Could you be getting your first period soon and want to learn more about the menstrual cycle? Don't panic, we'll explain everything.
If there's one important stage in a young girl's life, it's definitely the arrival of her first period. It's that famous day when a young girl becomes a young woman.
However, it's important to remember that periods are not a taboo and are part of women's lives.
Periods: what are they?
In this article, we're going to address you directly, the young girl who is about to become a woman and who may be scared of this new and future adventure. So, rest assured, periods are certainly not always fun, but they are there to remind you that you have become a woman.
Before we begin to explain what your first period entails and how your daily life will be slightly disrupted, it is essential to understand how the menstrual cycle works.
Periods, also called menstruation, are defined as a blood flow from the vagina that lasts between three and seven days and occurs every month, more or less on the same date, during the menstrual cycle.
This cycle begins on the first day of your period and ends on the first day of your next period. It continues if there is no fertilization and therefore no pregnancy. For most women, this menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but it can range between 25 and 32 days.
To clarify the subject a bit more, the menstrual cycle takes place in two phases, which are:
- Phase 1: the estrogenic phase
This stage begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts 14 days. During this period, the ovaries produce estrogens (hormones) that allow the endometrium - the lining of the uterus - to thicken to receive an embryo in case of fertilization.
- Phase 2: the progestational phase
This phase is the period phase. It begins after ovulation and lasts 2 weeks. Progesterone production peaks about 8 days after ovulation, then decreases.
This hormonal fluctuation influences the state of the endometrium. As a result, since it no longer receives as much blood and oxygen, the upper wall of the mucous membrane "gradually degenerates and is expelled through the vagina in the form of bleeding, which is called menstruation," as stated by the Gynandco website.
A young girl's first period can occur between the ages of 10 and 16.
How do you know if your first period is coming?
To know if your first period is coming, you need to pay attention to the signs your body is giving you.
If you feel pain in your breasts, if you have a few pimples on your face or body, if you have headaches and stomach pains, it could all be explained by the arrival of your first period.
First period: does it hurt?
When your first period arrives, don't panic. It is completely normal to be stressed by this blood flow, but there is nothing more natural.
The menstrual cycle is often synonymous with minor pains that can sometimes be challenging. These pains that occur before and during the menstrual cycle are called premenstrual syndrome or PMS. It manifests as abdominal pain, muscle pain, headaches, breast pain, fatigue, and mood swings.
For some women, premenstrual syndrome can be more severe and can lead to phases of depression. If the pain is too intense and regular with each cycle, it is important to consult a specialist.
What period products should I buy?
For the arrival of your first period, you should of course equip yourself and find the period product that suits you best. For example, you can start gently with a reusable sanitary pad or menstrual underwear. Depending on your flow - whether light or heavy - there are different types of underwear and pads.
You can also opt for a menstrual cup or tampons. However, these protections carry risks such as causing toxic shock or having allergies and irritations due to the presence of chemicals in these protections.
The Adopte ma culotte website offers various models of menstrual underwear. They will allow you to approach this new adventure as a young woman serenely and comfortably.