The Period Talk Doesn't Have To Be Hard. Period.
Most girls start their periods between the ages of 12 and 13, but some start earlier or later. Your period usually starts about 2 to 3 years after your breasts start to grow. Many girls are anxious or frightened about their periods. Some may have several questions, but others may be afraid to ask them. Moms: Encourage your daughters not to be afraid to ask questions. If you can’t answer them, that is what we are here for!
Period duration:
The long and short of it is that periods are different for everyone. The regularity, the heaviness, even the duration. Your menstrual cycle, which is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next, might occur every 21 to 35 days and last two to seven days. For the first few years after menstruation begins, long cycles are common. However, menstrual cycles tend to shorten and become more regular as you age. If you feel like something isn’t normal, talk to your doctor.
Period pain relief:
Some women have a cramping pain in the lower abdomen or back or breast tenderness just before and during their periods. Others get headaches or feel dizzy. Some get nausea or diarrhea. If you’re looking for some relief*, try the following:
Take ibuprofen or naproxen sodium (if you do not have an allergy to aspirin or severe asthma). Always follow the directions on the bottle for how much to take.
Place a heating pad, heat wrap, or other source of heat on your belly or lower back.
Exercise.
*If these problems do not go away after treatment or if you cannot go to school or do your normal activities, you should talk with your doctor. Read Painful Periods from ACOG to learn more.
How do you know when menstrual bleeding is heavy bleeding?
Women don’t all experience menstruation the same way. What is a regular monthly occurrence for some might be totally alarming for others. But if any of these four symptoms can describe your period, it’s time to talk to your doctor about abnormalities with your period and potential risks for a bleeding disorder.
Periods that last longer than seven days
Frequent changing of pads and tampons (According to the CDC, you have heavy bleeding if you need to change your pad or tampon after less than 2 hours. However, it is recommended all women change their pads or tampons every 4-8 hours, regardless of flow, to avoid bacteria build-up.)
Needing to wear more than one pad at a time to control menstrual flow.
Needing to change pads or tampons during the night.
Menstrual flow with blood clots that are as big as a quarter or larger.
Why is it a good idea to track your period?
If you track your period every month, you may notice a pattern. It may become easier to tell when you will get your next period. To track your period on a calendar, mark the first day your bleeding starts on a calendar with an "X." Put an X on each of the following days that you have bleeding. Count the first "X" as day 1. Keep counting the days until you have your next period. There are also apps that can help you track your period. (There is a built-in feature to the Apple iPhone Health app!)
What personal care products are available during your period?
Pads and period underwear are used to soak up the menstrual flow. Tampons and menstrual cups catch the flow from inside your vagina. Pads, period underwear, tampons, and menstrual cups can be used at different times. Some can also be used together. According to ACOG, You should change your pad or tampon at least every 4 to 8 hours. On the first days of your period, you may need to change it more often because your flow may be heavier. If you use a menstrual cup, you should empty, wash, and reinsert it at least 2 times per day. Period underwear can be worn for a full day.
