Dealing with the First Periods: Everything Your Child Should Know

The first period marks the beginning of a long phase in a girl’s life, assuring that you are fertile. We all have learned about menstruation in school but still, there are several questions that are unanswered. Young girls are often anxious about the right age to get the first periods, blood flow, period pain, and whatnot.

This article provides all the necessary information you need to know before getting your period for the first time.

What Are Periods and When Do They Begin?

To comprehend what periods are, you must first grasp the menstrual cycle. The ovaries’ shifting hormone levels control the menstrual cycle, which impacts the uterus. The following is a description of the normal female menstrual cycle:

• The ovaries’ follicles generate the hormone oestrogen, which encourages the ovaries to produce eggs. Typically, only one egg grows and is released at a time. The ovaries create the hormone progesterone when the egg is released.
• The ovary’s eggs go from the fallopian tube to the uterus.
• The uterus is stimulated by the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. The uterus forms a protective lining in preparation for the arrival and implantation of the fertilised egg.
• Hormone levels drop if the egg is not fertilised. The decreased hormone levels cause the uterine lining to shed via the vagina. The lining is made up of blood and other tissues.

Periods are the last phase or the loss of the uterine lining. Bleeding during menstruation might last anywhere from two to seven days. The amount of bleeding varies from person to person as well.

What Should You Expect During Your First Menstrual Period?

Puberty is a physiological process that culminates in the onset of menstruation. It is best to prepare your child for their first period by telling them what to expect. Here are some of the most frequent symptoms of the first period:

• Menstrual Cramps – You may suffer cramping discomfort in your abdomen throughout your period.
• Acne – The higher hormone levels in your body may cause minor acne, but the acne will fade once your period ends.
• Lower back or joint pain – Some women have lower back or joint pain during their period.
• Muscle Aches – Muscle ache is another symptom of menstruation. People who are having their periods usually feel tired and have muscular discomfort in their legs or back muscles.

Remember that the illnesses listed above are only symptoms. Typically, people only have one or two of the above-mentioned symptoms, while other people have no symptoms at all.

How Long Will My First Period Last?

First periods usually last from 2 to 7 days. You might experience heavier flow in the initial days and lighter flow in the end.

How Can I Treat My Cramps?

Period cramps are common, especially in the first few days. To treat the pain, you can either use a heating bag or take Mefenamic acid.

How Much Blood Will I Lose?

Blood flow during periods varies from girl to girl as it depends on several factors, like physical activities, stress, genetics, etc. It may seem like a heavy flow but you usually lose a few tablespoons during the whole period. Make sure to change your pad, tampons, or menstrual cup 3 to 6 times a week.

What Should I Use- Pad, Tampon, or Menstrual Cup?

It completely depends on your comfort. So, try all three options to find what works best for you. You can also switch between the three depending on the situation.

• Most girls prefer using pads that are made of cotton and come in different sizes and shapes.
• Some girls find tampons more comfortable, especially those who are involved in sports and swimming. It is a cotton plug that absorbs the blood and comes with an applicator to guide the tampon into place. Remember to change a tampon every 8 hours to avoid the risk of infection.
• You can also use a menstrual cup made of silicon. You have to insert it into your vagina and the cup will hold the blood until you empty it.

When Is It Time to Take Your Child to the Doctor?

Here are some situations in which seeing a doctor for menstruation problems is advised:

• If you are sixteen or older and have failed to have your period, you should take them to the doctor. Your doctor will learn why the delay happened and how to correct it.
• However, if periods are more than 21 days apart or last more than seven days, you should contact a doctor to help regular your cycles.
• It is also advised that if you are experiencing extreme pain or discomfort during your periods, you should see a doctor.

Conclusion

Periods can be painful and uncomfortable but they are natural and healthy. They never and shouldn’t come in your way of enjoying life and living it the way you want. Yes, there can be doubts and questions but feel free to seek answers from a doctor, parent, elder sister, or health teacher.