You might be getting your first period soon and want to know more about the menstrual cycle? Don't panic, we'll explain everything.
If there is one important stage in a girl's life, it is the arrival of her first period. It's that famous day when a girl becomes a young woman.
However, it is important to remember that menstruation is not a taboo and is part of women's lives.
Menstruation: what is it?
In this article, we don't want to be polite, we want to talk to you, the girl who is about to become a woman and who is perhaps afraid of this new and future adventure. So don't worry, rules are not always fun, but they are there to remind you that you have become a woman.
Before we start to explain what the first period is and how it will affect your life, it is important to understand how the menstrual cycle works.
Menstruation, also known as menstruation, is defined as a flow of blood from the vagina that lasts between three and seven days and occurs every month, more or less at the same time, during the menstrual cycle.
This cycle begins on the first day of the period and ends on the first day of the next period. It continues if there is no fertilisation and therefore no pregnancy. For most women, this menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but it can vary between 25 and 32 days.
To give you a better idea of what is involved, the menstrual cycle is divided into two phases:
Phase 1: the oestrogen phase
This phase begins on the first day of your period and lasts 14 days. During this period, the ovaries produce oestrogens (hormones) which allow the endometrium - the lining of the uterus - to thicken and accommodate an embryo in the event of fertilisation.
Phase 2: the progesterone phase
This phase is the menstrual phase. It begins after ovulation and lasts 2 weeks. Progesterone production peaks about 8 days after ovulation and then decreases.
This hormonal fluctuation influences the state of the endometrium. As a result, because it no longer receives as much blood and oxygen, the upper lining of the mucous membrane "gradually degenerates and is evacuated through the vagina in the form of bleeding, which is known as menstruation", as the Gynandco website states.
The first menstrual period in a young girl can occur between the ages of 10 and 16.
How can you tell 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 be because your first period is coming.
First period: does it hurt?
When your first period arrives, don't panic. It's perfectly normal to be stressed by the flow of blood, but it's only natural.
The menstrual cycle is often accompanied by small pains that can sometimes be restrictive. These pains that occur before and during the menstrual cycle are called premenstrual syndrome or PMS. It is manifested by stomach pains, muscle pains, headaches, breast pains, fatigue and mood swings.
For some women, PMS 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.
Which period protection should I buy?
When your first period arrives, it is of course important to find the right period protection for you. For example, you can start off gently with a reusable sanitary towel or a menstrual panty. Depending on your flow - whether light or heavy - there are different types of panties and pads.
You can also choose a menstrual cup or tampons. However, there are risks associated with these products, such as toxic shock or allergies and irritations due to the chemicals in the products.
The website La Maison du Bambou, offers different models of reusable and washable sanitary pads as well as menstrual panties. They will allow you to approach this new adventure of young woman serenely and comfortably.
#Girlpower !
