In this beginner’s guide, we will learn about the menstrual period, its symptoms, and causes. We will also discuss how to prepare before your first period.
What is a menstrual period?
Menstrual period is also known as period, menses, time of the month, or menstrual cycle. It’s a particular time of your menstrual cycle when your uterine lining sheds and it comes out with blood through your vagina. This blood is called aunt flo and contains mucus and shredded tissue from the lining of your uterus.
The first period is called menarche and it usually starts at the age of around 12. But it can vary depending on person to person. Sometimes girls get their first period at the age of 7 or 8. Research says that the average age of getting first period is 12.4 years.
What does period mean for a girl?
Getting a period means a girl is close to ending her puberty and her body is prepared for potential pregnancy. Girls may have some changes in their body during this time.
What Causes a Menstrual Period?
Menstrual period is primarily caused by hormonal changes in the body, particularly fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone. Each month, these hormones prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy. If an egg is not fertilized in time, hormone levels drop. And this causes the shedding of the uterine lining, which is expelled through the vagina as menstrual blood.
The symptoms your period is coming?
It is hard to predict when your first period will come. But, there are common signs like back pain, cramps, fatigue, mood swings, irritability, and headaches that indicate you might be getting your first period. You may notice some body changes that also indicate your first period like breast tenderness, bloating, pimples on the face, and weight gain.
How does it feel during periods?
Period feels like a pulling or aching from the inside. This causes pain in the lower abdomen or belly. Usually, girls have mild cramps and aches during their period. But sometimes this pain can be severe. During this time, girls can also feel moodiness, sadness, tiredness, and anxiety.
Duration of menstrual period
Menstrual cycle starts on the first day of your last period and ends on the first day of your upcoming period. The average cycle length is about 28 days, it can vary from person to person. Cycles can occur a week earlier or later than expected. This means a normal menstrual cycle length is about 21 days to 35 days.
A question we hear so many times is how long a menstrual cycle lasts. The answer is 28 days and it is an average duration. But it can be a few days shorter and longer like 21 to 35 days is normal.
First 2 to 3 years, periods happen regularly, about once a month. After this initial period, girls start getting irregular periods. They might have periods twice in a month or skip a month entirely. When girls enter into their 20s, period starts to become consistent and occur regularly. The more girls get aged the more consistent and regular their period.
What are the phases of period cycle
Menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase are the four menstrual cycle phases. Understanding all the phases of MC cycle girls can know when their next period will start and be prepared a few days early.
Let’s break down the four phases of menstrual period cycle:
- Menstrual phase (day 1 to 5): Menstrual phase is also known as your period. This phase begins on the first day of your period. In this phase, the lining of your uterus is shed which causes menstrual bleeding. The average duration of menstrual phase is about 3 to 7 days.
- Follicular phase (day 1 to 14): In this phase, a hormone called follicle-stimulating hormone is released that stimulates the ovaries to mature follicles. Also, the estrogen levels rise which helps to rebuild the uterine lining in preparation for a possible pregnancy. The follicular phase starts from the first days of your period and ends at ovulation, about 14 days.
- Ovulation phase (day 14): In this phase, a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) triggers the release of a mature egg from the dominant follicle. It occurs around the midpoint of the menstrual cycle. This is the time when a girl is most fertile. The ovulation phase lasts about 24 to 48 hours.
- Luteal phase (day 15 to 28): After ovulation, the empty follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone. This hormone maintains the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy. If fertilization doesn’t occur, the corpus luteum breaks down, hormone levels drop, and the cycle begins anew with menstruation. The luteal phase is about 14 days long (from ovulation to the start of menstruation).
Menstrual bleeding during period
Bleeding on period is absolutely normal. In fact, every woman with a uterus bleeds while they are on their period. Usually, girls bleed about 60 to 80 ml (2 to 3 ounces). Sometimes bleeding can be lighter or heavier than usual, but they are normal.
If you experience a period that is so light that it seems more like spotting, or if you need to change tampons or pads every hour for three to four consecutive hours due to heavy bleeding, these could be causes for concern.
Sometimes period blood can be of different colors and it’s normal to see blood discharge in red, bright red, brown, dark brown, or pink. But if you notice your period blood is gray or orange, this indicates infection inside your vagina. Contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Should I Use a Pad, Tampon, or Menstrual Cup
Sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups are the most commonly used menstrual products. A small number of people also use period underwear. So, which one should you buy? The answer is it depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and comfort.
If you prefer an external method with no insertion, use pads. Pads are easy to use. If you would like a smaller, less visible method and more freedom of movement, use tampons. Tampons require some practice for insertion and removal. If you prefer a reusable and eco-friendly option without odor, use menstrual cups. Cups can hold more fluid than others and are more cost-effective in the long run.
PMS and period pains
In the luteal phase, a few days before your period starts, hormone levels fluctuate in your body, leading to emotional and physical changes known as PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Although not every person experiences PMS before their period, an estimated 50 to 80% of women do.
PMS symptoms usually begin about a week before menstruation and resolve within a few days after the period starts.
Common PMS Symptoms:
- Emotional Symptoms: Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, and increased sensitivity.
- Physical Symptoms: Bloating, breast tenderness, fatigue, headaches, and cramps.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress reduction techniques, and adequate sleep can help to manage PMS symptoms. However, over-the-counter medications or hormonal treatments are most effective in alleviating PMS symptoms.
How to make period cramps go away asap?
- Stay hydrated
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods
- Apply a heating pad on the belly or lower abdomen.
- Massage with essential oils
- Do some gentle exercise or yoga
- Take over-the-counter pain reliever.
How to prepare for the first period?
To prepare for your first period, talk to an adult, learn about premenstrual signs, and gather supplies to create a period kit. Include pads, tampons, or panty liners, wipes, and pain relief medications in this period kit.
Prepare yourself for the next period
- Talk to an adult
- Know yourself
- Track your period cycle
- Create a period kit
- Stay hydrated and nourish yourself
Menstrual period tracking
To always prepare yourself for the next period, you need to know how to track it. You can track your period using a calendar or by using a period tracker app. To track your period, mark the day your period starts on the calendar and calculate the day when you may potentially get your next period and mark it. Or, install a period tracker app on your personal device and input your period information. The app will calculate your cycle and predict when your next period is most likely to occur.
When should I worry about my period?
Contact your doctor if:
- You’re 16 and haven’t had a period yet.
- You haven’t had a period for the last 3 months.
- You’re bleeding between periods.
- You’re having severe period pains.
- You’re bleeding lighter or heavier than usual.
- You’re having a period longer than a week.
- You’re not feeling comfortable after taking over-the-counter medications.
Faqs
Can periods start at 5?
A girl can start period at the age of 5, but it’s quite rare. Normally, most girls start their period between ages 9 and 15.
Can a Girl Get Pregnant as Soon as Her Period Starts?
Yes, a girl can get pregnant as soon as her period starts. Period indicates her body is capable of getting pregnant.
Should you tell your mom about your period?
Yes, you should tell your mom or dad that you are having period. They may guide you to handle this situation.
How long does a first period last for a 12 year old?
A first period for a 12 year old usually lasts about 5 days.
What should you do to get your period for the first time?
It’s not possible to get your first period on your demand. It’s a natural process that occurs when your body is ready.
Team O'dora is a dedicated group of healthcare professionals who are writer-editors at Theodoranapkins. They have over a decade of experience working at Texas Women's Healthcare. The team combines medical expertise with a passion for empowering women. Through their clinical practice, they contribute to Theodoranapkins by creating informative content about menstrual health.