Any thoughts on this theory regarding women's health (it's okay to proceed, men, it's not gruesome!)

Not a doctor, but probably total crap.

Huh? I vote for woo-woo.

That doesn’t make sense.

Not it an obvious way, but it does sort of make sense that your body is regenerating blood cells and stuff during your period, so maybe that somehow distributes new good blood cells that get rid of the germs?

__Why__ do you guys think it’s crap/woo-woo/nonsensical?

Aaand italics fail.

Don’t I wish that were possible. I remember in seventh grade I got the stomach flu and my period at the same time. Three days of flu, five regular days of period. Blech.

What would your egg have anything to do with your immune system? Sorry, but as soon as you said “very spiritual-minded healing type person”, I said BS.

@sliceswiththings Because the two things are completely unrelated.

During menstruation, you are losing blood, but it’s blood that’s built up over the previous 21 days or so. It takes time for the uterine lining to develop – so though your body is generating new blood cells, it does that all the time. It might be at a slightly higher rate once the sloughing off is complete, but that doesn’t really work as an explanation.

No, the severity of your cold has nothing to do with your period.

@Blackberry Ah, too late to edit the question. I regretted that wording. She’s not a crazy witch doctor or something, she just knows cool homeopathic treatments for things which have always worked on me.

@marinelife They are, but they’re all happening in my body, so they can’t be completely unrelated.

Ah well, I guess we’ll have to credit it to the delicious zinc lozenges my grandma recommended after all.

And usually it’s the other way around, I hardly notice my period because I’m so concerned with trying to breathe, but that one’s definitely all mental.

@sliceswiththings Think of it kinda like having a broken oven and a leaking toilet in one apartment. They’re in the same area, and can influence each other, but they’re separate functions/operations/other math words, and can break down or get better independent of each other.

That’s cwazy-talk! ;)

I say it’s crap because there is no scientific basis for her statements (none I know of at least), and sounds like something she made up. You should yell at her.

That makes no sense. Wouldn’t it possibly be worse because the period is a stressor that will weaken the immune system?

@sinscriven Yes, but sometimes, holistic healers get a big menstruation-happy. It’s usually the same ones who try to convince you to have an orgasmic water birth.

By the way, you’re only losing about an ounce of blood during your period. Unless you have other issues. I’m speaking of an average period. So, I don’t think you’re regenerating that many blood cells. Mind now, I’m not a doctor and am speaking off the cuff about this.

If you believe that, you will believe anything.

With all due respect, darling Flutherites, I asked what you think about the theory, not about the woman who suggested it. I’ve found myself getting defensive of her through this. Maybe I didn’t present her in the best light, but I care deeply about her and I don’t like to think of her suggestions as “crap.” I do appreciate your answers, especially those scientifically-based, but can you please contribute without mocking someone who is dear to me? Thanks.

@sliceswiththings I’m not saying she’s crap, or all her suggestions are crap, just that the idea that this particular one has a scientific basis is crap. So what – everyone has crap ideas every now and again.

Don’t take it personally. Even Seinfeld tells a crappy joke once in a while.

Can we at least say “illogical” instead of “crap?”

You can call it whatever you like. I’m going to continue calling it what I like.