It is difficult to assume when a girl will experience her first period, but usually when she is around twelve years of age. But it can start early as eight; whenever it starts, it is an integral part of womanhood and puberty. As a young girl, you must comprehend period is a natural and normal process of growing up. It is a symptom that signifies that you are able to have a baby and have a clear conception of pregnancy and contraception. You, as a girl, may have some questions about periods; here are some facts about menstruation.
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The symptoms
The first sign of the upcoming period is the growth of pubic and underarm hairs. In general, the period starts after two years after the enlargement of the breast and one year after the first white discharge from the vagina. Some girls may experience an episode of acne and abdominal cramps, but they have standard symptoms. Usually, the period starts at twelve years but varies from girl to girl according to hormonal growth. Around 98% of girls experience their first period by the age of fifteen years, but the typical age has declined over time. If the period does not start by the age of sixteen or no signs of puberty appear by the age of fourteen, then you must visit a GP doctor.
Possible reasons
Hormonal imbalance, being underweight, and performing intensive workouts could be possible reasons for inhibition of period; if the GP diagnosis is a critical issue, then you may be referred to a gynecologist for further investigation and treatment. Every human body is a unique biochemical mechanism with its own biological clock and pattern, so one could experience early periods while others delayed. Changes in the shape and mass of the breast may be the first sign before the period. The areola around the nipple becomes bigger and puffy; most lass have their period after two to three years after enlargement of the breast.
Body changes before the period
The next sign is the growth of pubic and underarm hairs. Over time it becomes thick and spread. Your body shape and size rapidly change before the period; the significant change occurs six to twelve months prior to the period. Your height increases rapidly before the period, but the growth slows down after you experience regular periods. Vaginal or cervical fluid starts changing six to twelve months prior to the period. The fluid is whitish in color and odorless; as you inch closer to period day, there will be a noticeable change in vaginal fluid discharge. The hormone level changes with each cycle of the period as your body release an egg.
Self-care
During the period, use a sanitary pad or tampon to absorb the gushing blood. If you do not have it, use toilet paper or a clean washcloth around the vagina to soak the blood. Usually period lasts for three to seven days, but the first one may linger longer or slightly shorter. After the first period, the interval is not regular, but over time it becomes regular, which is around every twenty-eight days. But it is normal to vary from one woman to another according to individual health. At first, the experience of a period may be traumatic, but you get accustomed to it, and it does not alter your lifestyle.
