Introduction
As girls grow up, their bodies go through different changes, one of which is reaching menarche or getting their first period. It is a time of transformation and indicates that a girl’s body has entered puberty. However, menstruation can be intimidating and uncomfortable for many girls. This article intends to provide comprehensive information on how to get your period, which involves understanding, preparing, and managing it to ensure optimum menstrual hygiene and health.
Understanding Your Body
Before we move onto understanding menstruation, it is important to know the basics of the female reproductive system. The female reproductive system includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The ovaries release an egg every month, which travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus. If the egg meets a sperm cell in the fallopian tube, fertilization occurs, leading to pregnancy.
However, if the egg remains unfertilized, the uterus lining, which has thickened, breaks down into blood, tissue, and fluid, leading to menstruation. Menstruation is an essential bodily process for maintaining female reproductive health and keeping menstrual hygiene under control.
The menstrual cycle is generally 21 to 35 days, during which a steady sequence of hormonal changes takes place in the female body. The cycle can be divided into four main phases: the menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase.
In the menstrual phase, which is the first phase of the menstrual cycle, the uterus lining breaks down, leading to menstrual bleeding. This can last for three to seven days, and typically around 30 to 50 ml blood is lost.
The follicular phase is the second phase and lasts from day five to day 14 of the cycle, starting from the first day of menstrual bleeding. During this phase, follicles in the ovaries mature, producing estrogen, which thickens the uterus lining in preparation for pregnancy.
The ovulation phase is the third phase of the cycle and occurs around day 14. The ovary releases a mature egg, which then moves through the Fallopian tube.
The fourth phase of the cycle is the luteal phase, which occurs after ovulation. The empty follicle in the ovary begins to produce progesterone, which aids in thickening the uterus lining, preparing it for a fertilized egg.
Preparing for Your Period
It’s advisable to prepare for menstruation by tracking your menstrual cycle. You can use a menstrual cycle tracking app or keep a calendar dedicated to monitoring your cycle. Doing so will not only help you prepare for your period in advance but also help you predict when it will arrive each month.
Stocking up on menstrual products, such as pads, tampons, liners, or menstrual cups, before the cycle starts, is also a great idea. You can also keep a small bag or pouch of emergency supplies handy for when you’re out and about.
If you feel like your period could start at any moment, wearing a panty liner every day can save you from unexpected spotting, which can cause anxiety and embarrassment.
Menstrual Hygiene
Practicing menstrual hygiene is vital during menstruation. You’ll need to stay clean and change your menstrual product regularly. How often you should change depends on factors like your flow’s heaviness, the type of menstrual product you’re using, and your personal preference.
Changing frequently is essential to avoid rashes, infections, and smells that can occur from using a dirty pad or tampon. It’s important to change pads or tampons at least every four to eight hours, depending on your flow.
You have various options to choose from when it comes to menstrual products. The most popular options include pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and period panties. It’s best to choose a menstrual product that suits your specific needs and preferences.
Pads are easily available and come in different varieties, depending on their thickness and size. They are user-friendly and require no special instructions to use. Tampons are discreet and offer better mobility, and they come in different absorbency levels, depending on your flow.
Menstrual cups are gaining popularity, too, as they are reusable, eco-friendly, and, for some, more comfortable to use. However, before using a menstrual cup, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider. Similarly, period panties, which are highly absorbent and washable, can also be used as an alternative to traditional menstrual products.
Common Period Problems
Period problems can range from mild to severe, and some can even impact your health, leading to iron-deficiency, anemia, or other conditions. Some common issues that girls encounter include irregular periods, missed periods, cramps, mood swings, headaches, and heavy bleeding.
If you experience heavy bleeding, you can consider using super absorbent tampons or menstrual cups. You can also speak to your healthcare provider about hormone or iron supplements to regulate heavy bleeding.
To relieve menstrual cramps or headaches, you can consider over-the-counter pain relief medication or use a warm compress on your lower abdomen or back. Additionally, yoga, stretching, or regular exercise can alleviate PMS symptoms and make periods more manageable.
Dealing with PMS
If you experience physical or emotional symptoms before or during your period, you might have Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Symptoms of PMS include fatigue, bloating, mood swings, cramps, backaches, breast tenderness, and headaches. Not all girls experience PMS, but those who do consider different remedies to ease its symptoms.
Patients with mild symptoms can manage PMS without medication. Exercise, relaxation techniques, and healthy eating habits play a role in reducing PMS symptoms. Certain medications can also be used, like antidepressants, diuretics, and ibuprofen. It is best to discuss these remedies with your healthcare provider before attempting to treat PMS on your own.
Menstrual Products
Choosing the right menstrual product can take time and consideration. As we’ve discussed earlier, there are many different options that you can choose from, but not every option is suitable for everyone. For instance, pads are best for girls who are new to using menstrual products, while tampons provide more mobility and flexibility, making them great for active girls.
For those who want to reduce their environmental impact, using menstrual cups or period panties is a great option as they can be reused, therefore, eliminating waste. However, both of these options may take time to get used to, and it is best to experiment with various products before settling on one that suits you best.
Talking About Periods
Even though menstruation is a natural bodily process, it is still a topic that many people feel uncomfortable discussing, leading to the reproduction of taboos and stigmas. As girls, opening up about our bodies and health is essential in destigmatizing periods, and educating others on how to get their period can only happen by normalizing period talk.
If you feel comfortable, you can discuss your periods with your friends, family, or healthcare provider. They can offer useful tips, advice, and support to make periods more manageable.
Conclusion
Getting your period is a significant milestone in your life and understanding the tips and tricks on how to prepare for it, and dealing with menstrual problems can make the process more manageable. By prioritizing menstrual hygiene, discussing it openly, and choosing the right products, you can ensure your reproductive health and hygiene are in check. Embrace your menstrual cycle and always remember that it is a natural process that you should never feel ashamed of.
