1. Hey, love.

We’ve all been told a thing or two growing up about what our periods can and can’t do. Whether it came from your auntie in the kitchen, a friend at school, or someone on TikTok with way too much confidence the myths are out there.

And while they were probably passed down with love (or at least concern), we’re here to lovingly say: not everything you heard about your period is true. So, let’s unpack some of the most iconic period superstitions we grew up with and find out what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what’s just a little dramatic.

“Don’t drink milk or cold drinks, it’ll make you bleed more.”

Weirdly specific… but also, not true.

There’s no scientific evidence that drinking milk or cold beverages increases your flow. In fact, calcium-rich foods like milk can actually help reduce cramps. Your uterus is not that easily influenced by temperature. So yes, you can enjoy that cold iced tea. Your cramps won’t know the difference.

“You can’t swim in the ocean. Sharks will smell your blood.”

We really grew up believing we were walking (swimming?) bait.

The reality? You lose a very small amount of blood during your period usually just 2 to 3 tablespoons across the whole cycle. Not enough to make any creature of the deep care. Especially if you’re using a tampon or menstrual cup, you’re safe. The only thing you might attract is good vibes.

“Don’t cook during your period, you’ll spoil the food.”

If the food’s bad, it’s not your uterus’s fault it’s probably just the recipe.

There’s no scientific reason to believe menstruating affects your cooking skills. Your eggs won’t curdle because your ovaries are busy. You’re fully capable of making a five-course meal and bleeding at the same time. Multitasking queen.

“Don’t cut your hair on your period. It won’t grow back right.”

This one had a chokehold on some of us. But no your menstrual cycle does not affect your hair’s ability to grow. If anything, it might change the texture or oiliness slightly (thanks, hormones), but your ends won’t rebel just because it’s day 2 of your cycle. Book the cut.
Own the fringe.

“Don’t touch flowers or plants. They’ll wilt.”

Unless you’re secretly the villain in a fairytale, this isn’t real either. Your plants will survive your presence. Menstruation is not toxic. It’s natural, healthy, and not contagious through touch. Water your plants, trim their dead leaves, name them if you want you’re not the danger here.

So, Why Were We Told These Things?

Well, most of these myths come from a mix of cultural traditions, taboos, and a lack of menstrual education. In a world that hasn’t always known how to talk about periods, myths filled the silence. And some of them still linger. But here’s the thing when we know better, we do better. At Sheba Feminine, we believe in period care that’s rooted in comfort, dignity, and the facts.
We know that menstruators come in all shapes, sizes, genders, and experiences and we create products that reflect that.

What We Do Believe

That you should have access to pads, tampons, wipes, and cups that make your cycle easier,
not harder. That period care should never be something to hide. That myths don’t get to run
our lives we do. So whether you were told you’d attract sharks, ruin your mum’s stew, or make roses die just
by walking past them we’re here to say: you’re powerful, not poisonous. And if you’re looking for something gentle, reliable, and designed with YOU in mind?
We’ve got wipes, cups, tampons, and liners that actually make sense.

Shop our range

www.shebafeminine.co.za

Or share this blog with someone who still believes drinking cold milk summons the period
gods.

You’re doing amazing. We’re proud of you. Period.
With love,

The Sheba Feminine Team