Recognizing Common Period Signs & Symptoms: Preparing for your First Menstrual Period
Oh! The thrill and sense of adventure when you’re in your teens. When life is filled with friends, exploration, and first-time experiences. And one of the first-time experiences include getting your periods. When puberty kicks in, your body goes through a host of changes and development, and menstruation is a part of those changes.
Although you may have heard about periods and menstruation, it is important that you have a better understanding about the changes your body is going through. Be it period symptoms or period management with pads meant for teenagers or teens, knowing more about your first period and period signs can help you manage the situation better.
First period signs can vary, which means they may not always be the same for you and, say, your friend.
As you approach your first menstrual period, your body will begin to show some symptoms. Some girls do not even get any symptoms of menstruation. But it is good to know about them anyway.
3 Signs you are getting your period
These are the most common signs that you might be getting your first period.
1. Development of Breast Buds
Your breasts typically develop over a period of four to five years. When you begin to feel your breasts growing, you can expect your first period in the next year or two. Or maybe even sooner.
2. Growth of Pubic Hair
As your breasts develop, you will also notice the growth of pubic hair i.e. hair around your vagina. In this case, your first period may follow in a few months or a year later. It is completely natural to have delayed hair growth. Your body knows best, so let it do its job. So, don't worry.
3. Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge is the most common sign of getting your first period. You will notice a light yellowish or white fluid oozing out of your vagina from time to time. This discharge needs to be cleaned to maintain hygiene in the vaginal area. Here you may use Always panty liners to keep your panty clean and reduce discomfort, especially if you experience it often.
While there is no way to know when your first period will really arrive, you can keep a track of these period symptoms. These bodily signs are not mutually exclusive, which means you may notice all or some of them.
The First and Many to Come - What Causes Menstrual Period?
Don't fret if you don't get your period even after you complete your 15th birthday. It is totally normal to have a delayed onset.
Menstruation is a monthly cycle when blood and other impurities are discharged from your vagina for two to seven days. Typically, you can expect to get your first period between the ages of 10 and 15 years. But don't fret if you don't get your period even after you complete your 15th birthday. It is totally normal to have a delayed onset. Your body will respond appropriately when the time comes.
Entering menstruation also means that your body is now capable of reproducing. It is a natural process and all girls go through this phase. So, know that you are not alone on this, babe.
But while you excitedly wait for your periods to start, it is also good to know what causes them. Here’s why girls get periods and why it is exclusive only to them. Girls: 1, boys: 0, right?
Blame it on Estrogen
When you enter your teenage years, there is a natural rise in the levels of estrogen in the female body, the hormone responsible for reproduction. This rise causes the lining in your uterus to thicken, preparing you for eventual motherhood.
This lining is what supports a fertilized egg, which then develops into a baby. If there is no egg to hold, your body automatically starts to break down the lining and push it out of the uterus. This discharge of lining from your uterus is what you see when you get your period. This cycle typically repeats once every 21 to 35 days.
You should know that your menstrual cycle may not begin at the same time every month. It follows your biological clock and will take a few months to settle into a rhythm, especially when you first begin to get it.
Things to Know to Prepare Before Your First Period
Some guidance by the experts at Always to get you started with menstruation.
How to stay prepared for your first period?
- Clean underwear - Make it two!
- Sanitary pads – The ALWAYS Ultra Thin pads are great pads for teenagers. As the name suggests, these mini pads are ultra thin and come with a superior fit so you can perform your daily activities with ultimate ease and control. These mini pads have a Super Absorbent Core with InstantDry System that absorbs wetness in seconds and its Clean and Dry top cover keeps you dry and ensures long-lasting comfort.
Another great option of a pad for teenagers is the ALWAYS Cotton Soft Pads that provide cushiony soft comfort owing to its comfortable top sheet with Innovative soft design. Its Flexi Channels allow ease of movement and unique Flexi Wings help keep the pad in place so you can go about your day without any worry. - Clean wipes/napkins
Pro tip: It is always great to be prepared for your first period with a period kit, especially if it decides to arrive during a class. Stock it with wipes, a change of underwear and a pack of pads that suit teens.
How long will your first period last?
Your first period will last for a few days - going from up to two to seven days every month. Make sure that you have sufficient sanitary pads of supreme quality to manage your period, especially at night. The ALWAYS Night Dreamzzz Pads is best suited for night use. It is designed with Deep Channels that minimize the risk of leakage. Skip the worry of midnight leakage with a Wider Back that offers better coverage. It has Flexible Wings hold the pad in place through all your midnight twists and turns.
Symptoms when you get your period
The symptoms one experiences during their period range from one woman to another. Some experience a couple, some quite a few, while other, the blessed ones, get by with maybe just one symptom. Here's a list of symptoms that you may experience:- acne
- abdominal bloating
- soreness in your breasts
- back pain
- constipation
- diarrhea
- feeling more tired than usual (fatigue)
- feeling extra emotional or irritable
- food cravings, especially for sweets
- clear or white vaginal discharge
- Cramping
How to manage period cramps?
If you’ve just begun menstruating, the pain of cramps would be like your own personal hell hole! It may get some getting used to and initially, will understandably make you feel irritated due to the pain.Here are a few ways to help manage period cramps:
1. You can take over-the-counter medicines after consulting with a doctor. These can help you get immediate relief.2. Apply heat on your pelvic area, stomach or lower back in the form of a heating pad, heating wrap, or other heat packs.
3. Nothing feels better than a nice hot soak when you're on your periods.
Why is your first period delayed?
Your friends have already got their first period. And you are wondering when yours will arrive. Right?
Well, you don't need to worry as there is no perfect timing for the first period. You will get your first period when your body is ready. So just relax and focus on having your usual fun.
If the wait seems abnormally long, speak to your guardian or consult a doctor.
The thought of getting your first period doesn't have to bog you down. Life is just as wonderful even after you begin your period cycle. You can explore a wide range of Always feminine hygiene products like sanitary pads, tampons and panty liners to ease you through your periods. It is when you realise that it is a natural process of your body and prepares you to womanhood, you begin to appreciate it. And as usual, don't forget to have some fun, girl.
Stay well prepared for your next period by tracking it on Always Period Calculator.
FAQs
1. What happens right before your period?
When you are about to get your period for the first time, you will notice certain changes in your body such as growth of pubic hair, development of breast buds etc. When you notice these signs, your first period is on its way and maybe a good time to have a pack of mini pads handy.
2. What are signs your period is coming?
Some common signs that signal your period is near are cramps, feeling bloated, headache, mood swings, tiredness, constipation or diarrhea, etc.
3. What happens the week before your period?
A week before your period, you will experience PMS (Pre-menstrual Symptoms) such as breast soreness, bloating, acne, cravings for certain foods, increased hunger and thirst, and fatigue. If you have just begun menstruating, know that these are common symptoms and mean you should get your stock of pads that are meant for teenagers since your periods are just round the corner.
4. When am I due for my next period?
On average, women tend to have a 28-day menstrual cycle. If your cycle is 28 days long, simply count 28 days from the first day of your last period. The easier way to calculate the next period due date is by using a period calculator like the ALWAYS Period Calculator. It maps your cycle and provides you with an estimated due date. You simply need to feed in three details namely:
- When did your last period begin?
- How many days did your period last?
- How long is your cycle?
Disclaimer
Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Always is committed to ensuring that all of our products meet rigorous safety standards; Always pads prioritize safety, protection and comfort of its consumers.
