Tahira Kashyap questions whether period syncing with friends is real: ‘Experienced the same’

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

Dr Shilpa Agarwal, Consultant Gynaecology & Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine Specialist, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, says that menstrual cycle synchronisation, often called period syncing, refers to the belief that “individuals who menstruate and spend significant time together — such as roommates, close friends, family members, or partners — eventually begin experiencing their menstrual periods around the same time”.

 

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Although this idea is widely recognised in popular culture, she says that scientific research has not found reliable evidence to support it.

How did the concept gain traction?

“The concept first gained attention after a study published in 1971 by researcher Martha McClintock. Her work suggested that women living together in a college residence appeared to develop more closely aligned menstrual cycles over time. She proposed that chemical signals, known as pheromones, might influence hormonal activity and contribute to this synchronisation,” shares Dr Agarwal.

So, what’s the possible explanation?

According to Dr Agrawal, a more widely accepted explanation is based on normal cycle variation. “Menstrual cycles are rarely identical in length and are not always the commonly cited 28 days. In healthy adults, cycle lengths typically range from 21 to 35 days and may vary slightly from one month to the next,” she shares. And because of these natural differences, the “timing of two people’s periods may occasionally overlap purely by chance and later drift apart again”.

Her belief is that these temporary overlaps can create the impression that their cycles have synchronised, even though no biological influence is occurring.

Dr Aruna Kalra, Director – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Director Academics – Robotic Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurgaon believes rather than focusing on period syncing, women should pay greater attention to understanding their own menstrual patterns.

“Tracking cycle length, flow, pain, and any unusual symptoms can provide valuable insights into reproductive health and help identify conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis or thyroid disorders,” she tells indianexpress.com.

According to her, menstruation is a vital indicator of overall health, and persistent irregularities, excessively heavy bleeding or severe pain should never be dismissed. “Consulting a gynaecologist when such symptoms occur is far more important than worrying about whether menstrual cycles are synchronised with those of friends or family members,” she reiterates.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.