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Not a health 'problem', but am curious .....

13 replies

catseverywhere · 25/05/2012 15:09

I don't know if this is the right place for this, because it could appear a bit self-indulgent even to be asking about something like this, when no-one is ill or suffering, but am really curious about something that has happened over the last year with me and my partner.

We are in a same-sex relationship - tomorrow will be the first anniversary of our beginning our relationship. Ok, possible TMI here, but we both used to have 28 day cycles, and the first month we were together, she had one period that began on a Saturday, ended the following Saturday, and then mine started the day hers ended (sod's law) and continued to the following Saturday.

So we thought that would be how it would be, and all fine and dandy, we got on with it. However, after a bit we started to notice that she would start her period a bit later and I would start mine a bit earlier, and by about 6 months into the relationship we were starting to notice that our start dates were getting closer together, which, for obvious reasons, made us both very happy.

Now, 12 months into the relationship, we have been starting on the sme day for about the last 4 months, and, I'd say, within a few hours of each other. This morning, for instance, we woke up and we both had started (sorry, TMI), but last month we both came home at the end of he day and we'd both started during that same afternoon.

I am absolutely, totally aware that this could be complete coincidence, and is so not a problem for us (quite the reverse), but I am just wondering if there could be a reason for it that others may have researched or something.

I know we can all change all the time, but it seems so odd that the 2 of us could have had very reliable cycles for (in my case) upwards of 30 years, and my DP has had similar regularity, but now we change.

Like I said, not a problem, just something I'd be interested in exploring, if anyone has any info on the subject.

OP posts:
AreWeHavingFunYet · 25/05/2012 15:14

Yes this happens. When menstruating women live together their monthly cycles do align (unless other factors like the pill etc are affecting it) It's called synchronous menstruation

AreWeHavingFunYet · 25/05/2012 15:15

Our house used to be awful with my mum, sister and me all getting PMT at the same time Grin

No wonder my brother left home so young

starwarrior · 25/05/2012 15:16

menstrual synchrony

KurriKurri · 25/05/2012 15:20

I have heard of this phenomenon, - I think I read something about it happening to nuns when they all live together in a nunnery. I have no idea why it happens, but it's very interesting, and interesting too that it has happened relatively quickly for you and your partner, the human body is a fascinating thing.

Lizcat · 25/05/2012 16:28

It is also known as the convent effect I am afraid.

Imnotaslimjim · 25/05/2012 16:31

Its something to do with when we lived in caves and menstruating women were segragated - it meant you had company!

Its incredible how it works

tunaday · 25/05/2012 17:53

my dd's cycle has always been the same as mine. Now we live in different parts of the country but we still start on the same day. It is incredible!

smalltown · 25/05/2012 17:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ivykaty44 · 25/05/2012 17:59

They sent a ship of convicts to australia - by the time they got the ship to Tenerife all 200 woman where having their periods at the same time

ivykaty44 · 25/05/2012 18:01

I would guess - and it is a guess that it has nothing to do with the period but everything to do with ovulation and making sure you are ready for fertilisation at the same time so you stand as good a chance as the next woman at getting pg

BreastmilkDoesAFabLatte · 26/05/2012 11:38

I've always been in sync with female flatmates, too.

StealthPolarBear · 26/05/2012 11:49

Bit how does it work? Guessing its hormonal? I've heard of this but always thought it was a bit of a myth, the stuff in this thread is incredible

sashh · 27/05/2012 07:03

Not just living together, but close proximity, I went to a girls school, one week in 4 you really didn't want to be there.

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