Skin And Hair Changes
Possibly the worst part of puberty: Breakouts. Thanks to all those new hormones bouncing around your body, your skin produces more oil, particularly on your face. That oil can mix with bacteria and dead skin cells, clogging your pores and leading to acne. The same goes for the scalp, which can also produce more oil and make your hair greasy. Establish a good skincare routine, such as washing with a gentle cleanser, exfoliating regularly, moisturizing every night, and using an acne-fighting treatment if you happen to get breakouts. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, both of which are OGs for fighting acne. And wash your hair regularly â or swap in dry shampoo â to deal with all that extra oil at the roots.
What Does Menarche Mean
Menarche, a Greek word, literally means the first menstrual cycle. This, of course, begins the process of our daughters becoming young women.
The changes a female body goes through during menarche are many and unpredictable. For some, the sudden urge for certain foods is strong. On top of that, some have difficulty regulating their emotional state.
Periods are inevitable.
Every girl has a distinctive experience and handles it in her own way. However, you can help make it a positive one by telling your daughter what to expect, helping her stay calm.
As your daughter approaches the start of her period, why not help her with one of my favorite books on helping young girls understand the changes their bodies are going through.
The book is called Celebrate Your Body The Ultimate Puberty Book for Girls , by Sonya Renee Taylor. Its a number 1 best seller and has glowing reviews.
How Do I Use A Tampon
Inserting a tampon for the first time can be a bit of a challenge. Its hard to know exactly how to position your body and at what angle to put the tampon in. After a few tries, you will figure out what works best for you. Its best to use slender size tampons when you are learning. If you arent exactly sure where your vaginal opening is, use a mirror to have a look at your vulva .
To insert a tampon that has an applicator:
To insert a tampon without an applicator:
Recommended Reading: Does Taking Plan B Delay Your Period
Tender Or Heavy Breasts
Known as cyclical breast pain, its not unusual for our breasts to feel swollen, sore, and heavy before our periods begin.
Again, dipping estrogen and progesterone are the culprits.
This can cause lymph nodes around the armpits and groins to swell, making these areas sensitive to pressure.
Loose clothing and a comfortable bra can ease this pain.
Dont Forget To Get Her Some Products To Help Manage These Menarche Symptoms
Yogi Teas Womans Moon Cycle Organic Tea is a great way to help relieve the minor tensions and discomfort of your monthly cycle.
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PMS Magnesium Relief Spray is an all-natural menstrual cramp relief & PMS support.
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Read Also: I Ve Been Spotting For 2 Days But No Period
What Can I Do To Get Ready For My First Period
You can always talk to a parent, or to another trusted adult, if you have any questions about what you can expect. Carrying pads or tampons with you in a bag in advance is also a good idea, so youll never find yourself without one.
If you start suddenly while youre at school and you dont have any spare, you might be able to ask a teacher or the school nurse for some.
Quiz: When Will I Start My First Period
Ive created a Quiz to help to look for signs your daughter is about to start her period. Ideally, you can complete this together with your daughter, as it provides a wonderful opportunity to start talking with her about periods. You can find the When will I start my first period? Quiz here, with extra info and videos to explain the answers.
Also Check: Best Birth Control For Heavy Periods
What Happens When A Girl Starts Her Period
The National Institutes of Health says that during the time leading up to menstruation, a girl will grow pubic, armpit and leg hair. Her hip size will also increase and she will get taller. Before a first period, a girl might feel bloated, and her breasts might feel sore or swollen. Some girls also experience headaches or acne breakouts.
What are the signs of girls period?
Signs Before Your First Period Physical Signs. Its impossible to predict exactly when a girl will get her first menstrual period. Vaginal Discharge. About six months before the onset of menstruation, a girl may notice a greater amount of clear or white-colored vaginal discharge. Cramps. Emotional Signs.
Increased Appetite And/or Food Cravings
A strong urge or craving towards certain is another of the signs your daughter is about to start her period.
In most girls, the likeness may vary from sweets to something salty or spicy. Some girls may tend to take a swing towards the sour taste.
If you notice your daughter has suddenly developed a strong taste for new and specific foods, this may indicate that she is about to start puberty.
Mum celebrates daughters first period with a party
Families UK
Also Check: How Do You Know When Your Getting Your Period
One Of The Signs Your Child Is Going To Start Their Period Is The Development Of Breast Buds
While many people associate menstruation with puberty, the truth is your child has likely been going through puberty for at least a couple of years before they get their first period. Puberty can start as early as 8 years old in some kids! The first real physical sign of puberty you may notice in your child is the development of breast buds, which are nickel-sized bumps under the nipple. This usually happens around 11-12 years of age, but it can be earlier or later for some kids.
The development of breast buds is the first physical sign of puberty, and it’s one of the signs that your child is getting close to starting their period. Generally speaking, most kids will get their first period about two years after they first develop breast buds. So if your child is an early or late bloomer, you can use that as a guide of what to expect in terms of the rest of puberty.
When Does A Girl Start To Grow In Height
The fastest rate of height growth usually occurs in girls between when breast buds start to develop and about 6 months before they get their period. Once a girl has had her first period, her growth has already started to slow down. Most girls grow another 1-2 inches after getting their period, but increased height beyond that is less common.
When do girls start to go through puberty?
Girls begin puberty with the onset of menstruation and breast development. With the physical changes of puberty occurring earlier for girls you will probably need to have that mother-daughter talk a few years earlier than you did as a child.
When do girls become self conscious about their bodies?
The Age Girls Become Self-Conscious About Their Bodies. But with every generation, that self-consciousness strikes at a younger age. In the survey, teens ages 13-17 reported that their first bout of body shame occurred as young as 9 or 10 years old.
When do most girls get their first period?
While timelines can vary, most girls get their first period within 2 3 years after the development of breast buds. The average age for girls to get their first period in the United States is around age 12. Its important to emphasize that periods are a normal part of growing up.
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How Long After A Girl Gets Pubic Hair Does Her Period Start
Just after your daughters breasts start to form, shell probably start growing pubic hair.
It will be soft and thin at first, but itll get coarser over time. Her period usually arrives around one to two years later.
Thus while that is one of the signs your daughter is about to start her period, its not an immediate indicator.
So lets review all the . . .
What If My Child Is Nonbinary Or Transgender
If your child is going through puberty and is biologically female, then theyâre on track to start menstruating. Although some nonbinary and transgender kids might take it in stride, many find the disconnect between their identity and whatâs happening to their body to be distressing.
Your best move is to ask your child how they feel about the fact that periods are on the horizon, Dundas says. âOnce that has been established, the goal should be to support them however they would like to manage their periods.â
Some might prefer pads because they donât need to touch their genitals. Others might opt for tampons because they arenât as visible. Or they might like menstrual cups, because they donât have to be changed as frequently.
If your child is having gender dysphoria, meaning they are severely distressed by the conflict between their gender and the sex they were assigned at birth, be sure to discuss that with their doctor and a mental health care provider. On the physical side, pubertal blockers might be worth exploring. There are pros and cons to this treatment, so discuss it thoroughly with your childâs doctor and mental health provider.
Show Sources
Cleveland Clinic: âTime to Have the Tampon Talk With Your Daughter? 5 Tips for Teaching Her How to Use One.â
Mayo Clinic: âPubertal Blockers for Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth.â
Melissa Dundas, MD, adolescent medicine doctor, Hassenfeld Childrenâs Hospital at NYU Langone.
Recommended Reading: Can You Be Pregnant While On Period
What Is A Period
A period, also called menstruation, is when your body removes the buildup of the lining of your uterus. This buildup of menstrual blood and tissue flows out of your vagina. The day your period starts is the first day of your menstrual cycle, which lasts until the first day of your next period.
Recognizing the signs that your period is coming helps you prepare to deal with the symptoms your body goes through during your menstrual cycle.
Diagnosing Early Pregnancy And Periods
You may have an easier time determining which symptoms youâre having if you start by tracking your symptoms on a calendar each month. This will help you determine how youâre feeling and notice any patterns you may have including PMS.
Your doctor will ask you several questions to rule out possible problems. They may want to know about your eating habits, exercise habits, work, and family history.
Keeping track of your symptoms will also help you know if youâve missed a period.
Only a licensed healthcare professional can diagnose pregnancy. If your doctor suspects you may be pregnant, they will order a blood test and ultrasound scan to confirm.
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Are There Vitamins Or Minerals That Will Improve My Symptoms
Although more research studies are needed, there are certain vitamins and minerals that may help PMS symptoms. Several research studies show that calcium can significantly decrease many of the symptoms associated with PMS. Make sure that you are getting the recommended 1300 mg/day from calcium-rich foods or drinks or from supplements. Other supplements that could help with PMS symptoms are magnesium , vitamin B6 , and vitamin E , but more research is needed. Check with your health care provider about whether you should try them and how much you should take because taking high doses of supplements can have unpleasant or dangerous side effects. For example, high doses of magnesium may cause diarrhea in some people.
Also Check: When Is Your Period Considered Late
Another Sign Your Child Is Close To Starting Their Period: Body Hair
Not long after your child begins to develop breasts, they may start to notice hair growing in places they didn’t have hair before. Coarser hair will begin to grow on their legs, their underarms. and in their genital area. Pubic hair typically starts to grow a short time after breast buds appear, and is yet another sign that your child is getting nearer to menstruation.
Body hair growth can also make your child begin to feel self-conscious about the changes that are happening. It’s important to be supportive during this time, and if necessary, talk to your child about personal grooming if they’ve expressed a desire to begin shaving.
Read Also: Best Way To Stop Heavy Periods
Causes Of Period Pain
During your period, the uterus contracts to help the lining shed. This contraction compresses the blood vessels in the lining, temporarily cutting off the blood and oxygen supply to your uterus. The lack of oxygen in the tissues of your uterus causes chemicals to be released that can trigger pain.
The body also releases prostaglandins, chemicals which encourage the uterus muscles to contract even more, which can also cause pain.
Its possible that some women feel more pain than others due to a build-up of prostaglandins, which make the contractions stronger.
My Period Just Started What Should I Do
If youve started your period and dont have something to use for the blood, try not to worry. You can fashion a temporary pad out of toilet paper to hold things over until youre able to get a proper pad or tampon.
Heres how:
If youre at school, you may consider asking your teacher or nurse for a pad or tampon. Theyve been asked before trust us.
Your first period may only last a couple of days. Your first period . .
It may take a couple of months for your period to settle into a regular schedule and consistency.
Once it does, your period may last anywhere from two to seven days each month.
Although a persons first few periods are often light bringing a few spots of red-brown blood throughout the week you may have a heavier flow.
Your monthly period will follow a more consistent pattern once your hormones stabilize.
Heavier bleeding isnt necessarily cause for concern. But if you feel like youre losing too much blood, tell your guardian or talk to the school nurse.
You should also tell a trusted adult if you:
Read Also: Why Am I Not Getting My Period On Birth Control
What To Do When You Get Your First Period
And here you are with your first period! Be prepared! Like a true scout, keep a kit ready for your first period.To understand different menstrual hygiene protection methods, read up, talk to people. search the internet, and know the pros and cons. More often than not, sanitary pads are the best option.
Sanitary Pads – A sanitary pad is one of the most important tools you have, to manage your periods effectively. It will absorb the released blood, avoid staining, reduce any odours and keep you fresh. In the time leading up to your first period, you may want to familiarize yourself with how to use one so that youâll be better prepared. Hereâs how to use a pad like Whisper Ultra:
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Step 1: First, take it out of its wrapper and pull off the paper strip on the back of the pad. If your pad has wings, pull the paper strip off the wings, too
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Step 2: Then, press the sticky side onto your underwear. If there are wings on your pad, fold those over the sides of your panties so that they stick to the outside of your underwear. Press firmly to hold it in place
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Step 3: Wear your underwear, forget all worries of staining or smelling and get ready to take on the world!
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Step 4: Donât forget to change your pads every 4 to 6 hours. Remember to wrap and throw in the bin, and never flush it down the toilet as it can clog pipes
Not sure which pad best suits you? Worry not! Whisper Ultra has got you covered as it offers: