Menstruation has been a taboo topic in several parts of the world. Every country has superstitions related to this normal body phenomenon. It is the flow or release of blood from a girl’s vagina from the uterus. It comes as a surprise to many young girls when they have no clue about it. It marks the transformation of a girl into being a woman, indicating the girl is capable of becoming pregnant. The girls who don’t know anything ask questions like when will my first period come quiz?
When does it all start?
Most girls get their first period when they are 11-12 years. However, 10-15 years is also a safe age zone for a girl to start menstruating. It depends on their body and is impacted by the body system of their mother and maternal grandmother. So, no one can pinpoint a particular age that is considered ideal.
However, these two patterns occur in many girls.
- They start their periods 1.5-2 years after their breast starts developing.
- It may also begin six months – to 1 year after they start getting a regular vaginal discharge.
Causes of period
It is another question many girls are curious about. They often ask their mother or discuss it with their peers. So, it is essential to educate young girls about the cause to avoid teen pregnancies.
Change in hormones, the messengers in the human body, cause periods. Female reproductive organs – the ovaries – start releasing progesterone and estrogen, the primary female hormones. The release of these hormones leads to the development of the thickening of the uterus lining. The thicking is meant to hold and nurture the fertilized egg in case of pregnancy. If the girl is not pregnant, the lining sheds off as period blood flow. This cycle repeats every 28-30 days, causing the monthly pattern called periods.
Duration and frequency
Once menstruation begins, it is expected that the girl will get per period every month. However, it is normal to have irregular dates in the beginning. Some girls miss their periods for several months in the beginning. It does not mean she is pregnant. However, it is advisable to talk to a doctor to avoid health complications like PCOS, PCOD, thyroid, etc. Further, periods may last 4-7 days. It is subjective and depends on the girl’s body.
PMSing and cramps
Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is the physical and emotional symptoms occurring before a girl starts her period. The common symptoms are sadness, mood swings, bloating, acne, and anxiety. These symptoms vanish after two days of the period.
Some girls also experience terrible cramps, i.e., pain in the stomach, legs, back, nausea, etc. They can use a heating pad or take painkillers like Advil, ibuprofen, etc. However, if the cramps get severe, one should consult a doctor and take mandatory tests to ensure things are fine.
What is best – pads, tampons, cups?
Tampons and pads soak the blood while a menstrual cup collects it. Most girls opt for pads in the initial years because they are easy to use. These come in various shapes and sizes, and girls can pick one as per their needs.
Tampons are great for sports if a girl knows how to insert them properly. The same goes for the cup. However, these need to be changed or washed every 3-6 hours to avoid infections and toxic shock syndrome. Though it seems that a girl loses much blood, it is usually a few tablespoons.
The red flags
Not only the answer to when will my first period come quiz, but girls should also know the red flags.
- No periods after 15
- Irregular cycle after two years
- Bleeding apart from periods
- Severe cramps
- Hefty flow
- Duration of more than one week
- Severe PMS affecting personal or professional life
In case of any of these signs, the girl should consult a doctor immediately.