Check If You Have Heavy Periods
You may have heavy periods if you:
- need to change your pad or tampon every 1 to 2 hours, or empty your menstrual cup more often than is recommended
- need to use 2 types of sanitary product together, such as a pad and a tampon
- have periods lasting more than 7 days
- pass blood clots larger than about 2.5cm
- bleed through to your clothes or bedding
- avoid daily activities, like exercise, or take time off work because of your periods
- feel tired or short of breath a lot
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Causes Of Delayed Menarche
In contrast, delayed menarche is often attributed to a lack of body fat. Your body requires adequate amounts of fat to enter the phase of puberty and trigger your first menstrual period.
Thats why hard-core athletes, such as swimmers, dancers, and gymnasts, who tend to carry less body fat, are more susceptible to delayed menarche. Additionally, young women struggling with eating disorders appear vulnerable to this as well.
Other possible causes of delayed menarche include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Health issues such as inflammatory bowel diseases , anemia, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, and cystic fibrosis
- Radiation or chemotherapy treatment
How Do I Know If My Period Is Coming
Some people get signs that their periods are coming like bloating, pimples, sore breasts, and feeling emotional. Many people get cramps in their belly, lower back, or legs before their period. These symptoms are called PMS. Not everybody has signs that their periods are about to start. And sometimes the signs change month-to-month. As you get older, it usually gets easier to tell when your period is coming.
Many people mark the days they have their period on their calendar or on an app. Keeping track of your periods will help you know when your next period is coming. It can also tell you if your period is late or early. Its really common to have periods that dont come at the exact same time every month especially when youre a teenager.
Keeping a tampon, period underwear, or a pad in your bag can help you be prepared for your period, no matter when it shows up. If you start your period and don’t have a tampon or pad, you can ask a parent, friend, teacher, or the school nurse for a tampon or a pad. Some bathrooms also have vending machines where you can buy a tampon or pad. If youre REALLY stuck somewhere without a tampon or pad, you can fold up a bunch of toilet paper or a clean sock or washcloth and put it in your underwear to soak up the blood.
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Youve Recently Had A Big Growth Spurt
How Do I Choose A Pad Or Tampon That Is Right For Me
There are smaller, slender pads and tampons available that young women often prefer, particularly when they first start menstruating. You may find it helpful to use different products over the course of your period, with more absorbent tampons or pads being used on heavier flow days, and smaller tampons or pantiliners on low flow days. Each woman has her own preferences and whatever works best for your body is just fine!
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How Old Are Most Girls When They Start Their First Period
Although a girls first period usually occurs at about age 12, some girls experience their first period much earlier. And even before they get their first period, your daughter will be noticing other changes in their body: Recent studies show that most girls start developing breast buds sometime between age 9 and 10.
Does Your First Period Hurt
The bleeding does not hurt at all. Some girls do get cramps that can be felt in the legs, lower back and tummy. This cramping is usually caused by your bodys response to a hormone called prostaglandin, which cause the muscles in the uterus to contract. The same hormone can also cause you to get a headache before your period. Over the counter pain relievers will help if the pain prevents you from doing your usual activities. Putting a hot water bottle or wheat bag on your tummy may help to ease the cramps. It may only last a few days, but if it is so painful that it stops you from doing the things you would normally do, go and speak to your parents or teacher about it.
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What Is A Normal Period For A Teenager
The average menstrual cycle is about 28 days, but its also normal to get your period every 21 to 45 days. Most periods stick around fewer than seven days. Still, Meltzer adds, Almost everything to do with a teens first few years of menstruation can be considered normal. Some teens have very heavy periods, some have very light ones, and some only have one or two periods a year initially. None of that is unusual.
Getting your period can suck. A lot. Periods can be uncomfortable and painful with lots of cramping and discomfort thats all totally normal. But if you cant get out of bed because of debilitating cramping , it could be a sign of a more serious health problem. Check in with your doctor to find out whats going on.
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What To Do After The First Menstrual Period
If your daughters first menstrual period shows up unexpectedly and there are no sanitary pads on hand, she can temporarily use folded-up toilet paper. If youre not with her when it happens, its OK to ask a teacher, the school nurse, or a friend for one.
Its best for beginners to avoid tampons until theyve read the instructions thoroughly and practiced a few times. Try to have a discussion with your daughter about it to familiarize her with the way they work.
Its essential to change a pad every four to six hours to prevent bacterial growth and infection.
A girls first period will generally last a few days, so shell need to stash several pads in her purse or backpack. Remind her that its essential to change her pad every four to six hours to prevent bacterial growth and infection.
Lastly, remember to take note of the date that her first menstrual period began so you can both be better prepared for next month. Keeping track also allows you to detect irregular periods, which are especially common during puberty.
- Track periods with an app like Flo which helps you plan ahead.
- Carry sanitary pads or tampons at all times.
- Expect lower back pain or abdominal pain, and consider using a hot water bottle to relieve achiness.
- Ease up on exercise and other strenuous physical activity.
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Abnormal Signs And Symptoms
Although PMS symptoms are far from fun, theyll likely remain mild enough not to interfere with your day-to-day life in any major way. If you find yourself experiencing severe cramps, aches, fatigue, or any other symptoms that get in the way of things like work, school, or social plans, it may be time to consider visiting a doctor.
Severe mood swings that dip into panic attacks or suicidal thoughts are also important symptoms to address with a healthcare professional.
If you have severe symptoms, you may have premenstrual dysphoric disorder . This is a more severe form of PMS. A doctors care may be the best treatment.
If you have severe migraines, you may also benefit from seeing your doctor. Underlying health issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome or endometriosis, might also make PMS more severe, requiring a doctors help.
How Long Does A First Period Last
Of course, this differs for everyone, but a first period may only last a couple of days. In fact, the first few periods may be very light with only some spotting of reddish-brown blood. It might take a while for hormones to stabilize and for a period to get on a consistent schedule. Once it does, the average period can last anywhere from four to seven days or longer. Many of the first several periods that a has are not ovulatory, so it is not unusual to see bleeding that seems to go on for weeks, Meltzer says.
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Pads And Panty Liners
Sanitary pads are rectangular pieces of absorbent material that you stick inside your underwear.
All pads have a sticky strip on the bottom. Thats what attaches the pad to your underwear.
Some have extra material on the sides, known as wings, that you fold over the edges of your underwear. This helps keep the pad in place.
Pads typically need to be changed every four to eight hours, but there isnt a set rule. Simply change it if the material feels sticky or wet.
They come in different sizes. Each size is made to accommodate a different level of bleeding.
Generally speaking, the smaller the pad, the less blood it can hold.
Youll probably use a more absorbent pad at the beginning of your period then switch to something lighter once the bleeding slows down.
You may also find it helpful to wear a heavier pad overnight so you dont have to worry about leakage.
Even the largest pads are still quite thin, so you shouldnt be able to see it through your clothes. If youre worried that people might be able to tell, stick to looser-fit bottoms.
Panty liners are smaller, thinner versions of a sanitary pad.
You may find it helpful to use them a couple of days before your period is supposed to start to prevent accidentally bleeding on your underwear.
You may also want to use panty liners toward the end of your period, as the bleeding may be spotty and unpredictable.
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:
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Signs Your Period Is About To Start
Physical changes that show you are entering puberty usually occur prior to beginning your period:
- Breast growth and tenderness
- Hair in the pubic area between the legs, as well as in the armpits
- Lower abdominal cramping, bloating or general discomfort
- White vaginal discharge
Certain experiences, like breast tenderness or cramping, may also appear again each month right before or during the week of your period.
Treatments For Early Pregnancy And Periods
Both early pregnancy and period symptoms are easily managed on your own.
Once youâve found out that you are pregnant, you should learn what to avoid and what to do to help your baby have proper development. Before you try any home remedies, check with your doctor first to make sure they are safe for you and your baby.
To ease pregnancy symptoms, eat healthfully, drink plenty of fluids, and take your prenatal vitamins. Reduce your stress with yoga and meditation. If these remedies do not work, contact your doctor about safe medications to take.
If you have gotten your period and are not pregnant, there are remedies you can try at home to care for your PMS symptoms. These include:
- Exercising regularly through the month
- Eating healthy foods consistently
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You’re Bloated Or Have Other Digestive Issues
I Have Underarm Hair As Do Some Of My Friends A Few Of Them Really Hate It And I Am Not Sure What I Should Do
Everyone gets body hair. It is part of the changes your body goes through during puberty. Some girls choose to remove the hair by shaving or waxing. If you are happy with the way you look, there is no need to do anything other than wash carefully each day. If the hair makes you feel unhappy, you can use a razor, a hair removal cream or have them removed by waxing.
Still have some questions? Get in touch!
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When To See The Doctor For Your Period
If your period lasts more than 7 days, if you experience strong pain, or if you have a heavy menstrual flow and need to change pads or tampons every hour, discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
You should also call your doctor if:
- You havenât experienced a period in 90 days
- You have periods more often than once every 21 days
- You have periods less often than once every 35 days
Missed or irregular periods can be a sign of stress or a medical condition. Talk with your doctor to find the cause of your irregular periods and how to treat it.
How Do I Manage Symptoms
If your cramps are bothering you, there are a few remedies that can help:
- Take a warm bath.
- Place a heating pad or warm washcloth on your belly.
- Take medicines that contain ibuprofen or naproxen .
Dont take aspirin for your cramps unless your provider says its OK. Aspirin has been linked to a rare condition calledReyes syndromein people under 18.
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When Do Periods Start
Most young people will have their first periods when theyre between 11 and 14½, but anywhere from 9-16 years is considered normal.
Periods are likely to start soon if your child has:
- had a major growth spurt
- grown some underarm and pubic hair
- developed breasts.
If your child hasnt started their period by the time they turn 16, its a good idea to talk with your childs GP. There can be many reasons why periods havent started by then, and the GP can help to rule out any serious problems.
How Is Pms Diagnosed
There is no single test for PMS. Your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms, including when they happen and how much they affect your life.
You probably have PMS if you have symptoms that:
- Happen in the five days before your period for at least three menstrual cycles in a row
- End within four days after your period starts
- Keep you from enjoying or doing some of your normal activities
Keep track of which PMS symptoms you have and how severe they are for a few months. Write down your symptoms each day on a calendar or with an app on your phone. Take this information with you when you see your doctor.
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