some magical, mystical connection between women, or just a funny coincidence? Let's talk about period myths—where science says one thing, but our hearts and group chats tell a different story.
The Myth of the Sync
The idea that women's menstrual cycles sync up when they spend a lot of time together is one of those myths that's as old as your grandma's homemade remedies. It’s called "menstrual synchrony" or the "McClintock effect," named after psychologist Martha McClintock, who suggested in a 1971 study that women living in close quarters could influence each other's cycles.
But here's the thing: more recent research says it's probably not true. A 2006 study published in Human Nature found no strong evidence to support the idea of syncing cycles. The researchers tracked pairs of women over a period of a year and concluded that the seeming synchronisation was more likely due to chance.
Another study conducted by Oxford University and the period tracking app company Clue was the biggest blow yet to the theory of period syncing. Data from over 1,500 people demonstrated that it’s unlikely that women can disrupt each other’s menstrual cycles by being in close proximity to one another
Yet, even with science waving a big red flag, many women swear by it. "My college roommates and I always got our periods within days of each other," says Anjali, 22. "We used to joke that our ovaries were having a party without us." Whether it’s a cosmic connection or just a fun way to bond, the idea of syncing up with your friends feels like proof that you're all on the same wavelength—literally.
It’s more of a statistical coincidence than a secret sisterhood ritual, making it tricky for researchers to pin down any real evidence behind it. If you have your period for one week out of the month, and you live with three other women, it’s no surprise that at least two of you might be dealing with cramps and cravings at the same time.
Here’s what some women have to say about syncing:
Shreya, 29
"I remember back in the hostel days, whenever one of us was on our period, it was like an unwritten rule that the rest of us would follow suit within days. No one ever had to beg for an emergency pad because we were all stocked up and ready to share. .
And don’t even get me started on our collective ice cream parties. We’d all be sitting around with tubs of chocolate ice cream, groaning about cramps but secretly loving that we were all in it together. It was practically a ritual! So, sure, science might say it’s just a coincidence. To me, it’s just another way women’s friendships are totally next-level.”
Manika, 23
"Honestly, this whole syncing thing is total BS. If it were true, I’d be the first to line up next to someone with a regular cycle! I have PCOD, and my periods are all over the place. Trust me, if syncing was real, I’d just hang out with another menstruating woman and get mine too. But nope, doesn’t work like that. It’s a cute idea, though, and I get why people like to believe in it. It’s like a comforting thought that our bodies are in sync with our friends. But for someone like me, it’s just a reminder that my cycle is out of whack no matter who I’m hanging around with. So yeah, fun myth, but I’m not buying it.”
Paridhi, 31
"Science says period syncing is a myth, and I’ve read enough to know it’s not really a thing. But let me tell you, if there was ever a time I wished it were true, it’s when I’m PMSing and my partner’s already deep into her period. We’re usually completely out of sync. When I’m a raging hormonal mess, she’s already in the middle of hers, and vice versa. There’s this one golden week every month where neither of us is on edge, and let me tell you, that week is pure bliss. The rest of the time, we’re just trying not to drive each other crazy. Our sex drives are hilariously mismatched during our cycles too. One of us is ready to go, while the other is curled up with a heating pad. But we’ve learned to laugh about it, and that’s how we get through. We may not be synced up, but we’ve got each other’s backs—even if it’s just making sure there’s always ice cream in the freezer.”
Ashnoor, 27
“I’m 100% convinced that period syncing is real because I’ve seen it happen with my own eyes! Back when I was working shifts with a coworker, we had the exact same schedule, and I swear, we synced up perfectly. She’d even come over to my desk and ask, ‘Hey, are we starting soon?’ like I was her personal period predictor. I used to laugh and tell her, ‘Just follow my lead,’ because I had an app tracking everything down to the minute. It was like she synced to my cycle, and it was freaky how accurate it was. Honestly, I’ve seen this kind of syncing happen so many times, it’s hard not to believe in it”
Other Period Myths We Love to Believe
The Lunar Cycle Connection: Have you ever heard that your menstrual cycle is connected to the moon? This one's a favourite among those who love a bit of astrology with their biology. While some claim that women’s cycles align with the lunar phases—especially the full moon—there's no scientific backing. Still, it’s a comforting thought to imagine your body is in tune with the cosmos. Plus, it makes those midnight cravings feel a bit more mystical.
The word “menstruation” is a combination of Latin and Greek words meaning “moon” and “month.” People have long believed that women’s fertility rhythms were related to the lunar cycle.
In a 1986 study, over 28 percent of participants experienced period bleeding during the new moon phase. If this data from 826 women were representative of the entire population, it would mean that 1 in 4 women have their period during the new moon. But many studies later found no basis of this linking.
You’re more powerful during your period: According to ancient beliefs, menstruation was a time when women were considered to be at their most powerful—think superwoman strength, but with cramps. While modern science might not support the idea of heightened powers, some women feel more in tune with their emotions or intuition during this time. It’s the kind of myth that, true or not, makes you want to embrace the rollercoaster of hormones.
Spicy food can speed up your period: This one's more of a practical myth—many women believe that eating spicy food can bring on or speed up their period. While there’s no scientific evidence to support this, it’s an excuse to indulge in that extra hot curry when you're feeling those PMS symptoms kick in. But in an Indian context, the instructions could be quite opposite. Remember how your grandmother used to say don’t eat Achaar? The sad belief was that a menstruating woman could spoil the pickle if she touched it (eye rolls). In a more practical sense though, some argue that pickles, being highly acidic and spicy, could aggravate the digestive issues or discomfort that some women experience during their periods.
Why we love these myths
Even though many of these period myths have been debunked by science, they persist in our conversations and collective beliefs. Why? Because they're fun! They give us something to talk about, laugh over, and bond with. It’s not just about the science of menstruation; it's about the experience—the shared stories and the silly superstitions that make something as mundane as periods feel a bit more special.
So, do periods actually sync up? Probably not. But the next time you and your friends realise you're all on the same cycle, go ahead and celebrate your “synchronisation.” Science might say it’s just a coincidence, but it’s a myth we’re happy to believe in—because sometimes, a good story is better than the facts.
Also, check out our blogs on Understanding White Discharge Before Your Period and Vaginal Odor to improve your knowledge on sexual health
About the author
Disha (she/her) believes she's half therapist because people spill their guts to her with ease. But for now, she's writing sassy pieces on the internet about all things fun and pop culture. With a flair for wit and a curious spirit, she is all about digging into the saucy details of human intimacy.
