Menstruation

Sahana is 12 years old. She has just started her periods. She is confused and very embarrassed by the entire process of menstruation. She has discussed this with some friends but not one of them seems to know enough. It is important for young girls to be well informed about this very significant and normal part of growing up.

Menstruation can begin as early as age 8 or as late as age 15, but it most often begins around age 11 or 12 years. After attaining puberty, the lining of the uterus is discharged as blood and tissue every month and this is called the menstrual period.

The menstrual cycle

Every month, the brain produces hormones which cause changes in the uterus and also causes the ovary to produce an egg. When the egg does not get fertilised, the lining of the uterus is shed as menstrual blood. An average menstrual cycle lasts 28-30 days, counting from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. Normal cycles can vary from 21 to 35 days.

The first few periods

In most cases, the first few periods can be very scanty with only a few drops of blood or spotting. In the beginning, it is not unusual to have irregular periods with a gap of several weeks between periods. On the other hand, some girls can have very frequent periods and the flow can be heavy or prolonged. These variations are because the hormonal connection between the brain and the ovaries is still immature and ovulation does not occur at regular intervals. It can take up to four years for periods to get settled into a regular pattern.

A young girl's concerns

Is it obvious to others when she is having her period?

Not at all- with the thin pads that are available now, nobody can guess a girl is having her periods.