First period: Early Signs and What to Expect

The first period, Menarche, as it is known popularly, refers to the first time a girl starts menstruating and it’s an important phase of puberty that confirms the capabilities of the girl to get pregnant (beginning of fertility). Menarche also marks the transition of the physical body that now begins the adulthood journey. However, due to associated stigma and low awareness, many girls and their parents are worried about this natural process and are not prepared for it. This can make the situation uncomfortable for girls. Therefore, understanding the process, the knowledge of the first period and its deeper understanding is critical for not making Menarche a bitter experience for first-time menstruators. 

This article details the signs of the first period and will help you understand what to expect from your first period. 

First Period: When Will You Get it?

Most girls experience their initiation of periods between the age of 11 and 15. However, this average age group varies globally and is based on individual physical traits. There are reported cases of girls getting their first periods as early as the age of 7-8 years and as late as 16 years and above. 

Signs that the Body Shows Before You Get Menarche (first period)

Changes in Nipples and Breast Development

Small bumps surrounding nipples, the raising of the breast area, and the growth of breast buds are the first signs that occur in the 2-3 years preceding (age 8-9) the actual commencement of the female period. The remaining body growth is also faster in this phase.

Pubic Hair Growth

The next indications of puberty manifest in pubic hair growth that starts with a few elongated hairs that later increase in quantity and spread over the genital areas. The underarm hairs, however, are seen only slightly before the actual menstruation begins. 

Development of Acne

Acne will develop days before the onset of the first period due to hormonal changes that stimulate the glands in the skin that produce oil. The excess oil clogs pores and causes acne. Acne breakout occurs in close proximity to the first menstrual period. 

Physique

Height and weight changes along with the widening of hips, and thighs are signs that your first period is approaching in the near future. 

Vaginal Discharges

Fluids from Uterus, Vagina and Cervix can come out of the vagina and these discharges can begin 6 months before the first period commences.

How Will I Know that My First Period Has Started?

The primary indicators and symptoms for the first period will include:

• Cramping, characterized by pain or achiness in the abdominal region, back, or legs
• Bloating, with a sensation of fullness or swelling in the belly
• Tender or sore breasts manifesting 
• Mood swings and fatigue, 
• The appearance of red or brown blood on your underwear or in the toilet after using the bathroom

Remember that though the above-listed signs are common indicators of an approaching female period, the onset may be unpredictable too. Your symptoms will differ from others and you may have different sensations than others. 

What to Do When First Period Commences?

If you witness the signs that predict the advent of the first period in the upcoming time, then it is prudent to act proactively and collect the period essentials. You need products that can absorb blood. Therefore, prepare a period kit that contains tampons, pads, menstrual cups and period underwear. Also, school-going girls should carry extra pants and underwear with them for unexpected situations. Ask your parents or guardians on how to use these products and you can also watch tutorials on these products and their usage on authentic Youtube Channels. There are many videos from qualified doctors on using these products, and their pros and cons. 

Pads: Pads come in various sizes, thicknesses, and absorbency criteria, and are the most popularly used period products. 

Tampons: These products come with a string attached to cotton pieces and can be inserted into Vagina to soak blood. 

Period Underwear: These underwear have high-absorbent properties and can soak more liquid than normal underwear, therefore, they are used during periods. 

Menstrual Cup: Medical-grade silicone/rubber cups inserted into the vagina are products that catch blood flow. Menstrual cups do not absorb but collect period blood and fluids. 

After usage, proper disposal of these products is important to maintain hygiene. 

Your period will last for three to five days and may also extend up to 7 days. You should also start tracking your periods and maintaining a record so that you can predict and are prepared for the next monthly cycle. Tracking the 28 days cycle will keep a check on the normalcy of periods and any deviations from the regular cycle can be treated accordingly. In the first few months, periods can be unpredictable and blood flow can also be uneven. 

How to Self-care during First Periods?

In your first periods, you can experience cramp pains. Cramp pain is an irritating pain associated with periods (pain in the abdomen and lower back). Cramps can hamper your daily activities and bring stress to you. You can take hot water baths, exercise, and do yoga to keep yourself fit and stress-free during the periods. 

Below are some ways to deal with period cramps: 

Exercise

Aerobics, cycling, walking, strength building, planks, etc. can keep you active, ensure proper blood circulation, and induce hormones that elevate mood and keep pain at lower levels. There are specific exercises for periods that have relieving effect on menstrual pains. 

Yoga

Physical and mental relaxation achieved from Yoga can relieve you from cramp pain. There are Yoga poses (Child Pose, Cat Cow, Pigeon Pose, etc.) that can target areas like the lower back and abdomen for pain relief. 

Hot Water Bath

Bathing with warm water can relax tensed muscles and increase blood circulation. Besides providing hygiene, it is an efficient way to reduce menstrual pain.

Painkillers 

Though not recommended, extreme and unbearable pain can be lowered using Over Counter painkillers with anti-inflammation constituents. However, avoid using painkillers as much as possible as drugs can have potential side effects. 

Eat healthily

Drink more water to eliminate bloating conditions and eat foods and herbs like leafy vegetables, almonds, ginger, turmeric, garlic, etc. that come with anti-inflammatory properties. Avoid food that contains trans-fats and high levels of sugar. Reduce intake of caffeine as it can make cramps more painful by contracting the uterus. 

Period Pain-Relieving Device 

You can use a no-side effect, drug-free, and medically tested period-pain relieving device like Welme’s Period Pain Relief Device which is based on the TEN’s technology. 

Conclusion: 

The first period is both a physical and emotional experience for girls. It can be painful, uncomfortable, unpredictable and also overwhelming for young girls. Parental guidance and awareness about the process, symptoms and changes that occur during the phase can help girls cope with the natural process without feeling embarrassed about it. Personal hygiene, parental guidance, self-care and effective period pain management can help in making first periods more comfortable for girls.