What Are Signs Of Getting Your Period

What Does A Typical Period Look Like

20 Signs Your Period is Coming (how to tell period symptoms) | Just Sharon

In the great words of Fraulein Maria, lets start at the very beginning. A very good place to start. SCIENCE HOUR. Menstruation is cycle that is usually 28-30 days. During a normal menstrual cycle your hormones are working around the clock. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone is released from the hypothalamus and it works on the pituitary to release follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone . These hormones then act on the ovaries, which produces estrogen and progesterone, which work on the uterus to carry out the menstrual cycle. This process is regulated by something called the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. At the end cycle, the uterine lining sheds off, leading to menstruation, aka AUNT FLO.

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:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Unwrap the tampon from its packaging and sit or stand in a comfortable position. Some women prefer to stand up and put one leg up on the toilet or tub, some prefer to remain sitting, or squat down.
  • Hold the tampon with your thumb and middle finger at the top of the outer tube. Insert the tampon into the vaginal opening, aiming it at your lower back. Once the outer tube is inside your vagina, push the inner tube of the applicator with your index finger.
  • Remove the applicator from your vagina and make sure the string of the tampon is hanging outside of your vaginal opening.
  • Wash your hands.
  • Once you are ready to remove the tampon, pull the string downward.
  • Tampons should be disposed of in the garbage, and not flushed down the toilet.
  • To insert a tampon without an applicator:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water.
  • Unwrap the tampon from its packaging and sit or stand in a comfortable position. Some women prefer to stand up and put one leg up on the toilet or tub, others prefer to remain sitting, or squat down.
  • 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:

    • Nutrition
    • 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.

    Also Check: How Many Days After Ovulation Does Your Period Start

    What Your Period Is Trying To Tell You About Your Health

    When we talk about menstruation in our culture, we tend to focus on all the ways it can be seriously unpleasant and gross, with lots of attention paid to the emotional effects of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS , and almost none to whats actually happening in your body every month. Board-certified reproductive acupuncturist Kirsten Karchmer, founder of Viv Wellness, believes that for most women, PMS is a critical tool in deciphering overall healthand it doesnt have to come with every period, or at all, if you pay attention and learn to pull the right levers. Ive been working with women in my clinics for almost twenty years, and while a lot of them come in with PMS and cramping, by the time theyre done with treatment, a significant majority are symptom-free, she says.Below, Karchmers take on period health, and her advice on how to gain controlplus, our round-up of items to make periods a little more comfortable, including 100 percent organic tampons delivered straight to your door.

    What If My Period Doesnt Come Or If It Starts When I Am Very Young

    Signs Your Due On Your Period

    If you have not had a first period by the age of 15, or its been more than two to three years since your breasts started developing and you have not had a period, its best to talk to your doctor. If you get your period very young, at nine or ten it is usually just simply that you developed early. However, its a good idea to see your doctor to rule out other underlying medical conditions.

    Recommended Reading: What Age Do You Normally Get Your Period

    Abdominal Cramps Before Periods

    Menstrual cramps are a widespread symptom before periods start. It’s the first and one of the most noticeable signs your period is coming tomorrow. Menstrual cramps typically occur in the lower part of the abdomen. They can also occur closer to your back and upper thighs.

    Studies have found that the intensity of menstrual cramps varies for every woman. Some experience light to moderate pain, while others experience serious pain. Abdominal cramps are usually at their peak during the initial days when blood flow is heavy. You can even experience blood spotting 5 days before a period. This may be due to hormonal changes in the body.

    Menstrual cramps occur due to uterine contractions. These contractions are responsible for shedding the uterine lining when pregnancy doesn’t occur.

    Lower abdominal cramps a week before period are usually common and are experienced by most. However, severe pain followed by other symptoms is not normal and needs a doctor’s consultation.

    Free PCOS Doctor Consultation Don’t know whether you have PCOS? Book a free online consultation to learn more about PCOS causes, treatment & more from the comfort of your home!

    If menstrual cramps are interfering with your daily life, the following remedies might save you.

    Whats Normal Whats Not

    While everyones period experience is different, there is still an ideal way your period should look. If your period doesnt look like this as a teen, thats ok. It can take up to six years for our bodies to get the hang of having a regular period. Monitor your symptoms that are outside the average range, and chat with a period and hormone specialist if they continue.

    You may experience tiredness, changed moods, achiness, acne, or other symptoms. Mild symptoms on or before your period are ok. Extreme versions of these symptoms are not considered ideal.

    Cervical fluid is often referred to as discharge. It is a fluid that changes in consistency throughout the menstrual cycle. In the lead up to your first period, you may start seeing cervical fluid in your underwear or on toilet paper when you wipe. This is a good sign that your body is going through puberty, your hormones are changing, and your first period is on the way.

    Once you get your first period, expect to see cervical fluid more often. Cervical fluid changes in its appearance throughout the menstrual cycle. It might be non-existent one day, and sticky, dry, crumbly, creamy, or stretchy another day. This is a great sign that your body is healthy! It also protects you from vaginal infections. If discharge becomes green or yellow, looks like cottage cheese or comes along with burning, itching or pain, see your doctor as this can indicate infection.

    Also Check: Dental Coverage With No Waiting Period

    How Will I Know When My Periods Are Going To Start

    Signs that your period is on its way are if you’ve grown underarm and pubic hair. Typically, you’ll start your periods about 2 years after your breasts start growing and about a year after getting a white vaginal discharge. The average girl will get her first period around 12 years old, but it varies from person to person.

    What About Vitamins And Other Home Remedies

    How to Tell Your Period Is Coming | First Period Signs!

    You may have read that some vitamins and other supplements, such as vitamin B6, vitamin E, magnesium, manganese, and tryptophan, can help relieve PMS. There havent been many studies about these treatments, and its possible that they could do more harm than good. For example, vitamin B6 and vitamin E can cause side effects if you take too much of them. Talk to your doctor if youre thinking of trying any of these vitamins or supplements.

    On the other hand, taking calcium pills may reduce symptoms of water retention, cramps, and back pain. Taking about 1,000 mg of calcium a day probably wont be harmful, especially because calcium has so many other benefits, such as being good for your bones.

    Also Check: How To Stop Period For A Few Hours

    What Complementary Or Alternative Medicines May Help Relieve Pms Symptoms

    Some women report relief from their PMS symptoms with yoga or meditation. Others say herbal supplements help relieve symptoms. Talk with your doctor or nurse before taking any of these supplements. They may interact with other medicines you take, making your other medicine not work or cause dangerous side effects. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate herbal supplements at the same level that it regulates medicines.

    Some research studies show relief from PMS symptoms with these herbal supplements, but other studies do not. Many herbal supplements should not be used with other medicines. Some herbal supplements women use to ease PMS symptoms include:

    • Black cohosh. The underground stems and root of black cohosh are used fresh or dried to make tea, capsules, pills, or liquid extracts. Black cohosh is most often used to help treat menopausal symptoms, and some women use it to help relieve PMS symptoms.
    • Chasteberry. Dried ripe chasteberry is used to prepare liquid extracts or pills that some women take to relieve PMS symptoms. Women taking hormonal birth control or hormone therapy for menopause symptoms should not take chasteberry.
    • Evening primrose oil. The oil is taken from the plants seeds and put into capsules. Some women report that the pill helps relieve PMS symptoms, but the research results are mixed.

    Researchers continue to search for new ways to treat PMS. Learn more about current PMS treatment studies at clinicaltrials.gov.

    Your Birth Control Warns You

    If youre using Natural Cycles as birth control, youll get regular updates about the changes happening in your cycle, including when your period is due. NC° Birth Control has two parts: an app and a thermometer. The app learns the pattern of your cycle based on the readings from the basal body thermometer. Its possible to measure ovulation with temperature readings and thats how Natural Cycles can identify where you are in your cycle. So as well as learning the signs your period is coming through noticing changes in your body, youll get in-app updates too!

    Did you know that if youre using hormonal birth control you dont really get periods? Instead, methods like the birth control pill often cause a certain type of spotting called a withdrawal bleed. Since you dont ovulate on hormonal birth control, this isnt technically a period, but rather a symptom of changing hormone levels.

    You May Like: How To Make Period Pain Go Away

    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.

    You Have An Acne Breakout:

    The Complete Guide To Girls Periods

    Your skin will look flawless and glowing all month long. Just as your period date comes closer, you will notice pimples and acne. You may try various Facial Masks at home to reduce Acne but it will be right there to signal that your period will arrive the next day. The rising hormone levels activate the secretion of oil in your skin. This oil clogs the pores of the skin and lead to formation of acne.

    Also Check: Due Date Based On Last Period

    Period Or Pregnancy Introduction

    One of the most frequent questions in parenting forum is about the differences between signs of pregnancy and period. It is in fact very difficult for many of us, even for experienced mothers, to tell the difference between early signs of pregnancy and signs which indicates that period is coming as symptoms of both period and pregnancy are very similar.

    In summary, similar symptoms of pregnancy and period are tender breast, headache, bloating, constipation, fatigue, morning sickness or cramp. Different signs include backache which is a sign of period. Spotting and frequent urination are symptoms of pregnancy.

    When To Go To The Doctor

    Some Medical Terms

    A girl’s first menstruation is called menarche. This is pronounced MEN-arc or MEN-arc-y. When a girl passes certain milestones in her development, but does not start having periods, this is called Primary Amenorrhea. This is pronounced A-men-or-rea or Ah-men-or-rea. The word primary is the part that means the girl has never had a period. The amenorrhea part means lack of periods . This is to distinguish it from Secondary Amenorrhea, which is when a woman has had periods and then stops.

    The Standards For Going To The Doctor

    These standards were developed long ago. Meanwhile the average age of puberty and menarche has dropped. So, Estronaut’s opinion is that checking with a doctor a year or so earlier is not a bad idea. Also, girls of African descent mature sooner than Europeans, by about a year. So, these girls should substract another year.

    On age alone: Age 15 1/2 to 16 1/2 for whites, age 14 1/2 to 15 1/2 for blacks.

    If no breast or hair development: Age 13 to 14 for whites, age 12 to 13 for blacks.

    If there is breast development or hair two years after either of these started.

    Don’t Miss: What Does A Missed Period Mean

    Related Posts

    Popular Articles