First Period/Menarche
What is menstruation?
Menstruation is a sign the female body is capable of reproduction. When your menstrual cycle begins, your estrogen levels increase. That causes the lining of your uterus to thicken. The uterine lining thickens so it can support a fertilized egg and develop into a pregnancy. If there isn’t a fertilized egg, your body will break the lining down and push it out of your uterus. This results in bleeding — your menstrual period.
When does first period begin?
Most people start their periods between the ages of 12 and 13. However, it’s normal to start your period a little earlier or later, too. As a general rule of thumb, menstruation will start about two years after your breasts begin to develop. Some cultures say it is an ushering into womanhood and may celebrate the event with an egg meal and a conversation on reproductive health.
What signs should you look out for?
Some people start their periods without any warning. Others may experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in the days leading up to their period. Symptoms of PMS include acne, abdominal bloating, soreness in your breasts, back pain, constipation, diarrhea, feeling more tired than usual (fatigue), feeling extra emotional or irritable, food cravings, especially for sweets, clear or white vaginal discharge. You may find it helpful to carry a “period kit” in your bag so you’re not caught completely off guard when your period begins. This may include a clean pair of underwear, pad, wipe, pain reliever, such as paracetamol.
How long will it last?
Your first period may only last a few days. It may take a couple of months to up to 6 years for your period to settle into a regular schedule and consistency. Once it does, your period may last anywhere from two to seven days each month.
Period hygiene
There are several products to help manage the bleeding in place during a period.
- Sanitary pads are rectangular pieces of absorbent material that you stick inside your underwear. As a general rule, pads should be changed every 4-6 hours, but it depends on the heaviness of flow.
- Tampons: Tampons are absorbent, tube-like menstrual products. They’re inserted into the vagina so they can absorb menstrual fluid before it reaches your underwear.
- Menstrual cups: Menstrual cups are another option. Similar to tampons yet reusable, cups are inserted into the vagina where they collect blood before it exits the body.
Quick tidbits when having your period?
When menstrual blood seeps and stains your clothes, don’t worry your clothes are not ruined.
- Change your pad or tampon
- Use a jacket to cover the patch till you get home
- Soak clothing with powdered soap and wash out; parazone can help with stubborn stains
It is important to take a bath twice a day during your period. It eliminates odor and boosts confidence.
What does it mean now that you have my period?
Having a menstrual cycle means you are capable of getting pregnant if you have sex. In Ghana, it is illegal to have sexual relations with anyone below the age of 18 years. Speak to your family planning nurse on the best birth control methods and STI prevention methods if you want to have sex.
