Myth or Fact: Can Menses Sync Up?

Have you ever heard someone say that people’s menstrual cycles can “sync up” if they spend a lot of time together? It's a common belief that has been around for decades, but is there any truth to it? Let's take a closer look.

The idea that menstrual cycles can sync up is based on the belief that pheromones, or chemical signals, released during menstruation can cause cycles of people in close proximity to align. Another theory is that menses can be affected my the moon’s tidal pull. However, neither of these theories is backed by evidence. Still, many people report cycles syncing with roommates, family members, or others they spend a lot of time with. So, what’s going on?

Studies on this topic have produced conflicting results. Some studies have found evidence of menstrual cycle syncing, while others have found no correlation at all, or even evidence that menses become less synced. One of the most comprehensive studies conducted on this topic involved a group of women living together in a university dormitory. The study found that the women's menstrual cycles did not sync up over time, and there was no evidence of pheromone exchange between the participants.

So, can menstrual cycles sync up among people who spend a lot of time together?

Well, not really. It may feel like your cycles are syncing because when they do overlap, it’s something you’re more likely to remember. Also, since most cycles vary in length by a few days, there may be long periods of time where you and your closest friends are experiencing your menses at the same time. It's also worth noting that there are many factors that can influence menstrual cycles, such as stress, diet, exercise, and underlying health conditions. It's possible that some of these factors, rather than pheromones, may be responsible for the appearance of cycle syncing.

In short, while the idea of menstrual cycle syncing is fascinating, nobody has been able to conclusively prove it really happens. It's not something that can be counted on or used as a reliable predictor of menstrual cycles; understanding the factors that influence menstrual cycles, and keeping track of your own cycle, is the best way to predict your next period.