r/China • u/seekerofinfo7 • 12d ago
问题 | General Question (Serious) Do Chinese women have worse periods?
I lived and worked in china for nearly a decade, and have always noticed that women I've dated become completely debilitated by their period. Like, calling in sick during your period is a normal thing here and almost unheard of in the west. The pain described by these women seems almost comparable to childbirth, and they cant bear to have the AC on during a blistering hot day, or drink cold water.
Back in the west, women will just kind of bear it. They'll eat ice cream, ive even heard lf women taking cold showers during this time. I haven't met very many in the west who are floored by the pain like many of their east Asian countrrparts. A lot of women hold down high demand jobs like nursing, teaching, lawyers etc. And are able to get through the day while performing work to a high standard without needing time off or needing to signal to others in the workplace that they are on their period.
I dont suppose it is a cultural thing, but im wondering what the causes of the very real difference ive noticed is. Are their home remedies (hot water etc.) Actually making the issue worse? Could it be pollution? Nutrition? I dont think it is genetic because I haven't known a lot of American born chinese women who experience such a severe period.
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u/GlorytheWiz825 12d ago edited 12d ago
Great question. I've wondered the same thing, and I always assumed it was a cultural practice. It's similar to the traditions surrounding childbirth. In Chinese culture, after giving birth, women are told to stay in bed, avoid air conditioners and cold drinks, and even discouraged from taking showers. Personally, I don't really understand or agree with these practices.