Periods And Additional Needs
Periods can be especially challenging for young people with additional needs and their parents. If your child has moderate to severe intellectual disability, they might not understand why theyre experiencing changes to their body and mood.
Your child still needs to know about periods and the menstrual cycle at a level they can understand. Your GP, or other health professionals involved in your childs care, can recommend resources you can use with your child, like books and visual aids. You could also speak to your childs school about support.
What Tests Are Needed Before Starting Menstrual Suppression
There are usually no tests needed before starting menstrual suppression. Your doctor will take a careful medical and gynecologic history before recommending or prescribing treatment. A pelvic exam is not needed before starting menstrual suppression.
Menstrual suppression takes time to regulate and stop menstrual bleeding. Unexpected bleeding is most common in the first three months but can continue for longer. At Childrens Hospital Colorado, we will continue to work with you until you are satisfied with your treatment.
Rituals Of Cleansing Or Purification
The Ulithi tribe of Micronesia call a girl’s menarche kufar. She goes to a menstrual house, where the women bathe her and recite spells. She will have to return to the menstruation hut every time she menstruates. Her parents build her a private hut that she will live in until she is married.
In Sri Lanka, an astrologer is contacted to study the alignment of stars when the girl experiences menarche because it is believed that her future can be predicted. The women of the family then gather in her home and scrub her in a ritual bathing ceremony. Her family then throws a familial party at which the girl wears white and may receive gifts.
In Ethiopia, Beta Jewish women were separated from male society and sent to menstruation huts during menarche and every menstruation following as the blood associated with menstruation in the Beta Jewish culture was believed to be impure. The Beta Jews built their villages surrounding and near bodies of water specifically for their women to have a place to clean themselves. The menstruation huts were built close to these bodies of water.
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How Early Is Too Early To Start Menstruating When Is Too Old
While the average adolescent will get their first period sometime between the ages of 10 and 15, having an earlier or later first period is not necessarily a sign that something is wrong. Some children may have their first period when they are just 8 or 9 years old. Similarly, some people might not get their period until they are 15 or 16, especially if other female family members were late bloomers. Children usually have their first periods about two to three years after their breasts begin to develop and between six to 12 months after they begin to experience vaginal discharge these can be helpful signs to watch out for if you are concerned whether your child is too old or too young to be experiencing their first period.
If your child begins to show signs of puberty before about the age of 8, such as developing breast buds, make sure you help them understand the changes in their body, and consider making a visit to your pediatrician. Your child may be experiencing early puberty, and a healthcare provider can help you determine whether or not there is anything to be concerned about. Similarly, if your child has reached age 15 and has not yet begun their period, consider making an appointment. Factors such as weight , stress levels and exercise frequency and intensity can influence when a child begins their menstrual cycle.
Can A Girl Get Pregnant As Soon As Her Period Starts
Yes, a girl can get pregnant as soon as her period starts. A girl can even get pregnant right before her very first period. This is because a girl’s hormones might already be active. The hormones may have led to and the building of the uterine wall. If a girl has sex, she can get pregnant, even though she has never had a period.
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How Does Ovulation Relate To Periods
Ovulation is the release of an egg from the ovaries. The same hormones that cause the uterus lining to build up also cause an egg to leave one of the ovaries. The egg travels through a thin tube called a fallopian tube to the uterus.
If the egg is fertilized by a sperm cell, it attaches to the wall of the uterus, where over time it develops into a baby. If the egg is not fertilized, the uterus lining breaks down and bleeds, causing a period.
What Should I Do When My Child Starts Their Period
It is best to be prepared for your childs first period by having menstrual hygiene supplies in the home, and discussing what they should expect to experience before their period begins, so that it is not a complete surprise. Make sure they understand what causes a period, what kinds of symptoms they might experience, and most importantly that they know that periods are a normal and healthy part of having a female body. You might wish to put together a period preparation kit that they can keep in their locker or backpack, with a couple of menstrual pads, wet wipes and a clean pair of underwear, in case their first period arrives while they are in school.
The key is to help your child view this transition toward adulthood as a positive and natural event, not something that is shameful or embarrassing.
It can be helpful to celebrate or mark the first period in some significant way, such as with a card, a favorite sweet treat, or an at-home spa night. If your child is interested, you might also consider a larger celebration, such as a party or sleepover with your childs friends. The key is to help your child view this transition toward adulthood as a positive and natural event, not something that is shameful or embarrassing.
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Some Signs You Might Be Getting Your First Period Soon
Some of the classic signs of puberty include body hair, your chest growing/getting fuller, and an increase in sweat. There are a few other key signs your period is coming, and plenty of pro tips to make sure youre prepared for when it does .
No matter when you start your first period, remember that whats going on with your bod is completely normal. If you think something irregular is going on, make sure to always speak with your doc. To be ready for anything, try wearing a pair of KTs Leakproof Underwear so you wont be caught off guard. And most importantly always remember, you got this. 🙂
How Does Puberty Affect Growth
Girls typically have a growth spurt in the one to two years before menstruation starts.
For most girls, puberty occurs between 8 and 13 years old and the growth spurt occurs between 10 and 14 years old. They grow just 1 to 2 additional inches in the year or two after getting their first period. This is when they reach their adult height.
Most girls reach their adult height by age 14 or 15. This age could be younger depending on when a girl first gets her period.
You may want to contact your childs doctor if your daughter is 15 and hasnt yet begun her period.
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What Causes A Period
A period happens because of changes in in the body. Hormones are chemical messengers. The ovaries release the female hormones and . These hormones cause the lining of the uterus to build up. The built-up lining is ready for a fertilized egg to attach to and start developing. If there is no fertilized egg, the lining breaks down and bleeds. Then the same process happens all over again.
It usually takes about a month for the lining to build up, then break down. That is why most girls and women get their periods around once a month.
How Long Will Each Period Last
Your body may take time to get into a regular pattern every month. During your first few periods, you may get only a little blood, for 1 or 2 days only.
As a general rule, women have a period every 28 days, but it differs from person to person. Youll usually bleed for between 3 and 7 days every month, but again, everyone is different.
Some women have longer or shorter cycles. You might have a period every 21 days or every 35 days. Both are normal as is anything within this range.
As the months pass, youll come to know your body and what a normal period is for you. Youll start to learn what to expect in terms of:
- when you get your periods
- how long they last
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Obesity And Early Puberty
Last year, the World Health Organization stated obesity had nearly tripled since 1975, and 39 million children under the age of 5 were overweight or obese in 2020.
But what does obesity have to do with periods?
Estrogen is stored and produced by the fat cells in our bodies. So, an increase in fat cells naturally means more estrogen in your body. Estrogen is also what makes your uterine lining thicken. When the lining of your uterus thickens and isnt fertilized with an egg , it will begin to shed and voila: you get yourperiod. Long story short, higher obesity rates in young people may be a reason the average age for puberty is beginning earlier. While every body is different and weight gain can be caused by a whole whack of reasons, a good rule of thumb for people at every age is to eat healthily, exercise plenty, and speak with your doctor if you have any concerns.
What Should I Expect During Menstrual Suppression Treatment
There are many different options for menstrual suppression, and your doctor will work with you to find the best one based on your individual medical history. Most teens have no side effects or minimal side effects depending on which option they choose. Menstrual suppression typically takes 3 to 6 months before periods are stopped completely.
The hormonal medications used for menstrual suppression act on receptors located in the cells of the uterine lining to keep this lining thin. When the lining does not build up, it is safe to go without menstrual periods.
Menstrual suppression medications are known as hormonal therapies, and there are many ways these medications can be delivered, including a pill, skin patch, vaginal ring, injection or an implant. All these options contain progestin, which causes the lining of the uterus to grow thin so menstrual bleeding can be safely suppressed. The progestin-containing intrauterine device is a way to deliver medication directly to the lining of the uterus.
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So I Only Need To Be On The Lookout For My First Period After My 12th Birthday
Ah, if only navigating puberty was that easy. As rude as it is, theres no manual for how to navigate puberty, teenhood, or periods including when to expect your first one. Remember, 12.5 is just an average age to get your first period. Some people might get their first period at ages 9, 10, 11, or 12, others might get theirs at 13, 14, 15, or 16. In some circumstances, some people experience something called precocious puberty, which is when puberty begins before the age of 8 or 9.
When Do Most Girls Get Their Period
Most girls get their first period when theyre around 12. But getting it any time between age 10 and 15 is OK. Every girls body has its own schedule.
There isnt one right age for a girl to get her period. But there are some clues that it will start soon:
- Most of the time, a girl gets her period about 2 years after her breasts start to develop.
- Another sign is vaginal discharge fluid that a girl might see or feel on her underwear. This discharge usually begins about 6 months to a year before a girl gets her first period.
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Who Should Consider Menstrual Suppression
Any girl, teen or young woman with menstrual periods can consider using medication to safely reduce or stop their periods. Sometimes doctors suggest menstrual suppression for medical reasons like heavy periods, painful periods or endometriosis. Menstrual suppression can also help with other medical conditions that may get worse during menstrual periods such as headaches, seizures, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and chronic pain.
Young women with physical or developmental disabilities may prefer to not have periods if personal hygiene is difficult. Finally, some may choose to have fewer or no menstrual periods because it is their personal preference to not experience menstrual bleeding each month.
Period Symptoms And Pain
When your childs period is coming, they might have a range of physical symptoms, including sore breasts, pimples and greasy hair. Your child might also have a sore tummy, feel sick or have diarrhoea.
Period pain and these associated symptoms are common. If your child gets a sore tummy, back or legs before or during their period, your child could try:
- taking pain medication
- putting a hot water bottle on their lower stomach
- walking or other light exercise
- eating smaller meals more often
- resting and relaxing, particularly with their legs elevated, or lying on one side with knees bent
- lightly massaging the lower stomach
- having warm drinks like hot milk or herbal tea.
Very painful periods are common, as are symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. But if your child has period pain that disrupts everyday activities, they should see their GP. Hormone treatments that regulate periods or even turn them off for a while are safe and very effective.
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Pop Quiz: What Is The Normal Age To Get Your First Period
*Aggressively loud buzzer noise*
Trick question! There is no normal age to get your first period! Bodies are all unique and different, and what might be considered the norm for one body can be totally different for another . There are average age ranges to expect things like puberty , but remember these are just averages. It doesnt mean everyone is going to fit exactly within that range. There are a TON of factors that can play into when your body will decide its ready to begin puberty and start menstruating. Lets talk about a few of them:
What Should I Expect After Menstrual Suppression Treatment
Menstrual suppression can be used for as long as desired. Many teens do continue to have difficult menstrual periods through their adult years, so it is important to discuss with your doctor before stopping treatment.
Using medication for menstrual suppression does not affect a womans ability to have a baby later. When a woman stops her medication, periods will return as they would if the treatment was never used.
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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.
Can I Get Pregnant
Although the onset of menstruation is widely regarded as the start of your reproductive years, its possible to become pregnant before youve had a period.
It all comes down to your hormones. In some cases, your body may begin to release ovulation-causing hormones long before it triggers the start of menstruation.
And when you do begin menstruation, its possible to get pregnant if you have sex during your period. It ultimately comes down to where you are in your menstrual cycle.
Talk to a trusted adult or reach out to your healthcare provider if:
- You havent started your period by age 15.
- Youve had your period for about two years and it isnt regular.
- You experience bleeding between your periods.
- You experience severe pain that prevents you from completing daily activities.
- Your bleeding is so heavy that you have to change your pad or tampon every one to two hours.
- Your periods last longer than seven days.
If you call to make an appointment, tell the person whos scheduling it that youre having problems with your period.
They may ask you to write down details about:
- when your most recent period started
- when your most recent period ended
- when you first noticed your irregular bleeding or other symptoms
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How Do I Deal With Pms And Cramps
PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome. Its when the hormones that control your menstrual cycle cause changes in your body and emotions around the time of your period.
Some of the most common PMS symptoms are:
Some people get PMS every time they have their periods. Others only get PMS every once in awhile. You may have all or just some PMS symptoms. And some people dont get PMS at all. Learn more about PMS.
Cramps are one of the most common symptoms to have before/during your period. They can be super painful, or just a little annoying. You can calm cramps by taking pain medicine . Putting a heating pad where it hurts, taking a hot bath, exercising, or stretching your body can also help. Learn more about how to deal with cramps.
Certain types of birth control like the pill, shot, implant, and IUD can help with PMS and other period problems. If your PMS is so bad that its hard to do normal activities during your period, talk to an adult you trust or your family doctor. You can also call your local Planned Parenthood health center. You shouldnt have to suffer every month, and they can help you find the cause and get treatment.