How old do you get your first period. Symptoms during menstruation

From the point of view of gynecology, the onset of menarche is a central event in the development of the female body. The appearance of the first menstruation in girls indicates the emergence of the opportunity to bear a fetus. Depending on the type of nutrition, the physical development of the girl's body, previous somatic diseases, household and social factors, as well as on the geographical location, the timing of the onset of menarche varies from 8 to 16 years.

Harbingers of the first menstruation are causeless mood swings, sudden changes in fatigue and vigor, headaches. Girls often have pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, nausea and weakness.

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first menstruation

During menstruation, there is a detachment of the functional layer of the mucous membrane of the uterus - the endometrium.

There is no specific age for the onset of menarche - the first menstruation indicates the development of the female body, its puberty. Most often, critical days for girls begin at the age of 11-14 years, rarely at the age of ten. The onset of menarche depends on the following factors:

constitutional features of the body, including the physical development of the child;
diseases transferred in childhood;
heredity;
type of food;
social and living conditions.

There is a chance that the first menstruation will start at the same time as the mother and grandmother of the girl. This feature is due to a strong genetic influence. Also, if a child overtakes peer girls in physical development, most likely, menstruation will come a little earlier.

Late menarche occurs when there is a deficiency of protein, vitamins and trace elements in the girl's diet. Without a balanced diet, a girl's normal sexual development slows down.

The early onset of critical days (8-9 years) is sometimes caused by hormonal disorders or extreme physical exertion. If menstruation has not begun by the age of 16-17, you should consult a gynecologist, since this feature may indicate violations of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, ovarian pathologies and other endocrine disorders.

Symptoms

Mom will be able to easily learn about the changes that occur with her daughter during the premenstrual period. 1-2 years before menstruation appears, the development of secondary sexual characteristics intensifies in the girl:

the figure acquires feminine features;
the size of the mammary glands increases;
hips become more rounded;
hair begins to grow in the pubic area and armpits.

Due to hormonal changes in the body, many teenage girls develop acne on the face, chest and back.

A few weeks before the onset of menarche, a girl may notice the appearance of marks that look like transparent, white or yellowish lines on her underwear. Normally, the discharge does not have an unpleasant odor. If a girl complains of itching in the vaginal area, an unpleasant smell of discharge, it is necessary to visit a doctor.

Premenstrual syndrome is characterized by the following symptoms:

frequent mood swings;
tearfulness, fatigue;
apathy or hysteria;
unexplained headaches;
discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen.

How is menarche

The main sign of menstruation in girls is the appearance of scanty or profuse bloody discharge from the vagina of red or brown color. Depending on the individual characteristics of the body, the volume of secretions is about 50-150 ml, and on the first day of blood is released a little - the most abundant discharge occurs on the second day, after which their volume is reduced. On average, the first menstruation lasts from 3 to 7 days.

Menstruation is accompanied by a feeling of weakness, pain in the lower third of the abdomen. Subsequently, these symptoms persist and periodically occur throughout the life of an adult woman.

The characteristic smell of secretions is associated with an increase in the secretory activity of the mucous glands of the vagina, which produce a specific secret.

It is important for a girl to understand that the presence of menstruation is a kind of indicator of women's health.

Peculiarities

In girls, the menstrual cycle is about 21-35 days. During the first two years, it is unstable and can constantly fluctuate. For example, one menstrual cycle lasts 26 days, and the next 32 or 33 days. For a teenage girl, this is a variant of the norm and does not indicate the presence of any pathology. If you suspect or worsen the condition of the girl, you should immediately consult a doctor.

The intervals between periods sometimes last from 1.5 to 6 months, since the menstrual function at such a young age is not completely formed. If the interval between periods is more than 2 months, a consultation with a gynecologist is necessary. A long interval between menarche and subsequent periods often indicates a serious endocrine disruption in the work of a young organism.

During the period of the first menstruation, you should advise your daughter to start a menstrual calendar, which marks the beginning and end of each menstruation. The first months or even years, the information received will be of little use, since the cycle will be irregular and unstable, but in adulthood, when menstruation becomes stable, such a calendar will allow you to track the course of menstruation. Too short or long interval will indicate a problem in the work of the female body.

Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene is one of the most important points. During critical days, adult female representatives actively use tampons and pads. Menstrual caps or caps are used much less often - an intimate hygiene product placed inside the vagina.

Pads are the most preferred for girls. Tampons impede the natural outflow of blood, and the menstrual cap has one significant disadvantage - the use of a menstrual cap requires the skills of inserting and removing it.

Preference should be given to pads with a cotton layer. The so-called mesh-coated plastic layer is less hygienic and irritates the delicate skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs.

The gasket must be changed 2-3 hours after the start of use. With a longer wearing of hygiene products, colonies of microorganisms grow exponentially, which can provoke the occurrence of infectious diseases of the genitourinary system.

Gaskets	1. Be sure to wash your hands before changing pads. 2. Expired pads must not be used. 3. To avoid skin irritation and allergic reactions, neutral pads should be used without the addition of various flavors. 4. It is better to buy and use hygiene products from well-known manufacturers. Cheap ones are often made from low-quality raw materials, which directly affects the girl's health. 5. Gaskets should be stored in a dry place. A large amount of moisture can provoke the growth of various fungal microorganisms.
Water procedures	The best option is a daily shower. A mandatory hygiene procedure is washing with neutral soap for intimate hygiene. The procedure is carried out 2-3 times during the day
Physical exercise
	Spicy, excessively fatty and fried foods should be temporarily excluded from the usual diet, since it is this food that provokes a rush of blood to the abdominal organs

Gynecologist visit

The first visit to the gynecological office should take place no later than 15 years. In the future, it is necessary to undergo medical examinations at least once a year.

It is necessary to seek medical help in the following cases:

menstruation lasts 1-2 days or more than 7 days (a short period of critical days indicates a violation of the endocrine function of the ovaries, and a long period indicates a deterioration in uterine contractility or excessive estrogen production);
with abundant spotting (more than 150 ml);
if the pause between menarche and subsequent menstruation was more than six months;
when, after the relative normalization of the menstrual cycle, irregularity is again observed (the cycle is less than 21 days or more than 32 days);
large streaks of blood are visible in the secretions.

The general deterioration of the girl's condition, accompanied by severe pain in the lower abdomen and lower back, weakness, fever, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and loss of consciousness is the reason for calling an ambulance.

Are you excited to be a girl? Are you a little worried and wondering how to find out when your period starts for the first time?

Yes, this is indeed a very important and significant event in your life. It is perfectly normal for you to think about it, worry about it, or even be afraid. But here it is very important to understand that you are not alone and absolutely all girls go through this! And, as you can see, they feel good about it! You become a girl, it's great! So let's listen to our body, end all fears and meet growing up with a big happy smile. But first, of course, we will find answers to all your questions. So let's go.

At what age do girls start menstruating?

Some girls have their first period as early as 8 or 9 years old, while others have to wait until 15 or 16. The average age of onset of menstruation is 11–13 years. Therefore, you should not look at your girlfriends and get upset if they have already started their period, but you have not yet. This is not the case when the sooner the better. Your body knows best when it's time. The best way to understand that you are about to start your period is to pay attention to other

There is no correct age to start menstruation. Every girl has them at her own time. On average, the first menstruation begins in girls at the age of 11-13.

If my mom started her period at 15, does that mean I have to wait for my period at that age too?

Probably yes. Studies show that the genetic factor strongly influences the age at which menstruation begins. Therefore, it is a must. Let her tell how it was for the first time with her and why this should not be afraid. Maybe she even has some funny stories on this topic - you will laugh together. Mom can also tell you about useful tricks and give you a pad just in case, so that you can carry it in your purse and be ready for little surprises at any moment.

Why haven't I started my period yet?

Each person has their own biological clock, set to its own time. Even if it seems to you that your period will never start, do not be afraid - it will happen soon!

What are the signs of the first menstruation? How to understand that they will start soon?

To do this, you need to monitor changes in your own body.

What should I do if my period catches me at the most inopportune moment?

Don't worry, most likely your period won't start too abruptly. You will have time to notice a small speck on the panties and use the pad in time. But if you are very worried about this, you can start using thin panty liners (especially if you have already noticed all the signs of approaching menstruation).

Always carry a pad in your purse to be ready.

What does the first period look like?

Did you notice a spot of red or brown on the panties? This is it! Put on a pad. Most likely, the first menstruation will not be too intense, but everything is quite individual here. You should know that menstrual flow is not only made up of blood, but also of the uterine lining and vaginal discharge. Therefore, their color can vary from red to brown. Still do not forget that during menstruation you should pay special attention.

I started my period, and then disappeared again for almost six months, is this normal?

Yes, you're all right! For some girls, the menstrual cycle is established immediately, while for others - after some time. Therefore, if the first year of menstruation will come irregularly, you should not worry. However, for your peace of mind, it is necessary. It's not scary at all, but it's very important for your health.

How many days do periods last?

For all girls, they last differently - for someone 3 days, and for someone 7 or 8. The average period is usually 4-5 days. In this case, the most abundant discharge occurs in the first couple of days.

But what if I never get my period?

Until the age of 16, you can relax and not worry (especially if you are thin). But if you're 16 years old and still haven't started your period, it could mean primary amenorrhea (i.e. no menstruation). Such a girl should be examined by a doctor, according to the results of which she will be diagnosed and prescribed treatment.

When do women stop menstruating?

The menstrual cycle lasts until menopause occurs. This is the end of menstruation, after which a woman can no longer bear children. For most women, menopause occurs around age 50, but it can be earlier, for example, at 35 or later - even at 60.

Can I make it so that I don't have periods?

Well, I do not! Menstruation is the result of the normal functioning of hormones, so there is no safe medical way to stop it or reduce its volume. Get used to it. Now you are a girl, and this is part of your life!

Still have questions about your first period? Then read ours or ask your question in the comments. We will definitely answer!

Useful articles on the topic, in which you will also find a lot of interesting things:

The problem of puberty in Russia is relevant in our time. It so happened that in many Russian families, discussions with children on issues of sexual development, marriage, and childbearing are left behind the scenes. But not only parents, but also teachers in schools need to conduct conversations with children, schoolchildren, striving for a competent sexual education of our descendants.

Puberty, as a physiological process, proceeds in a certain sequence.

In prepuberty, rapid growth and the appearance of the first signs of a femininity of a figure are noted: the hips are rounded as a result of growth and a uniform redistribution of fatty tissue, a female pelvis is formed. Many girls become embarrassed by such changes. Therefore, in this important and responsible period, the mother needs to speak very gently and carefully with the girl about sexual development.

In the pubertal phase (10-12 years), the growth of the mammary glands occurs, which is called thelarche; the beginning of pubic hair growth is noted (11 years - 12 years) - this is called pubarhe. The end is the onset of the first menstruation - menarche (menstruation begins in girls aged about 12-13 years), coinciding with the completion of body growth in length.

What is menstruation (menstruation)?

Menstruation, and from the medical side - menstruation, is a rejection of the endometrium (the mucous membrane of the inner layer of the uterus), a rhythmic process that repeats at certain intervals. Menstruation is the completion of the physiological process - the menstrual cycle, which lasts 3 - 4 weeks.

During sexual growth, gonadotropic hormones (FSH-follicle-stimulating hormone and LH-luteinizing hormone) begin to be produced in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, which trigger the growth mechanism of the follicle, the production of steroids and the maturation of the egg. In the mucous membranes of the uterus, vagina, cervical canal, cyclic changes occur, corresponding to the phases of the menstrual cycle.

Cycle phases

The menstrual cycle has multiple phases:

phase of rejection of the endometrium, which has individual terms in duration from one day to several days. This is a very complex process, after which the process of endometrial growth immediately begins, which occurs with extraordinary speed;
then the proliferation phase begins (with a normal 4-day cycle) starting from the 5th day and lasting until the 14th day of the menstrual cycle. Every day the process of endometrial growth increases, and by the end of the proliferation phase, the growth of the endometrium in thickness reaches a maximum;
after the proliferation phase, the secretion phase will begin from the 15th to the 28th day of the menstrual cycle. In this phase, the growth of the endometrium stops and it begins to prepare for the acceptance of a fertilized egg, or for rejection (if the fertilization of the egg did not occur).

It should be noted that menstruation is not only changes that occur in the reproductive organ - the uterus, but manifestations of changes in the whole organism.

Changes in the body

Before the onset of menstruation, the body signals this various manifestations, including:

drawing pain in the loin and sacrum;
headache;
feeling of brokenness;
tension in the nipples;
weight gain;
many girls and girls, a few days before the onset of menstruation, begin to discharge copious mucous secretions;
possible, but not always, an increase in body temperature, fluctuations in blood pressure.

In addition to the above changes, the first signs of menstruation in girls can be manifested by changes in the psychological sphere: memory loss, irritability, tearfulness, insomnia.

The amount of blood released during menstruation, on average, ranges from 50 ml to 150 ml. Menstrual blood is darker than arterial or venous blood.

The first 1.5 years after menarche, the frequency of cycles with ovulation (that is, cycles in which the egg matures) reaches 60%. In 1/3 of girls, the first 3-5 years after menarche, menstrual cycles are characterized by insufficiency of the corpus luteum, but most often the cycles are anovulatory. This explains the high frequency of dysfunctional uterine bleeding at puberty.

What factors affect puberty (the onset of menstruation) and at what age do girls begin menstruation?

It should be said that a large number of factors influence the onset and course of puberty. These include hereditary (race, nation), constitutional factors, health status, body weight.

For example, in girls with a large body weight, menstruation occurs earlier, in contrast to their peers who have a lower body weight.

To the question, what time then, on average, does a girl's period begin, there is an answer: upon reaching a body weight of 47.8 + -0.5 kg, when the fat layer is 22% of the total body weight (an average of 12 - 13 years )

In addition to these factors, other (external) factors also influence the onset and course of sexual development: climatic (light, altitude, geographic location) and a balanced diet (with sufficient protein, fat, carbohydrates, trace elements and vitamins).

Diseases such as heart disease with heart failure, tonsillitis, severe gastrointestinal diseases with malabsorption of nutrients, kidney failure, liver failure can also become sources. All these conditions weaken the girl's body, inhibiting the normal course of the puberty process.

How many days does the first period last?

According to the World Health Organization, in 38% of girls, the menstrual cycle from menarche to the second menstruation lasted more than 40 days, 10% - more than 60 days, 20% - 20 days.

The duration of the first menstruation is from 2 to 7 days, but it can go longer, up to 2 weeks, and on average a girl uses from 3 to 6 pads. But usually the first menstruation in girls are plentiful and long.

And what does Dr. Komarovsky say?

In the article of the famous children's doctor O. E. Komarovsky, it is said that the final setting of the menstrual cycle takes from 8 to 12 years, and for a larger number of adolescents, its duration is from 21 to 45 days.

The first three years, the menstrual cycle, on average, is 28 - 35 days, but with age it is shortened, which is associated with the work of the ovaries.

Allocate the following fluctuations in the menstrual cycle in adolescents:

the first year after menarche - 23 - 90 days;
fourth year - 24 - 50 days;
seventh year - 27 - 38 days.

All this suggests that the menstrual cycle, individual for each girl, is finally established by the age of 19-20 and should not begin and end the same for everyone!

It should be noted that there are signs and conditions that should alert parents and force them to contact a specialist in a timely manner.

These include:

absence of menstruation for 6 months;
symptoms of an endocrine system disorder (diabetes mellitus, obesity);
polycystic ovaries;
active sports (which is often found in girls 12 years old);
loss or lack of appetite, or vice versa, when girls begin to increase their appetite intensely;
taking certain medications, drugs;
tumors of the pituitary gland, ovaries, adrenal glands;
blood diseases.

Exist menstrual irregularities:

amenorrhea when there are no periods for more than 3 months (it is worth saying that there is a physiological absence of menstruation during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in other cases, amenorrhea is pathological and requires treatment);
oligomenorrhea- the interval between periods is more than 35 days;
polymenorrhea- the interval is less than 22 days;
hypomenorrhea- the duration of bloody discharge is less than 3 days;
hypermenorrhea— more than 7 — 10 days;
menorrhagia when spotting continues for 10 to 14 days or more;
opsomenorrhea- rare with an interval of more than 35 days and meager periods.

Stress has a great influence on the installation of the menstrual cycle. If a girl is constantly exposed to stress (at home, at the institute when passing a session), menstruation may be delayed, scarce or completely absent, this is the so-called stress amenorrhea.

It should be noted that menstruation can begin even before the age of twelve, at the age of 8 years, the so-called early menstruation. This will not be considered a pathology if the mother, grandmother of the girl had exactly the same (there is a genetic factor), however, such an early onset of menstruation may be a sign of pathology (comorbidities, stress, pituitary tumors, and others).

And it happens that the first menstruation begins and later: at the age of 16 - 18 years. The reasons for the late onset of menstruation can be a lack of body weight, pituitary tumors, past infectious diseases (measles, rubella), stress, psycho-emotional overstrain.

Which is better to use: pads or tampons?

When our grandmothers were menstruating, they used gauze, rags, then they were washed and used again.

In the modern world, a huge number of pads and tampons have been developed and introduced into wide use.

This is really very convenient, because using them allows you to continue to lead an active life, without fear that something will leak somewhere. The question remains, which is better to use: tampons or pads.

It must be said that the use of pads is safer than tampons, because when using cotton rolls, safety and hygiene measures must be observed.

A tampon can be left in the vagina for no more than 2 hours, and longer use creates a favorable environment for the growth of pathogens.

Since the first blood in a girl may appear not at 12 years old, but at 11 years old, and sometimes at 10 years old, it is necessary to tell the girl about menstruation in advance.
It is necessary to look at the child, how actively he shows interest in "forbidden" topics.
It is necessary to find suitable literature, which explains in an accessible language how to tell a girl about menstruation and at what age they should begin (books, magazines, video lectures).

Common questions of teenage girls: “Does it hurt?”, “How much discharge is there?”, “How long does the first period go?”.

Try to explain that the harbingers of the first menstruation are discomfort and moderate pulling pains in the lower abdomen. Allocations flow evenly, sometimes in the form of clots, lasting several days (for example, if menstruation began on December 1, then the next menstruation will begin on December 28).

When the girl's age approaches 11 - 12 years, she begins to wait for her period. During this period, you can purchase hygiene products - pads or tampons. If the girl is not yet sexually active, then it will, of course, be pads. It is necessary to explain to the girl that the pads need to be changed every 3-4 hours or as they get dirty, take a shower twice a day (morning and evening) and wash with each change of the pad.

In addition, explain to the girl that the beginning of menstruation indicates that there is a possibility of pregnancy and from this stage the girl should be more responsible for her health and life.

The first signal that the female body has reached puberty is menstruation. And this means that from now on the girl can become pregnant.

Beginning of the menstrual cycle

As a rule, in girls, the first menstruation occurs at the age of 11-13. However, there are deviations: early menstruation can occur at 9, late - at 16. Here heredity and body weight play an important role. It is believed that the menstrual cycle begins when a girl's body weight reaches 50 kg. From which it follows that plump menstruation begins earlier than thin ones. The first menstruation still depends on factors such as:

Degree of physical development
Diet
Experienced severe stress
Diseases suffered in childhood

Symptoms of approaching menstruation

Certain symptoms indicate that they are approaching. As a rule, they appear about two years before the start of the monthly cycle: the girl changes both physiologically and emotionally.

Shape changes are taking place. She ceases to be angular, becomes more feminine.
Hair appears in the armpits and on the pubis.
Breasts begin to grow.
Acne appears on the face, back, chest, which is explained by the increased work of the hormonal glands.

A few months before the first period, white or colorless vaginal discharge may appear. They gradually become more abundant, more viscous or liquid. They have no smell. The girl becomes irritable, gets tired quickly, and suffers from headaches.
A few days before the first bleeding, aching, dull pains in the abdomen may appear, which soon pass.

First menstrual cycle

This term refers to the interval from the first day of the onset of menstruation to the first day of the next. Usually the first menstruation lasts from three to five days. The duration of the menstrual cycle, as a rule, is 21-35 days.

For 12 months after the first allocations, it will be non-systematic, there will be delays. At this time, the hormonal background is only getting better.

Regular menstrual cycle

This is a very relevant factor in the proper functioning of the ovaries. As a rule, 12 months after the start of menstruation, the menstrual cycle stabilizes. It is advisable to have a calendar in order to track its regularity, marking the start and end dates of menstruation, the time intervals between cycles.

Cycle disorder in girls

A violation of the cycle is considered if the duration of the time interval between menstruation is more than three months. Various factors can influence this:

Physical injury or psychological shock.
Stressful state.
Weight fluctuation.
Drinking alcohol
Concussion.
Acute viral infections.
Climate change.

During menstruation, girls should release 60-150 ml of blood. In the early days they are plentiful, but every day they decrease. They have a strong unpleasant odor.

Menstrual disorders in girls

In the case when the duration of the cycle is less than 21 calendar days. Or over 35.
If monthly discharge lasts less than 2 or more than 7 days. In the first case, this means that sex hormones are secreted in insufficient quantities. In the second - that the function of the ovaries is reduced.
If menstruation is too heavy.
If there is bleeding between two periods.
Severe headaches and decreased tone.
Too large blood clots in the menstrual flow.
If after the first menstruation the delay is more than six months.

November 28, 2012 23:13

When do girls start menstruating?

Menarche (from the Greek "men" - the month and "arche" - the beginning) or the first is the main signal of the girl's body that puberty has occurred, and from that time she can already.

In most cases, the first menstruation occurs between the ages of 11 and 13. The appearance of menstruation in girls under 9 years old is recognized as too early. And too late is the absence of menstruation after the age of 15 or for more than 2.5 years after the onset of breast development (usually it begins between the ages of 7 and 13 years).

In both cases, the girl's parents are obliged to seek help from a pediatric gynecologist and endocrinologist if the deviation in the onset of menstruation is significant (more than 2 years - later or earlier than the generally accepted period).

Such violations can be the result of quite serious diseases:

Failure of the normal functioning of the endocrine system;
Violation of the hormonal background of the girl's body.

The sooner the cause of a health disorder is identified and treatment is started, the more effective the result will be. This will help to avoid many problems in future adulthood.