How To Talk To Your Daughter About Starting Their Period
The unknown can be really scary. By speaking to your child about their period, PMS, and period products before their cycle starts, you can tackle any stigma they may have picked up and answer any questions.
Parents and caregivers should talk about periods expectations, what to do, what to expect. Emphasize that this is normal and that every goes through it, says Dr. Twogood. Encourage them to ask questions and provide solid information. If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so.
Body and period stigmas still exist in the world today, and your teen may have picked up some of this. But by speaking openly about the changes theyll go through, you can make it a positive thing. Dr. Twogood says its important to normalize periods. Avoid derogatory terms and slang that make it seem dirty or something to be ashamed of.
And you dont have to go into this conversation alone. Use educational tools to help your child understand.
Its also worth considering the practicalities. Your daughter might not be with you when they start their period, so would they like to start carrying period products, just in case? By being so open about periods, youll hopefully convey the message that periods arent something to be ashamed of. If they need to ask another person, like a teacher or a friend, for help when youre not there, then thats totally fine.
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of The Omicron
With the arrival of the long-awaited COVID-19 booster shots geared to target BA.4 and BA.5 omicron subvariants, many may be curious about its possible side effects.
Well, the new boosters actually may not be as different from what previous renditions of the vaccines entailed in terms of side effects.
Read more here.
Which Respiratory Illnesses Are Behind The Recent Surge In Child Hospitalizations In Chicago Area
A recent spike in child hospitalizations due to respiratory illnesses across the Chicago area has caught the attention of health experts, with colder weather likely to make respiratory illnesses even more prevalent.
As COVID-19 remains a health concern, other common respiratory viruses that often present themselves in common cold symptoms are behind a surge that is occurring significantly earlier than a typical spike in illnesses occurs each year that coincides with colder weather.
Read more here.
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Low Energy And Fatigue/trouble Sleeping
The luteal phase is often associated with lower energy. PMS would clinically be suspected if this decrease in energy and fatigue was severe. Low energy in the luteal phase can be attributed to a couple of things.
The menstrual cycle is associated with changes in the serotonin neurotransmitter system, and serotonin is part of the sleep/wake cycle, mood regulation, and bowel movement control. As hormonal levels change and decrease, the serotonin levels, your energy, and your sleep cycle are all affected. Severe serotonin disruption can lead to the severe symptoms experienced in PMS and PMDD .
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Signs Of First Period In Your Daughter
The good news is your daughters first period wont just arrive completely out of the blue – her body will offer up a few little clues first. These are the main signs that her first period is imminent that you should both be on the lookout for, but do make her aware that these changes can happen in any order though.
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Can A Tampon Get Lost
Many girls worry the tampon might get lost inside them. Luckily, that can’t happen. The opening of the cervix is just too tiny for a tampon to get through. It can’t travel to other parts of your body, like your stomach. If you try to take out the tampon and have trouble finding the string at first, don’t worry. Relax and you’ll be able to find it. If you need help, tell a parent.
It’s possible to forget you have a tampon in and insert another one. But they still can’t get lost in your body. If this happens, just remove them as soon as possible.
Abdominal Bloating Gas And Pain
Do you feel your abdomen is swelling up just before period?
Abdomen bloating is swelling and tightening experienced by women which could occur for many reasons. If you are expecting your period, a hard, distended and tight abdomen may indicate your period will start soon.
Other causes of bloating are pregnancy, anorexia nervosa , ovarian cyst and hormone imbalance.
What to do?
- Take more fiber diet like vegetables and fruits
- Drink plenty of water every day
- Avoid meals that contain beans and cabbage
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What Are The Signs Of An Abnormal Period And When Should We Talk To Our Pediatrician
Abnormal periods can be caused by everything from lifestyle factors such as stress and exercise levels to underlying medical conditions such as a bleeding disorder or hormonal abnormalities. It can take a few years for the menstrual cycle to stabilize, so it might not be obvious right away if your child is experiencing abnormal periods, but there are some signs that you can watch out for.
Make an appointment for your child to see their pediatrician if you observe any of the following:
- Reaching the age of 15 without having a period
- Having a period before the age of 8
- Experiencing irregular cycles more than two years after starting their period
- Experiencing very heavy bleeding or severe cramps that dont improve with painkillers
- Having very long periods
- Experiencing severe PMS symptoms that make it hard for your child to get through their day
These symptoms dont necessarily indicate that anything is wrong, but its good to speak with a healthcare provider just to make sure. A healthcare provider can help you and your child determine what next steps need to be taken to ensure their health and wellbeing.
If your child also has other types of bleeding such as nosebleeds, frequent gum bleeding, easy bruising or bleeding after tooth extraction or surgery, or any family history of bleeding, you may want to discuss with your pediatrician whether testing for an inherited or acquired bleeding disorder is needed.
What Are The Signs You Are Getting Your Period
Women usually start noticing physical and mood changes about 1-2 weeks before period bleeding starts. Ninety percent of women have premenstrual syndrome symptoms at some point in their reproductive life. Some women have more severe PMS signs and symptoms than others.
Changing hormones are to blame for many uncomfortable or unpleasant period signs and symptoms like cramps and tender breasts. Brain chemicals are also involved, but itâs unclear to what extent.
Period signs and symptoms usually end about 3-4 days after bleeding begins.
Common signs that your period is approaching are:
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How To Talk To Daughter About First Period Symptoms
Bearing in mind that girls can start their periods as young as 8, it makes sense to start talking about the signs and symptoms of her first period sooner rather than later. Weve got lots of advice on how to prepare your daughter for her first period.
You can also help your daughter feel prepared for her first period by stocking up on some protection like Always.
Suggest that she keep some pantyliners in her bag in case she gets her first period while shes not at home. She may even want to keep an extra pair of underwear in her book bag or locker. Shell really appreciate these tips when her first period does arrive.
What Will My First Period Feel Like
You may find your first period comes and goes with very little in the way of symptoms, or you may find you experience quite a bit of discomfort. Common symptoms include:
- Cramping in the lower abdomen
- Breast tenderness
- Diarrhea or nausea
Most of these symptoms do not last long, and can be treated with ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain relief medications. A heating pad or hot water bottle on the abdomen or lower back can help ease pain in these areas. More details on menstrual pain and other symptoms can be found here .
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How Long Are You Contagious With Covid The Incubation Period Has Changed Top Doc Says
COVID’s incubation period has changed with the extra-contagious BA.4 and BA.5 omicron subvariants, Chicago’s top doctor said, but what does that mean for how long you are contagious?
During a Facebook Live last month, Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady reported that recent studies have shown the incubation period for COVID has dropped to three days with recent variants.
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So I Got My First Period
You can expect to get your period for quite some time, Moxette. People who experience a period will generally do so their period until they reach menopause, which happens at around 50 – 55 years old .
In the meantime, the best thing you can do is be kind to yourself and your body and remember that self-care is important, especially when you might be experiencing some of these classic period dramas! Have a warm bath, snack on some of your favourite chocolate and just do what makes you feel good.
If you’ve got any other questions about periods or period products, you can get in touch at info@moxie.com.au or DM us on Insta @MoxieHQ. If you have any medical-related questions or any concerns about your periods or your body, please do speak to a trusted adult or a medical professional you feel comfortable with.
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What To Do To Manage Periods Signs And Symptoms
At some point, every woman has wished she had some control over her menstruation. And this is something they all have discussed with others or secretly tried to look at on the internet.
Its time we bring them to light and clarify once and for all period signs and symptoms are not under your control.
Every female body is unique and differs in this matter too. But the good news is that some of the discomforts can be managed with some tips.
When Should I Expect My First Period
Most girls get their first period somewhere between the ages of 10 and 14, with an average of just over 12 years old. Its hard to tell when your first period will arrive. It usually happens about two years after the first signs of puberty , and about a year after you begin growing pubic hair. You will also notice white or yellowish vaginal discharge in the few months leading up to your period.
There are numerous factors that are thought to influence the age of the first period, including:
- Parental education
- Illness and stress
The average age of the first period has been decreasing over time. In 1900 in the United States, the average age of the first period was between 14 and 15 years of age. The decreasing age of the onset of menstruation seems to have levelled off now at 12.
There is no way to predict exactly when you will get your first period, and there is nothing you can do to make it start, except wait. If you are worried about your first period, talk to your family doctor.
If you are sexually active, you will need to consider the possibility that you could get pregnant once you have your period. In fact, you can even get pregnant if youve never menstruated, since its possible to ovulate before your first period. There are many forms of birth control available read about them here. You are also at risk of sexually transmitted infections if you are sexually active learn how to protect yourself.
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What To Do When It Starts
When a period begins, try to find a way to absorb the blood. A female can do this by asking a friend or family member for a pad or tampon.
If it is not possible to use a pad or tampon, try to wrap something absorbent, such as toilet paper or a clean washcloth, around the crotch area of some underwear. This can absorb the blood and prevent leaks.
It can be helpful to prepare a period kit before the first period arrives. This can help with feeling ready. This period kit could consist of:
- an extra pair of underwear
- a variety of tampons and pads, so a female can choose what works best for them
- unscented baby wipes to clean any leakages
Most periods last for
The following sections will look at some absorption methods in more detail.
Respiratory Illnesses Leading To Early Surge In Child Hospitalizations Here’s What To Know
Fall and winter are usually the times respiratory illnesses spike, but a recent surge in child hospitalizations in the Chicago area has some health officials concerned.
“Right now we’re seeing a lot of RSV, we’re seeing some other respiratory viruses, you know, lot of kids right now being hospitalized broadly with some respiratory viruses – more traditional ones,” Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said during a Facebook Live Tuesday.
Health experts across the area are reporting a rise in hospitalizations due to respiratory illnesses in children. And some say the COVID pandemic could have an impact on this surge.
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Does Breastfeeding Prevent Pregnancy
Breastfeeding can have a direct effect on your body in the early period after giving birth. Hormones control milk production, the release of new eggs, and getting ready for a new baby.
Breastfeeding can reduce some of these hormones. That can lower the chances of getting pregnant for some women, but not all.
Breastfeeding can be a form of birth control if all steps are met. This method is the lactational amenorrhea method .
For this approach to be successful:
- The baby is younger than 6 months old and only breastfeeds
- There can be no more than 4-6 hours between feeding day or night
- You currently have no periods
LAM is a birth control option for mothers in the first six months after the baby is born.
After six months, the chances of success go down a lot. Studies have shown that two out of 100 women can still get pregnant while hitting all three areas.
This probability is similar to other contraceptives or birth control methods, based on how effective they can be.
Some affect hormones while others do not. The following birth control methods are listed from most effective to least effective:
Less than 1 pregnancy reported in 100 women/year:
- Implant 0.05% likelihood of pregnancy used for up to 3 years
- Intrauterine device 0.2-0.8 likelihood of pregnancy- Hormonal used for 3-7 years Copper T used up to 10 years
6-12 pregnancies in 100 women/year:
18 or more pregnancies in 100 women/year
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You’re Bloated Or Have Other Digestive Issues
What Is Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic shock syndrome is a rare infection that can happen to girls who use tampons. If tampon is left in too long, it gives germs a chance to grow and cause infection. So it’s very important that you change your tampon at least every 4-6 hours, even if your period is light.
Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome are a high fever, vomiting or diarrhea, severe muscle aches, weakness, dizziness, or a rash that looks like a sunburn. If you use tampons and get any of these symptoms, take out the tampon and tell an adult immediately. Have someone take you to the nearest emergency department as soon as possible.
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