As young girls reach the age of 11 or 12, they begin to have their period. Some girls get their first period when they are younger, around 9 or 10. When you reach 16 and you still do not have your period, then you may need to see a doctor.
When you start having your menses, it tells you that you are one step to becoming a woman physically. Lots of changes come with being a woman! Your body begins to change and your mind also begins to change. You may feel more conscious of your body as your breasts become bigger and you start having acne. You start having crushes and sometimes feel that you just want to be left alone more often. All these are normal and are part of growing up.
What to expect before your first period starts:
- You may feel a little bloated and a little irritable. You may eat more and have cravings.
- You may get some vague pain in your vaginal area or even in your lower back or legs.
- You may begin to see some changes in your vaginal discharge. A thicker or brownish discharge may be a sign that you may be having your period very soon.
How can I prepare myself for my period?
- You may feel a little scared or a little sad when this happens. For young girls, seeing bloodstains in their underwear can be scary the first time. It’s okay to feel this way. When your period starts, tell your mom, an aunt or your older sister about this. They can provide you with a sanitary pad and teach you how to use it.
- Your mom can help you shop for the right sanitary pad. A tampon may also be used especially if you are athletic. It may take some practice however to insert a tampon. For your first period, a sanitary pad may be more convenient. You may choose a longer or thicker pad to prevent leaks.
- If you feel pain, ask your mom to get you some pain relievers. Always inform an adult before taking any medications. Do not self-medicate.
- Do keep clean when you have your period. Use a mild unscented soap or intimate gel to wash the area.
- Stay healthy. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Do exercise everyday. Too much stress and dieting can affect your menstrual cycle. Some girls who lose weight rapidly or who are overweight may experience menstrual cramps and irregularities in their menses.
How long will my menses last?
During your first period, your menses may be longer than average. The average number of days for a girl’s period is 3 to 8 days. You may not always have your period every month during the first two years of your period. Your menses may also last longer or shorter during this time. It should become more regular as you grow older and as your body adapts to the changes.
What’s normal menstrual flow?
The amount of blood that comes out during menses may vary from woman to woman. It may appear a lot when you see the bloodstain in your tampon or pad but normally it is only about 2 to 5 tablespoons or 30 to 80ml of blood. The flow of blood may be heavier in the first two days and may begin to be lighter in flow after this. The number of tampons or pads that you use may also indicate if you are bleeding more than usual. If you are used to using 2 pads a day and then suddenly begin changing pads every hour or so, then you may be bleeding too much. Take note of your menstrual patterns and observe for any changes.
