Menstruation

Otherwise known as periods (menstruation) is a physical sign to say that a young girl has reached puberty as well as becoming a woman. The changes that come with and are associated with menstruation and puberty can be quite alarming for some young girls who fear the thought of starting their periods, whileothers lavish on the thought. Young girls can go through puberty from an early age, eight onwards. Now that puberty has taken hold it brings many changes to the mind and body where the hormones begin to stimulate a new bodily development like that of breast growth.

 Menstruation (first menstrual period) is normally known to appear about two years after the puberty signs of breast development

Before the first sure sign of a menstrual period young girls may begin to notice more of an increase in their vaginal discharge (clear in colour) this is nothing to worry about. Symptoms of itching or pungent odour should be checked out by a doctor.

Depending on each individual, some girls start menstruating from 9/10 years old, while others may be late starters when they do not see a period till in their late teens, once again this is nothing to worry about but if a menstruation issue is causing you concern then talk with your doctor.

Periods are, as we know them referred to as the menstrual cycle, the menstrual cycle is the amount of time between each period. The cycle is calculated by the start of the first period to the beginning of the next. Cycle patterns can differentiate in young women now they have hit puberty. Some young ladies will experience a 28 day cycle whereas others may have different times like a 24-day cycle, 30 day cycle or even as late as 35.

Menstruation is natural functions of a woman’s body so therefore do not fret if you think you are alone in experiencing this change in your body habits.

Irregularity in period cycles (menstruation) is quite common among young girls who are just starting to menstruate. This could be due to how the body needs time to adjust to all the changes that are taking place. The changes may have you seeing a 28-day cycle for about two months; another change is where you might miss a month. You can also have two periods with hardly any time lapse in between.

The menstrual cycle after a few months gradually becomes more reliable and dependable with the time and date of appearance.

As time goes by and the young girl matures and her menstrual cycle settles - it is a possibility she will become more familiarized with the cycle pattern where she can begin to foretell when her next period is due. More information on menstruation can be found in leaflets in your local clinic. Ask your doctor to explain about things you are not sure of regarding vaginal concerns. Do not be embarrassed to approach the subject of menstruation with your GP because they are there to help and advice.