Older generations often caution younger women: "Don't wash your hair during menstruation, or you'll suffer headaches or gynecological issues later in life." Passed down through generations, this belief has become an unquestioned truth. But is it really true that women shouldn't wash their hair during menstruation? Let's see what doctors have to say.
Doctor's Response: Many claim washing hair during menstruation disrupts hormonal balance, leading to incomplete blood discharge. They fear residual blood in the uterus could cause serious harm, even cancer. This belief is unfounded.Hormonal (endocrine) imbalances are not caused by menstrual conditions but are related to physiological, psychological, environmental, and genetic factors. Cancer is linked to one's living environment and lifestyle habits. If menstrual hygiene is neglected, it may lead to blood stasis, which over time could trigger pathological changes—though not necessarily cancerous ones.
During menstruation, women experience reduced immunity. Exposure to cold can cause stagnation of qi and blood, potentially leading to menstrual irregularities or dysmenorrhea. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid drafts, cold weather, rain, wading in water, cold foot baths, or cold showers, and refrain from consuming raw or cold foods—these precautions are well-founded. However, bathing or washing hair with warm water poses no health risks.
How can women wash their hair during menstruation without harming their health?
Aim to wash your hair around noon during the day. Keep the washing time brief, and ensure thorough drying afterward. If you must go outdoors immediately after washing, wear a hat to protect your head from wind and cold.For working women unable to wash during the day, a rule of thumb is to avoid washing on the first two days of your period. Instead, wait until the third day or later when flow is lighter. Always ensure hair is completely dry afterward. With this experience, you should develop the habit of washing your hair as soon as you sense your period is approaching.
If discomfort occurs after washing during menstruation, use a specialized dry shampoo.Soak the dry shampoo into gauze, then place the gauze over a specialized brush. First brush the surface of the hair, working from the roots to the ends. Next, brush the inner layers of the hair, and finally, brush the scalp.
Beyond these daily hair care considerations during menstruation, special attention is crucial throughout the period. Improper behavior during menstruation can trigger "menstrual disorders." Key behaviors to avoid include:
1. Avoid fried foods
Fried foods are a major no-no for menstruating women. Under the influence of progesterone, sebum production increases during menstruation, making skin oily. Simultaneously, capillaries dilate, heightening skin sensitivity. Consuming fried foods at this time burdens the skin, potentially causing pimples, acne, folliculitis, and dark circles under the eyes.Furthermore, since fat and water metabolism slows during menstruation, consuming fried foods can cause fat to accumulate in the body.
2. Precautions for Physical Exercise During Menstruation
Intense physical activities during menstruation, such as high jump, long jump, sprinting, or soccer, can trigger or worsen general discomfort, potentially leading to dysmenorrhea or menstrual irregularities.Strength training that increases abdominal pressure, such as weightlifting or dumbbell exercises, should also be avoided to prevent excessive bleeding or prolonged periods. Furthermore, the slightly open cervical opening during menstruation allows bacteria to enter the uterine cavity, increasing infection risks and causing gynecological inflammations. Therefore, swimming is inadvisable during menstruation. Competitive events should also be avoided to prevent endocrine imbalances from excessive stress, which can disrupt menstrual cycles.Girls experiencing severe dysmenorrhea or reproductive organ inflammation should ideally suspend physical activities during menstruation.
3. Precautions for Bathing During Menstruation
How to bathe hygienically during menstruation is indeed a crucial consideration. During their reproductive years, women experience menstruation nearly every month, typically lasting four to five days or longer.In winter, bathing once a week is generally acceptable, and one can try to avoid bathing during menstruation. However, in hot regions or seasons, infrequent bathing can often be unbearable. 4. Avoid raw, cold vegetables, fruits, and icy beverages: Excessively cold foods can slow blood circulation, thereby affecting uterine contractions and the expulsion of menstrual blood. This can lead to poor menstrual flow and cause menstrual pain.
5. Avoid sexual intercourse:
During menstruation, the shedding of the uterine lining creates an open wound. Sexual activity may introduce bacteria that can ascend into the uterine cavity, causing infection.
6. Avoid tight-fitting clothing:
Tight pants with a narrow waistband can compress local capillaries, impairing blood circulation and causing pelvic congestion and edema.