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The first menstruation occurs after the onset of puberty, which varies around 10-13 years of age. First of all, you need to know that everyone is different and that your first menstrual cycle will come when your body is ready for it. The normal hormonal changes during adolescence are responsible for the first period, which is called menarche in medical language.
During puberty, the first clear signs appear on your body. You will notice breast growth and hair in several areas. Menstrual bleeding will occur once a month, but do not worry if it is irregular at first. It is completely normal. Over time it will regulate and you will be able to know exactly how long your menstrual cycle lasts.
To give you more information, we have put together a small guide to your first period – how old it is, what symptoms you may experience, how long it lasts and how you can prepare for your first period.
Symptoms of the first period
Before the first day of the actual menstrual bleeding, some specific symptoms may appear. These are completely normal and are called premenstrual syndrome. Their intensity can vary from person to person and there is no reason to worry as long as they do not cause serious symptoms.
The most common symptoms of the first period are cramps, abdominal pain, tension in the chest area, headache and general fatigue. These may be accompanied by bloating, food cravings or sudden mood swings. Back pain in the middle area is also typical for the menstrual period. You may also experience excess acne on some areas of your body, which is due to the hormonal changes your body is going through. The list contains the most common symptoms that occur with your first period, but it does not mean that you will get them all. It all depends on how your body reacts to these changes. But it is important to know them and be informed if they occur.
You have already entered the menstrual phase, i.e. the bleeding has started. The first day of your period is also the first day of your menstrual cycle. We explain below what this means and how to calculate it. To return to menstruation, it usually lasts between 3 and 7, maybe even 8 days, and the average is 5 days. On the first and second day you can expect heavier bleeding. After that, the current will gradually decrease until it stops completely. Towards the end, you will see your period go from red blood to brownish discharge, which is a sign that it is coming to an end.
How can I prepare for my first period?
The answer to this question is simple: in order for you to feel safe and secure in dealing with this normal but new period in your life, you need to have all the information available to you in advance.
Everyone is different (I keep repeating this point because although there are similarities regarding first periods, it is important to manage things according to your needs). The first thing is to prepare yourself with pads because you don't know when and where the bleeding will occur.
Menstruation requires careful hygiene, which means washing the intimate area several times a day and changing absorbent pads and underwear. To avoid becoming a burden, you can use the teenage menstrual cup , a reusable intimate product specially developed for the bodies of young virgins. It fits into your vagina like a tampon and protects you for up to 12 hours, depending on how heavy your flow is. The cup collects the blood from inside the body, does not absorb it and provides protection and safety.
How about a couple fuchsia period panties for teenagers ? They are the 2-in-1 option because they replace both underwear and pillow at the same time. The panties are absorbent and are ideal for the first period. You can wear them for up to 12 hours without them chafing, smelling unpleasantly or running out. The big advantage is that once you have used them, you can wash them and use them again because they are reusable.
First period - duration
The normal duration of the first period is 3-7 days (it can last up to 8 days) and may be accompanied by the above symptoms.
As for menstrual cycle, this is the period calculated between two periods. That is, the time between the first day of your period - when the bleeding occurs - and the day before the next period begins. When the menstrual cycle is regulated, it usually happens every 28 days. But it can vary between 21 and 35 days.
It is very important to know that your first period as a teenager is a sign that you are a healthy person and that your reproductive system is working properly. And don't worry that it didn't come at the same age as your friends or classmates. All bodies are different.
