Menophobia (Fear of Periods)
Being afraid, crazy: Phobia
Spiders , darkness, heights... We all have some fears in this life. Fears do not always have to be bad, they can be thought of as a kind of defense mechanism. However, the course of events may change when fears turn into phobias. Phobias are uncontrollable panics and can negatively affect a person's quality of life. Phobias can be acquired in early childhood, and their first effects are usually seen between the ages of 15 and 20. Research shows that biological and environmental factors are effective in the development of phobias.
Fear of menstruation
Menophobia, which we will focus on, is the person's fear of menstruation.
Since menophobia is a psychological problem, not a biological one, it can develop regardless of gender. It usually starts in adolescence in women due to lack of information and advice about menstruation. For men, having sex during menstruation or witnessing the pain your lover experiences during menstruation can be impressive. The risk of developing a phobia is higher in people who are not prepared for the situations they encounter. In addition to lack of knowledge, what is experienced during the first menstrual period (the first menstrual slap, menstrual blood getting on the clothes), bloating during menstruation, mood swings, cramps and similar symptoms may be effective in the development of phobia.
What are the symptoms of menophobia?
Symptoms of menophobia, which is rarely seen, may vary depending on individual anxiety levels. These people may have difficulty going out in public and socializing when they have their period. Other triggers are fear of pain, blood loss, PMS and feelings of shame. For a person suffering from menophobia, the thought of a woman having her period or sometimes just hearing the words "menstrual" or "period" is enough to trigger an anxiety attack.
A person suffering from menophobia may find the menstrual process dirty or meaningless, but this period is one of the most natural parts of human physiology. Menstruation is a health issue, it is not something to be afraid or worried about. It is especially important to inform children correctly about this issue and to provide them with an education that will not cause fear.
As with all phobias, there is no quick cure for menophobia. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms we mentioned, we recommend that you talk to a therapist.
