Every girl experiences her first period, also known as the menarche, as she reaches puberty. It is a sign that your body is currently able to reproduce. During puberty, a woman’s body undergoes several modifications. Your breasts will start to form, and you’ll start to notice hair starting to grow around your pelvic region and beneath your arms. You begin having your periods on the inside as a result of the feminine hormones progesterone and oestrogen being released.
The first period often begins around the age of 12 for girls. However, everybody is different and matures at a different speed. Some girls begin having periods as early as age 8, while others may not begin having periods until age 15. In any case, it is entirely normal and unimportant.
What are some early signs that I am approaching my first periods?
The simplest way to tell if you are about to start your period is to see if you have already begun to show indications of puberty. There are a few first period symptoms you should look out for as you enter puberty. This will not only help you feel less anxious about starting your first period, but it will also enable you to be ready with the appropriate period supplies for when the time comes. They are:
- acne
- abdominal bloating
- soreness in your breasts
- back pain
- constipation
- diarrhea
- feeling more tired than usual (fatigue)
- feeling extra emotional or irritable
- food cravings, especially for sweets
- clear or white vaginal discharge
To avoid being totally unprepared when your period starts, you might find it useful to keep a “period kit” in your bag. This may include a:
- clean pair of underwear
- pad or tampon
- wipe
- a pain reliever
What do I need to do to prepare for my first period?
Having feminine hygiene supplies and over-the-counter painkillers are the only things you really need to do to get ready for your first period. Toilet paper will be useful in an emergency if you happen to have your period but don’t have access to menstrual goods. Your teacher or school nurse will have a pantiliner or pad on standby if you get your first period at school.
You can choose from several menstruation products, including:
- Disposable pads
- Pantiliners
- Period panties
- Reusable pads
- Tampons
- Menstrual cup
Switching to period panties during the nights can be useful. The Kotex overnight period panties are incredibly soft and absorbent, and its 360-degree leak protection allows you to sleep through the night without worrying about leaks.
How often will periods happen?
The average woman gets her period every 28 days. In any given year, the cycle’s length can vary by as much as a week. But, periods may be inconsistent and come at erratic times throughout the first few years following a woman’s first period. However, they usually start to happen more frequently over time. If they don’t, it is best advised to visit your gynaecologist.
When to see a doctor?
Parents frequently experience anxiety or concern over their children, particularly around the time of puberty. But doing so will not benefit anyone. You can make an appointment with a gynaecologist if you have any worries about the health of your child. The following circumstances need seeing a doctor.
- If your daughter has not had her first period by the age of 15,
- If her period is irregular or she has bleeding between periods,
- If she is in severe pain that is interfering with her daily activities,
- In the event of severe bleeding,
- If her menstrual cycle lasts more than seven days.
The first period of a female is a significant milestone. Waiting for it can be terrifying, exciting, or both. Periods affect women differently, and there is no way to predict when they will arrive. It can take time to learn how to manage a period once it begins. Ask a trusted adult, doctor, or nurse for advice.
