Bloating, cramps, and mood swings are the most common symptoms of periods. However, you do not have to worry about them. Read more at Meri Sehat.

First Period? No Worries, We Got You Covered

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Iqra Mazhar

Overview

Menarche &ndash; the first menstrual period &ndash; is a normal phenomenon for girls. It is significant because it implies growth, both physically and socially.&nbsp;

Menstruation is the &quot;periodic discharge of blood from the uterus.&quot; It may or may not occur as a monthly cycle and continues for the entirety of the women&rsquo;s active reproductive life<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>.

Periods can be very challenging to manage, regardless of how long you have had them; but they are especially difficult the first time when you are totally unprepared for them.&nbsp;

In this article, you&#39;ll find everything you need to know about your periods &ndash; from finding the right menstrual products, including napkins and tampons, to managing pains and preserving stained clothes.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Understanding Period

Puberty is the main cause of menstruation. This is the stage when the girl&rsquo;s body becomes capable of reproduction. The estrogen (female hormone) levels increase in the female body due to the beginning of the <a href="https://merisehat.pk/article/common-menstrual-myths-in-the-society">menstrual </a>cycle, which plays an important role in the thickening of the endometrium or the inner lining of the uterus.&nbsp;

The main purpose of the endometrium lining is to aid a fertilized egg during pregnancy. In case the sperm does not fertilize the ovum (egg), the thickened lining is broken down by your body&#39;s natural mechanism and pushed out of your uterus in the form of periods. 
&nbsp;

Girls start menstruating when they reach the age of puberty, between the ages of 12 and 13<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. Typically, menstruation takes place 2 years after the development of your breasts. 
&nbsp;

<h5>What Symptoms Should I Look For?</h5>

Some girls would not experience any symptoms. Their periods start abruptly and without warning. Other girls experience some symptoms in the days preceding their periods, otherwise known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).&nbsp;

Symptoms of PMS include:

<ul>
	<li>Skin problems</li>
	<li>Abdominal bloating and pain</li>
	<li>Breast tenderness</li>
	<li>Pain in the lower back</li>
	<li><a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/constipation">Constipation</a></li>
	<li>Diarrhea</li>
	<li>Fatigue</li>
	<li>Mood swings, feeling sensitive or irritable</li>
	<li>Food cravings, especially sweets</li>
	<li>Transparent or white discharge from the vagina</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

To avoid being caught unprepared when your period starts, you should start keeping a &quot;period kit&quot; in your bag as soon as you reach that age and feel that your body&rsquo;s changing. This kit should include:

<ul>
	<li>A pair of clean underwear</li>
	<li>Pad, menstrual cup, or tampon</li>
	<li>Cleaning wipes</li>
	<li>Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Try not to panic if your menstruation has begun and you don&#39;t have anything to utilize for the blood. Until you can obtain a good pad or tampon, you can make a temporary pad out of toilet paper to tide you over.

&nbsp;

<h5>A Quick Tutorial</h5>

<ol>
	<li>
	Fold the layers of a long piece of toilet paper (at least 10 squares) over one another.
	</li>
	<li>
	Place this on your underwear where the napkin would be placed &mdash; down the central part of your underwear, along the piece of fabric between your legs (known as the gusset).
	</li>
	<li>
	Use a second toilet paper to wrap the pad and your underwear repeatedly. This will help keep the tissue in its place.
	</li>
	<li>Finish the wrap by tucking the tissue&#39;s end into the top. Now, you have a temporary pad that you can easily manage and remove.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

&nbsp;

Note: You can ask your teacher/school nurse/friends for a pad if you are at your school. It&rsquo;s nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Your first period would continue for a few days. It takes some time for your period to become regular and consistent. Usually, periods last between 2-7 days every month when they become regular.&nbsp;

The first few periods are considered typically light compared to those later in your life and only bring a few patches of red-brown blood throughout the week.

Once the hormones have stabilized, your cycle will follow a schedule that will be more predictable. However, it is possible to experience a strong flow in the first few months and it&#39;s not always a problem if the bleeding is heavier. But, if you believe you are bleeding too much, you need to inform your parents or consult the school nurse.

&nbsp;

Inform an adult you trust if you:

<ul>
	<li>Have to replace/change your sanitary napkin and tampon every couple of hours</li>
	<li>Feel giddy</li>
	<li>Feel dizzy</li>
	<li>Feel heart palpitation</li>
	<li>A period of bleeding that lasts more than 7 days</li>
</ul>

You might need to be taken to the gynecologist by your guardian to discuss your symptoms. The doctor may also prescribe some medicines to help you deal with your symptoms.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In this section of the article, several menstrual products have been outlined. Your choice of product depends on a variety of factors such as flow, pain, comfort, etc. It is important to bear in mind that your preferred option might change down the line.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Period Underwear</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

The concept of period underwear is quite recent. The only difference between it and conventional underwear is that it is made of a unique fabric that absorbs menstrual blood and keeps it inside the fabric.

Period underwear caters to all girls and women, i.e., they have different levels of absorbency of blood. If your first period is light, you might be able to rely solely on these. But, if you feel it&rsquo;s a heavy flow, then period underwear is a great backup; it&rsquo;s pretty helpful in preventing accidental leakage.&nbsp;

There are numerous brands available, but they all function similarly. Choose one according to your flow and comfort. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Sanitary Napkins And Panty Liners</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Rectangular pieces of absorbent material that you can stick on the inside of your underwear are called sanitary napkins. Every pad has a sticky strip on the underside, allowing for the pad to remain attached to your underwear. Some pads may include &quot;wings&quot; on the sides that you drape over the borders of your underwear. This aids in keeping the pad in position and also prevents leakage.

There are many different sizes of pads. Each size is specifically designed to accommodate various degrees of blood flow. The amount of blood a pad can absorb varies depending on its size and is usually indicated on the box/cover

You&#39;ll most probably use different sizes of pads within one cycle for example at the start of the cycle, you will need more absorbent pads since the flow is heavy, while towards the end of the cycle, a lighter absorption pad would be adequate due to less flow.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Most women prefer using pads at night compared to tampons as it is easier to change and if left overnight will not cause any health-related issues.&nbsp;

At the start of your cycle, you will notice some spotting. To prevent staining your underwear due to spotting, you can use panty liners. These are thinner and more compact. They can also be used towards the end of your periods when your bleeding could be sporadic. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Tampons</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Tampons are menstruation products that are tube-shaped and absorbent. They are placed within the vagina to soak up menstruation blood before it gets to your underwear.

Applicator tubes made of cardboard or plastic are often sold with tampons. These tubes have been made to aid you in inserting the tampon into your vagina. A string is on one end of every tampon to help you remove it easily.&nbsp;

Tampons are available in various sizes and levels of absorbency. Beware of scented tampons, though, as your vagina might become irritated by the fragrance.

When it&#39;s time to insert the tampon, carefully press it inside your vaginal canal until only the string is left exposed.&nbsp; If your tampon has an applicator, gently pull it out by holding onto the tube. You should let the tampon stay in your vagina so that it&#39;ll absorb the blood.&nbsp;

When it is time to take it out of the vagina, just pull the string till the tampon is free.

Please make sure to change your tampon every 4 to 6 hours, but no longer than 8 hours. If left for 8 hours, the risk of infections and irritation increases. You also risk developing Toxic shock syndrome (TSS), although it&#39;s rare; it is always better to be safe than sorry. 
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Menstrual Cups</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

If you are uncomfortable using pads or tampons, another option is menstrual cups. Cups are inserted into the vagina, similarly to tampons, where they collect blood before it leaves the body.

Cups normally come in two size options &mdash; small or large &mdash; generally based on the female&#39;s age and previous delivery experience, their menstrual flow, and cervix height.

The smaller variant will probably be more convenient, easy to use, and more comfortable for you to insert. You should receive step-by-step instructions for your product, but you can also refer to a guide to insertion and removal.&nbsp;

One major advantage of these cups over pads or tampons is that they can be washed and used repeatedly. This implies that you only need to remove the cup, clean it, and reinstall it when it&#39;s time to replace it.

The lifespan of reusable cups ranges from 6 months to 10 years with proper maintenance depending upon the type of brand and manufacturer of it. In other words, menstrual cups are not only safe and effective but they also save you money and are eco-friendly.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

No, not always! Before we get into the details, know that it can happen to anyone.

When you start your period, you&#39;ll be learning about how much blood will be shed from your body, the amount your menstrual item can absorb, and when your flow seems to be at its heaviest.&nbsp;

Keep a few cleaning wipes in your bag if you can. They can help you remove the stain until you can thoroughly wash the fabric.&nbsp;As a temporary solution, you can tie a jacket around your waist to hide the stain.

&nbsp;

Try this technique to remove the stain when you reach home:

<ol>
	<li>Soak the stained fabric in cold water as soon as possible. Do not use warm water because that would set the stain and make it impossible to get out.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Spray a stain remover if it is available. Be sure to soak the affected region thoroughly. Let it sit for the amount of time labeled on the product&#39;s packaging.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>If you don&#39;t have a stain remover on hand or wish to use two different methods to make it more effective, you can rub a bar soap or dab some liquid soap into the stain-affected region to build up a thin lather.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Wash and repeat the process till the stain washes out.</li>
	<li>Wash your pants in the washing machine if the stain is not completely removed. Just be certain to use cold water rather than warm.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Air dry the washed clothes since the dryer&#39;s heat has the potential to set the stain permanently.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

<div>&nbsp;</div>

Not at all! You don&rsquo;t have a different appearance or fragrance. Someone could smell the blood only if you leave your napkin or period underwear on for a longer period than advised.

Do not use scented menstrual products as they can aggravate your vulva. Instead, wash your vaginal area with lukewarm water if you are worried about body odor. Another great alternative is the use of baby wipes to clean your intimate regions during periods. 
&nbsp;

Swimming and other physical activities are allowed during your period. It may also have the potential to lessen cramps.&nbsp;Choose a tampon or a menstrual cup to stop leakage in the water when you intend to swim.&nbsp;For the majority of activities, pads or period underwear can be used.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Cramps are, without a doubt, uncomfortable. But think about it this way: your body needs periods &ndash; and, therefore, cramps &ndash; to remove the uterine lining.

&nbsp;

To feel better:

<ul>
	<li>Follow the directions on the label or advice of medical healthcare professionals for the use of&nbsp;over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Put a heating pad or heating wrap as a source of heat on your lower back or stomach.</li>
	<li>Take a warm bath.</li>
</ul>

Note: Talk to an adult if your cramps worsen and you feel sick and unable to get out of bed or do routine activities. In some instances, excruciating cramping could signify an underlying illness like endometriosis so don&rsquo;t ignore or take it lightly and consult a gynecologist. 
&nbsp;

Besides cramps, you might also experience the following symptoms:

<ul>
	<li>Acne</li>
	<li>Abdominal bloating</li>
	<li>Sore breasts</li>
	<li>Back pain</li>
	<li>Constipation</li>
	<li>Diarrhea</li>
	<li>Fatigue</li>
	<li>Feeling sensitive or irritable</li>
	<li>Food cravings</li>
</ul>

All these symptoms don&#39;t necessarily need to be present when you have your period. They appear or disappear depending upon the hormonal swings.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The period is basically one part of the menstrual cycle. This implies that your period will follow a more regular pattern over time.&nbsp;Typically, a menstrual cycle lasts for 28 days. But it can be around 21-45 days, which is also normal.&nbsp;

Menstruation may not start consistently for about 6 years following your first period. This is because your body has to learn how to control the release of your reproductive hormones.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

It would take a few years for your periods to develop a regular pattern. But you can keep a track of your symptoms, which would prove useful in spotting patterns and getting (mentally) ready for your period till it arrives. This record can also be used to discuss severe pain with the nurse or other healthcare professionals.&nbsp;

You can use signs or code words to aid you in symbolizing the start and end of your period if you don&#39;t want people to know what you are tracking. You can maintain it on paper or on a phone. Or you can download an app. Fitbit, for instance, has a tracking option; others like Flo Period &amp; Ovulation Tracker, Clue Period Tracker &amp; Calendar, and Eve Period Tracker App work, too. 
&nbsp;

You won&#39;t have periods for your entire life, but you&#39;ll have them until menopause. The onset of menopause is directly related to the level of hormones that triggered your menarche i.e. Menopause occurs when these hormones start to decrease in your body.

Usually, menopause starts between the ages of 45 and 55. But it&rsquo;s not just the age factor; your period may stop/ become irregular due to stress and other medical conditions as well. Talk to your healthcare professional about when you miss a period.

Meanwhile, there&rsquo;s the option of hormonal birth control if you want to stop your periods for health reasons/ travel purposes. Again, it&rsquo;s better to get in touch with your doctor first regarding it.&nbsp;

You will not have any periods during pregnancy. In case you experience any bleeding or spotting during pregnancy, please consult your doctor immediately. 
&nbsp;

The brief answer? Yes. When the semen comes in touch with the vagina, pregnancy is a possibility. Although the start of a period is mostly considered to mark the start of your reproductive years, it is possible to conceive before your period.&nbsp;

Hormones determine everything. In some circumstances, your body may secrete ovulation-inducing chemicals before the start of menstruation. Getting pregnant is conceivable even if you have intercourse during your menstruation.&nbsp;

Ultimately, it depends on where you are in your cycle. If you want to prevent pregnancy, you can use any of the contraceptive methods suggested by your doctor.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Talk to a responsible adult or visit a doctor if:

<ul>
	<li>By the age of 15, you have not begun your period.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>It&#39;s been almost 2 years since you have had your periods and they are still irregular.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Bleeding occurs in between your periods.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>You are in excruciating pain and unable to carry out routine tasks.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>You must replace your pad or tampon every 1-2 hours as you experience heavy intense bleeding.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>You experience periods longer than 7 days.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Make sure you&rsquo;ve kept a record of when your last period began and ended, when did the erratic bleeding start, or any other signs you experienced during your cycle. 
&nbsp;

Conclusion

Women in low- and middle-income countries frequently lack access to medical information, particularly regarding menstruation-related hygienic concerns. Lack of formal guidance from the schools, cultural resistance to using alternate menstruation products, a lack of economic resources, and inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure make this natural process difficult for young girls.&nbsp;

As a result, a biological process that naturally dignifies women and girls becomes a source of embarrassment and frustration. Such societal stigmas and beliefs make post pubescent girls more susceptible to engaging in unsanitary behaviors that result in various diseases, including those of the reproductive and urinary systems.&nbsp;

Hence, this article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to educate young girls about safe menstrual health.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>It might be challenging for a parent or guardian to know how to help a child during their first period.</li>
	<li>Every woman goes through the period as part of her regular cycle.</li>
	<li>The guardian should keep it factual. Don&rsquo;t let your menstrual past, whether it&#39;s been positive or negative, influence how you think and eventually affect how your daughter feels about menstruation.</li>
	<li>There are various menstruation product options to help you with the process.</li>
	<li>Make a period kit with some underwear, stain remover, and menstrual supplies that they can conveniently put in a locker or backpack. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

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