What should teenagers know about menarche?

Menarche, the onset of menstruation, marks a significant milestone in a teenager's life, typically occurring between the ages of 10 and 15. Hormonal changes trigger the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the menstrual cycle. Factors such as genetics, nutrition, body weight, and overall health influence the timing of menarche. Teenagers may experience a range of emotions and physical symptoms during this period, including mood swings, cramps, and breast tenderness. Education and open communication about menstruation are essential to help teenagers navigate this transition and understand their bodies' changes, promoting physical and emotional well-being during adolescence.

1. What is menarche?Menarche is when you get your first menstrual period. Menarche is an important milestone that marks the beginning of your fertility. This is a defining part of your body’s transition from childhood to adulthood, called puberty. Menarche means that this is the beginning of the monthly shedding of your uterus lining through your vagina. It also means that now you’re physically capable of becoming pregnant and having a baby.

2. What age do we get menarche?You’ll likely get your period between ages 11 and 14. Though most girls experience menarche around 12 and 12 ½., you can get your period as early as 9 or as late as 15. Menarche usually happens 2 to 2 to 2½ years after your breasts begin to develop.It’s also common to get your period at around the same time your mother did.

3. What happens during a period?Menarche is often accompanied by physical changes such as breast development and the growth hair in your private parts. Before the period, you may notice cramping pain in your lower abdomen, back or legs, bloating, tender or sore breasts, acne or pimples, mood swings, or fatigue (tiredness).
During your period, you may notice red or brown blood which could be little like a few spots and get heavier, and then become light again before it ends lasting 2-7 days.Everyone experiences periods differently and first periods are especially unpredictable. You don’t need to worry if your symptoms or your period are different from someone else’s.

4.How do I track my period cycle?A menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of bleeding in one month to the first day of bleeding in the next month. The average menstrual cycle is about 28 days, but cycles that are 21 to 45 days are also normal. It may take 3-6 years after your period starts for your cycle to get regular. It’s a good idea to begin tracking your periods on a calendar, planner or app - it can help you learn what’s normal- and what’s not - for your period.It helps you prepare beforehand, and abnormal bleeding is a sign that you should inform your doctor.


5. What Menstrual Products can you use?There are various menstrual products available, including pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and period panties, each with its own pros and cons.

The best option is to use pads for heavier period days and panty liners for lighter days. Change your pad at least every 4 to 8 hours or whenever it seems full or feels wet and uncomfortable. Some girls change their pads each time they urinate..Choose a pad based on your body size, the amount of flow, and what feels comfortable. Pads with deodorant may irritate your skin.

Period underwear. Period underwear is washable and reusable. You can wear period underwear for a full day. But depending on the underwear and your flow, you may need to change your underwear more often.Some people find that period underwear manages their blood flow, while others wear them with pads, tampons or menstrual cups.
Tampons and menstrual cups are inserted in the vagina and so are not the first option for teenagers. It's generally more comfortable for sexually active women.

6. How to take care of yourself during periods?You don’t have to stop regular activities just because you get your period. And no one has to know that you’re on your period unless you want them to. It's important to maintain good hygiene during menstruation by changing pads or regularly and washing the genital area with mild soap and water. Dab yourself dry after cleaning yourself before changing your pads. You could use a rash cream if the pad irritates the skin.

7. How should you manage the period pain?Some people experience symptoms like cramps, bloating, mood swings, and fatigue during menstruation, while others may have little to no discomfort.If your cramps are bothering you, you could
● Take a warm bath.
● Exercise and stretch.
● Place a heating pad or warm washcloth on your abdomen
● Take medicines that contain ibuprofen or naproxen after checking with your doctor

8. When should you see a doctor?Menstrual periods are a normal, healthy part of life. But having a period should not interfere with your daily activities.You should let your doctor know if your periods
● have not started within 3 years of breast development
● have not started by 14 years of age
● occur more frequently than every 21 days or less than every 45 days
● occur 90 days apart even for one cycle
● last more than 7 days
● require frequent pad changes (soaking more than one every 1–2 hours)
● are heavy and are associated with a history of excessive bruising or bleeding or a family history of a bleeding disorder

9. What questions should I ask my doctor?Menstruation can provide important insights into overall health, so it's essential to track periods and discuss any concerns with your doctor.This is a good time to connect with your gynaecologist and understand the changes you’re experiencing, how much bleeding is considered “normal” , what symptoms require a doctor’s visit, and information related to pregnancy, birth control, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
10.Empowerment: Menstruation is a natural and normal part of life. You need to understand the changes in your body and navigate them. You should feel more in control and confident about your body. You should have open discussions about your concerns, anxieties hygiene and overall well being with your parents or doctor.

(Author: Dr Astha Dayal, Lead Consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram)