Menstruation

. Menstruation is one of the physical signs that you are reaching puberty. Puberty is the time when your body changes. As you grow, your brain signals your body to make hormones called estrogen and progesterone. These hormones control your menstrual cycle. The hormones also help make the lining of the womb ready for pregnancy. Your period happens when your body gets rid of the lining of the womb. Menstruation is the loss of blood, tissue, and fluid from your womb out the vagina. The lining prepares your body for possible pregnancy. When pregnancy does not happen, the tissues and blood of the lining come out of the womb. A period happens about every 28 days. Your period may not be on the same date every month. Some girls may have 25-day cycles. Some may have a 35-day cycle. ‚
Your first period is called "menarche. When your first period happens, you will see small tinges of blood from your vagina. This bleeding is normal and often lasts for 3 to 5 days. You may have heavy bleeding for 2 to 3 days followed by a lighter flow for 2 to 4 days. You may get your first period between 10 and 15 years of age. Some girls get their period earlier or later during teenage years. ‚

General

What Does a Menstrual Period Feel Like? ‚
When hormones rise, the muscles of your womb tighten. Because of the tightening, you may have belly cramps a few days before or during your period. You may also have: ‚

Bloating
Lower back pain
Upset stomach
Loose stools
Moodiness
Low energy

What Can I Do to Relieve Cramps? ‚

Use a heating pad or hot water bottle on your belly.
Take a warm bath.
Exercise.
Meditate or relax. Ask your doctor about ways to relax.
Take drugs as ordered by your doctor.

What Can Affect My Period? ‚

Breastfeeding may delay the return of your period after pregnancy.
Pregnancy may cause your period to be late or missed. If you are sexually active and do not have your period in 6 weeks, take a pregnancy test.
Weight loss
Eating disorders
Too much exercise
Smoking may make your periods more painful.
Other health problems

What Is Premenstrual Syndrome? ‚
Premenstrual syndrome is also called PMS. PMS may happen right before your period starts each month. Your body hormones rise and fall during the month to make your period start. Hormones may cause changes to your body and behavior. During PMS you may have: ‚

Breast soreness
Acne
Headaches
Too much fluid buildup
Anxiety
Food cravings
Irritability
Trouble sleeping
Mood swings

PMS may be worse 1 to 2 weeks before your period begins. PMS most often goes away during your period. ‚
What Can I Do to Help Ease PMS? ‚

Get lots of rest.
Eat a healthy diet. Include fresh fruits and vegetables.
Do not eat processed foods like chips and crackers.
Limit salt. Drink lots of fluids.
Avoid caffeine.

Should I Use Pads or Tampons? ‚
You can use pads or tampons during your period. Begin with pads for your first few periods. You can use tampons during your heavy-flow days and pads or panty liners on lighter-flow days. Use any products that feel comfortable to you. ‚
Find Out What Is Normal for You ‚
Start keeping track of your menstrual cycle. Keeping track will help you know when to expect your period. Write down: ‚

The date your period starts
The number of days your period lasts
How much you bleed. Know when you have heavy or lighter bleeding. Record how often you need to change your pads.
How much pain you have

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What problems could happen?

No periods which is amenorrhea.
Heavy periods which is menorrhagia.
Very painful periods which is dysmenorrhea.

When do I need to call the doctor?

When you have your first period, you will not know what is normal. Talk to your doctor if: ‚

Your period lasts longer than 7 days
You change your pad every hour
You have more than 3 months between periods
You have bleeding in between your periods
You have regular periods that become irregular
Your period is very painful
Cramping is not helped by drugs or other care
Your period suddenly stops

Helpful tips

Tell your friends or family if you are having PMS. Talking about how you feel may make you feel better.
Do not stop your activities when you have your period. The more active you are, the less likely you are to have cramps.
Eat foods rich in iron and take vitamins with iron.

Where can I learn more?

American Pregnancy Association ‚
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/womenshealth/menstruation.html ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/kid/grow/body_stuff/menstruation.html# ‚
http://kidshealth.org/teen/sexual_health/girls/menstrual_problems.html# ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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