Buzz
Whether you made a journey to witness the totality of the eclipse or simply stepped outside for a quick look with some eclipse glasses, you were part of a unique celestial and social event. You might feel a deeper connection with the sun and moon, either intellectually or spiritually, but that doesn’t mean it's affecting your uterus.
But you wouldn't guess that from the surge of stories popping up everywhere. In Marie Claire, there’s a headline: Women Are Noticing Strange Side Effects from Today's Solar Eclipse. In Teen Vogue: How the Solar Eclipse Could Influence Menstrual Cycles. Meanwhile, Bustle echoes a similar claim, with a title reading: How The Solar Eclipse Might Affect Your Period Without You Realizing, but then promptly dismisses this theory.
These claims are based on personal anecdotes—a few women saying their periods have been off recently—and often tie in astrological or mystical influences. At least the Teen Vogue piece is in the spirituality section. The thing is, physiologically, there's no evidence here.
Yes, the moon does influence the tides. And sure, its 28-day cycle may line up with some people's menstrual patterns. However, that doesn’t imply that the moon's force has any effect on the uterine lining. And even if it did—which it doesn’t—the moon and sun’s alignment during an eclipse isn’t any more significant than during a normal “spring” tide, when both the moon and the sun are on the same side of Earth.
The eclipse was an incredible spectacle that brought millions together to witness a remarkable astronomical event. There’s solid science behind it. And if your period seems unusually off this week, it might be a good idea to consult with a doctor.
