Taming the topic of menstruation

In Poland, the average age menarche, i.e. the occurrence of the first menstruation is around 12-13 years of age. Nevertheless, the range for the normal onset of menstruation varies between the ages of 10 and 17. Before the first menstruation appears in a girl, we observe the development of breasts and pubic hair as well as the so-called increase in puberty - rapid increase in growth.

Bleeding a the first menstruation in a girl

Bleeding before the age of 10, especially before the appearance of other sexual characteristics, such as breasts and pubic hair, should not be considered a girl's first menstruation. Such bleeding requires clarification and diagnosis. We may be dealing with precocious puberty and may be a symptom of thyroid or other gland dysfunction, infection, trauma, or sexual abuse.

The first menstruation at the age of 10 

Doubts also arise when a girl's first menstruation occurs at the age of 10. Is this a normal phenomenon?

It is worth taking up the topic of the daughter's first menstruation, when we begin to observe the first harbingers of puberty. This will slowly help you to familiarize yourself with the bleeding problem and prevent fear of menstruation.

A daughter's first menstruation and a conversation with her parent

At the time of your daughter's first menstrual period, provide her with further information, which she must pay attention to:

• date of bleeding;
• duration of bleeding;
• its intensification.

Various ready-made applications or entering dates in the calendar may be helpful. Mother's role is also to detect the problem of excessive menstrual bleeding. The intervals between menstruation in the first years after menarche vary between 21 and 45 days. The bleeding time should not exceed a week, most often it is from 3 to 7 days.

A girl's first menstruation: what should you talk about?

A daughter's first menstruation can also lead to a conversation about the possibility of becoming a mother if she starts intercourse, although the first cycles are usually non-ovulatory. It is also necessary to mention the discomfort that may arise during the cycle and bleeding. These include:

• lower abdominal pain;
• pain in the sacral region of the spine;
• and sometimes nausea or diarrhea.

To alleviate the pain, it is advisable to use hand-made drugs such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, but used in a dose appropriate to the body weight (e.g. in a girl weighing 55 kg - 1g of paracetamol every 6 hours or 400 mg of ibuprofen every 8 hours).

You should also mention the possible changes in the mood before menstruation (PMS) - irritability, anxiety, fear and sometimes aggression. Depending on the severity of these symptoms, you can deal with them yourself or seek the help of a doctor. Changes related to puberty are not always well received by a growing girl, especially if they occur sooner or much later than in her peer group. You can try to positively emphasize this moment in the family circle.

How to celebrate the first menstruation?

In order to tame this difficult topic for a child, mothers more and more often wonder how to celebrate the first menstruation? The best way is to do something with your daughter that will please her, make her feel like she has crossed a certain threshold, and it's a fun experience. What exactly to choose and how to properly celebrate the first menstruation really depends on family relationships and the daughter's preferences.

For some girls, the attraction will be a joint shopping trip with their mother, for others to a beauty salon or massage, or eating exceptional desserts with the whole family or an additional earring hole.

How do I tell my mom about my period?

The topic of menstruation may also be embarrassing for a girl, even though it should not. How do I tell my mom about my period? It's best as simple as possible. Once there is bleeding, we say it is there.

Every mum has had her first menstrual experience behind her, and although they are very different, she will tell you what to do during your period and how to take care of yourself. You will find out where your hygiene products will be and what ailments you should report to your mother. If you don't have a good relationship with your mom or she is unavailable, you can talk to your grandmother or aunt, dad or another close friend.