Treatment For Period Discomfort
During your period, you may experience discomfort, such as cramps or headaches. Getting regular exercise and staying well hydrated may help improve these symptoms. A heating pad can also be used to help with abdominal cramps, along with over-the-counter ibuprofen.
Talk to a parent or nurse if you dont feel good before, during or after your period so you can address any discomfort.
Some girls will experience heavy bleeding, painful and often times debilitating cramps and periods that last longer than one week. Treating cramps with hormone therapy can help alleviate painful periods. Hormone therapy can also help regulate your period if you are experiencing missed periods , long periods or unpredictable bleeding .
What Other Factors Influence When Perimenopause Starts Or When A Woman Reaches Menopause
Newresearch published online on April 12 in Menopause, the journal of NAMS, looked at the various factors that may affect the age when natural menopause occurs.
They found that there are factors that do seem predictive of when a woman will approach menopause, such as higher estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, which weve known for a while, says Streicher. Irregular menstrual bleeding and hot flashes were also indicators of earlier menopause, she adds.
RELATED: Study Confirms Strong Connection Between Menopause and Depression
One new finding uncovered in the research was around alcohol consumption. The authors observed that participants tended to increase their alcohol consumption when approaching menopause, making it a potential clue that the change was coming.
That makes sense, says Streicher. This can be a time of added stress for women, and we know that any stressful situation can cause someone to drink more, she says.
Although this study didnt find a strong association with smoking, other research has indicated that smoking is related to early onset of menopause, says Streicher.
Recommended Reading: Can You Get Your Period In Water
What Sort Of Menstrual Product Should I Use
There are so many options now that it can be overwhelming to choose which menstrual / period product is right for you. You may even need to experiment to determine which product is best for you. There are main categories of products.
- Internal Disposable tampons
You May Like: Cramps And Lower Back Pain No Period
Also Check: How Do You Know You Missed Your Period
When Can I Get Pregnant During My Menstrual Cycle
You have the highest chance of getting pregnant on the days leading up to ovulation these are called fertile days.
Ovulation usually happens about 14 days before your period starts but everyones body is different. You may ovulate earlier or later, depending on the length of your menstrual cycle.
Your egg lives for about 1 day after its released from your ovary, and sperm can live in your uterus and fallopian tubes for about 6 days after sex. So you can usually get pregnant for around 6 days of every menstrual cycle: the 5 days before you ovulate, and the day you ovulate. You can also get pregnant a day or so after ovulation, but its less likely.
Many people track their menstrual cycles and other fertility signs to help them figure out when theyre ovulating. This is called fertility awareness some people use it to prevent pregnancy, and others use it to try to get pregnant. Check out our app, which makes it easy to chart your cycle and figure out your fertile days.
Some people have very regular cycles, and other peoples cycles vary from month to month. Its really common for young people to have irregular periods. Since your period can be unpredictable, its hard to know for sure when youll ovulate . So if you dont want to get pregnant, use birth control every time you have vaginal sex.
What Is The Average Age To Start Your Period
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.
Recommended Reading: Why Do I Get My Period Twice A Month
Keeping Track Of Periods
Its good for your child to keep track of their periods with an app, calendar or diary. If your childs periods are fairly regular, an app or calendar can help your child know when their period is likely to come. This way your child can prepare for things like sleepovers, school camps or swimming carnivals.
Recommended Reading: Abdominal Pain After Period Could I Be Pregnant
How Much Period Blood Is Normal
It might seem like theres a lot of blood, but its probably no more than two to three tablespoons. Its normal to bleed more heavily in the first few days of your period.
Essity is a leading global hygiene and health company that develops, produces and sells Personal Care , Consumer Tissue and Professional Hygiene products and solutions. Our vision is Dedicated to improving well-being through leading hygiene and health solutions. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under many strong brands, including the leading global brands TENA and Tork, and other brands, such as Leukoplast, Libero, Libresse, Lotus, Nosotras, Saba, Tempo, Vinda and Zewa. Essity has about 48,000 employees and net sales in 2016 amounted to approximately SEK 101bn . The business operations are based on a sustainable business model with focus on value creation for people and nature. The company has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. Essity used to be part of the SCA Group. More information at www.essity.com.
Read Also: Is It Possible To Get Your Period Twice A Month
What The Age You Got Your Period Says About You
When you were a teenager, getting your first period was everything. You were excited about the idea of becoming a woman and also completely .
Now that youre a seasoned period pro, its easy to forget how much you obsessed about your cycle back then. But it turns out, all that attention was worth something, since the age when you first got your period can actually impact your future health.
First, lets back up a little: Theres a medical term for the age when you got your first periodmenarche. Girls have started getting their first period earlier than in the past, so now its considered normal for girls to get their period between 9 and 14 years old, says Maureen Whelihan, M.D., an ob/gyn at the Center for Sexual Health & Education. However, Jessica Shepherd, M.D., an assistant professor of clinical obstetrics and gynecology and director of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, says doctors arent really concerned if you get your period later, unless you get to age 16 sans periodat that point, theyll want to girls to get examined just to make sure everything is working OK in there.
A higher-than-average weight can also cause girls to get their period earlier than usual, says Shepherd. We think the increase in obesity in society may be one of the reasons why girls are getting their first periods earlier, she says.
Still, super fascinating info!
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.
Read Also: Can You Still Be Pregnant If You Had A Period
When Should I See My Healthcare Provider
Your provider should know if your first period arrives early or late. Getting your period before age nine is called precocious puberty. If you havent gotten your period by the time youre 15 , your provider will need to examine the cause. Your provider can prescribe treatments depending on whats delaying your period.
If youre experiencing severe menstrual cramps, your provider can prescribe medications that can help.
An Early Period Often Means More Dating And Behavior Problems
Lets finish on something that will be easily evident to anybody who ever went to junior high. The earlier you get your period and start developing breasts and pubic hair, the earlier youre likely to start dating and having sex, according to researchers. It doesnt take a genius to figure that one out. And unsurprisingly, the information came from a survey of 15-to-19-year-old girls at American high schools. It makes perfect sense: Blossoming means both more attention from potential mates and more interest in them yourself.
Unfortunately â but also obviously, alas â girls whod experienced radically early puberty also reported higher levels of bullying, ostracism, depression, and socially aggressive behavior, according to the University of Michigan. Theyre also more likely to develop substance abuse problems later in life. Part of that is easily explained: Theyre badly treated because theyre different. Breasts that will become status symbols later are targets when youre 13.
The study that initially tracked the behavior problems speculated that the reason for this was a combination of factors. Societal pressure plus a cocktail of sexuality steroids creates more hyperactivity and aggression. Altogether, not fun.
Either way, it looks like the later you got your menarche, the better off you are health-wise â but that early birds got a societal advantage by learning the ropes of dating and sexuality sooner. So perhaps its a trade-off after all.
You May Like: When Am I Supposed To Get My Period
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.
The Early Middle Ages
Average Age: 14
Theres not a ton of historical records about the age of first menstruation before the Middle Ages. In his book, Womens Bodies, Edward Shorter estimates that most ancient Roman women got their periods between the ages of 13 or 14.
Similarly, historians believe that girls in the Middle Age got their first periods around the same age, according to The Age of Menarche in Medieval Europe, published in the September 1973 issue of Human Biology. Records from the era report girls getting their period at ages as young as 12 and as old as 15, but the articles writers quote research suggesting that 14 remained the average age of first menstruation until the Renaissance.
Also Check: Donating Blood While Menstruating
Read Also: How To Not Smell When On Your Period
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.
How Will Menopause Affect Me
Symptoms of menopause may begin suddenly and be very noticeable, or they may be very mild at first. Symptoms may happen most of the time once they begin, or they may happen only once in a while. Some women notice changes in many areas. Some menopausal symptoms, such as moodiness, are similar to symptoms of premenstrual syndrome . Others may be new to you. For example:
- Your menstrual periods may not come as regularly as before. They also might last longer or be shorter. You might skip some months. Periods might stop for a few months and then start up again.
- Your periods might be heavier or lighter than before.
- You might have hot flashes and problems sleeping.
- You might experience mood swings or be irritable.
- You might experience vaginal dryness. Sex may be uncomfortable or painful.
- You may have less interest in sex. It may take longer for you to get aroused.
Other possible changes are not as noticeable. For example, you might begin to lose bone density because you have less estrogen. This can lead to osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and break easily. Changing estrogen levels can also raise cholesterol levels and increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.
Talk to your doctor about possible treatment for your menopause symptoms if they bother you.
Recommended Reading: My Period Is Two Days Late
What Does A First Period Look Like
In terms of what to expect when your daughter gets her first period, Dr. Webzell explains: The first period may present as darker blood, is often light in flow, and presents as spotting. Spotting describes light bleeding outside of a normal period.
A first period may initially look like brown or pink discharge that turns into more distinctive red blood, but this often isnt indicative of how it will be once it settles down. A first period can differ from one person to another. There is no right first period, says Dr. Twogood. However, its typically not super heavy. Its also normal to have irregular periods duringthe first few years. So someone may have their first period and then not have another period for several months. If you or your child is worried about their cycle, theres more information below about when to reach out to your health care provider.
What Happens After Menopause
After menopause you will no longer be able to get pregnant and you will no longer get a period. If you have any type of vaginal bleeding after menopause, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Vaginal bleeding after menopause is not normal and can mean that you have a serious health problem.
You may experience any of the following after menopause:
- Low hormone levels. With menopause, your ovaries make very little of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Because of changing hormone levels, you may develop certain health risks, including osteoporosis, heart disease, and stroke.
- Menopause symptoms instead of period problems. After menopause, most women get relief from period problems or menopause symptoms. However, you may still experience symptoms such as hot flashes because of changing estrogen levels. One recent study found that hot flashes can continue for up to 14 years after menopause.6,7
- Vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness may be more common post-menopause. Learn more about treatments for vaginal dryness.
You May Like: Dose Of Norethindrone To Delay Period
First Menstruation: Average Age And Physical Signs
When will girls get their first period? The ages vary, but there are two signs of puberty that generally precede first menstruation.
Physical Signs That Precede First Menstruation
While girls vary in the ages that they are when they start their periods and when the other signs of puberty occur, the order is fairly consistent. The two things that are most closely tied to the age when a girl starts her periods, that she can readily assess herself are: first real bra and armpit hair. A “real” bra means one with a cup size attached to it, as opposed to small, medium, large distinctions. Armpit hair is self-explanatory. Any amount will do. At this point, a girl will probably start her periods within 3-6 months, if she hasn’t already.
It also occurs right after the growth spurt of adolescence. So, if a girl grew, grew, grew, last year and has slowed down then periods are right around the corner.
Average Ages And Average Time Between Stages
Take this as the starting point or adolescence. Here is the sequence and time frame of events for an average girl. The girl will also begin her growth spurt about this time. She will notice pubic hair about 6 months later. About 6 months after that she will be in her peak growth spurt, growing faster that she ever has. She will probably get her first training bra at this time. About a year after all this , she will get a real bra and armpit hair. First period will come about 4 months before or after these events.