Your First Period Guide: Age, Symptoms, Duration & More

If you’ve done your research to find out when to anticipate your first period and how to deal with it, you’ve done well. As puberty continues and your first period arrives, knowing what to anticipate and how to deal with it may help you feel more confident and less anxious! The information on this page will be helpful whether you’re getting ready for your first period or have already begun and want to brush up on the basics.

What Is a Period, Anyway?

At some point after puberty, a woman’s menstrual cycle starts, and she’s likely to get her first period around the age of 15. The discharge of crimson fluid from the uterus and subsequent leakage from the vaginal opening is known as menstruation. Periods typically last 3-7 days, after which the cycle repeats roughly once every month. The menstrual cycle is so named because it is a regular cyclical process. Even though it seems strange, half of the world’s population experiences it, which is a sign of excellent health.

The reason why girls are born with periods is unclear.

The only purpose of puberty is to prepare a person to have children in the future (so that the human race may continue!). To have a kid, you need a uterus and vagina. A period is an indication that your uterus (the part within the female body where kids develop) is preparing for the possibility of becoming pregnant. As a result, it creates an ideal environment for a child’s development. In the absence of a pregnancy, the uterus flushes out the lining of the uterus and begins the process over again over the following three to five weeks. If you’re not pregnant, your cycle will restart with your next period. From adolescence until menopause, the menstrual cycle continues in this manner. Learn more about the menstrual cycle and periods by reading this tutorial.

When Will I Start Getting Periods for the First Time?

“When will I get my first period?” is one of the most often asked questions I receive from young girls. When it comes to determining when you’ll begin, there is no crystal ball.

What age will I be when this happens?

If you start your period at the age of 9 or 16, you’re perfectly normal, but the average age for most individuals is approximately 12. The way your body changes throughout puberty has more to do with when you get your first period than your age.

When Is My First Period Coming, and What Are the Symptoms?

Puberty’s bodily changes are the strongest indicator of when you’ll start your period. Breasts, pubic hair, and height are the most reliable indicators of your first period. Most menstrual cycles begin between the ages of 112 and 3 years after your breasts begin to develop, when your pubic hair begins to grow in and six months after your height has grown the most. You’ll have to deal with the fact that your first period will arrive on a random day, week, or even month, as that information is completely void. That’s why being ready is so beneficial — just in case!

Is There Anything I Can Expect?

Periods occur when the uterine lining is shed, and bloody fluid drains from the genital area. I’m excited, yet I’m curious to know how it will feel. Is it a quick or a slow-release? How much liquid is going to be present? Exactly how long is it? Is it going to hurt? Please describe what it looks like. Having many questions about periods is very normal, so keep reading to learn all you need to know!

Do you have any idea how it will look?

A period is made up of bloody fluid. Thus it’s expected that it would appear like blood. The period flow might seem to be either thinner or thicker than “regular” blood at certain points in the cycle. You may see a thick black “smear” in your underwear during your first period. Dark? There is a wide variety of colors to choose from, ranging from deep red to maroon, brown, and even black. That’s because the hue of blood gradually changes over time. Your period blood isn’t always the same hue as “fresh” blood since it’s been sitting in your uterus or vagina for a while (the older the blood is, the darker it looks). If you find brown stuff in your underpants and you’re certain it’s not feces, it’s probably your period. The color has no bearing on your health.

Amount of blood

Your menstruation will gradually flow out of your uterus over a few days. When you urinate, it doesn’t come out in a steady stream, and it doesn’t come out at once. Although each person’s period is unique, most women shed around half a cup to a cup of fluids throughout the month. A heavier flow is usual for the first few days of your period since the flow tends to decrease as your period draws to a close. When it comes to period protection goods (such as pads, tampons, and cups), it’s typical to use two or three different sizes because of these regular fluctuations in inflow.

How long will it be?

Most women’s periods last between three and seven days. Eventually, you’ll have a handle on what’s usual for you. Check out this tutorial on knowing your flow and chatting with your gynecologist if you’re unsure whether your normal is normal.

Is it going to hurt?

Since periods involve blood, it seems only natural to think they might hurt. However, it’s comforting to know that the first period doesn’t hurt! However, your first menstrual cycle may begin without your knowledge. Menstrual cramps may cause minor pain and cramp in the lower abdomen in some women. As muscles may cramp when working hard, the uterus is also prone to cramping. You don’t have to let pains keep you down during your period!

Is it better to use tampons or pads?

Naturally, you’ll want to do something to prevent blood from seeping through your garments if it is gushing from your vagina. That is the purpose of pads and tampons! Your menstrual flow is caught by a soft cloth-like pad that adheres to the crotch area of your underwear, called a “period pad.” You may use tampons to absorb the flow of your period before it comes out of your vagina.

Many various sizes of sanitary products are available, including pads and tampons. It’s better to go big if you’re dealing with a lot of menstrual flow. For a more delicate flow, smaller diameters are preferable.

The idea that you must use pads for your first period is a common misconception, but there is no reason why you can’t go over to using a tampon. It’s up to you! Even for your first period, both pads and tampons are completely safe. What matters most is that you’re aware of the right procedures for handling them. Here, you may learn how to insert a tampon.

When can I expect my next one?

The second period may be just as unexpected as the first one. Many people think it will happen one month after your first period, but in actuality, it may happen anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months after your first period.

Counting the number of days between the beginning of one period and the beginning of the next is the greatest approach to anticipating future ones if you’ve got a few cycles. That informs you of the duration of your cycle. Even though it’ll take some time until you can accomplish this, it’s a great way to remain on top of your game!

It’s termed “period tracking” when you keep track of your periods this way. Many methods exist for keeping track of your menstrual cycle. Like those found in bullet journals and diaries, period trackers may be used to keep track of your appointments throughout time. Don’t forget to keep a log of when your flow begins and ends. You may also wish to keep track of your flow rate as a side aside. Observing your body’s natural rhythms is the greatest approach to being alert and prepared!

Are There Other Signs That You’re Getting Your Period?

Symptoms related to menstrual cycle hormones may also alert some women to the impending arrival of their period and chart their cycle’s progress. Bloating, moodiness, food cravings, breast tenderness, headaches, and menstrual cramps are often reported symptoms before a period begins. Naturally, the symptoms go away after a few days of starting your period. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a term used to describe the symptoms you may encounter before your menstrual cycle.

 

The information in this article was interpreted from the following artifact:

https://tampax.com/en-us/period-health/period-questions/