Everything you need to know about periods

Do you know that Menstrual blood (blood which comes out  during periods) is the only source of blood that is not traumatically induced? Yet in modern society, this is the most hidden blood, the one so rarely spoken of and almost never seen, except privately by women.

Read More: Unleash the power of exercise to conquer your periods

In India almost, 48% of girls report having no knowledge of menstruation before their first menstruation. 23 Million School girls drop out every year when they get their periods

The start of menstruation is a pivotal moment in a young girl’s life. It marks the beginning of her reproductive years and signals her transition into womanhood. Unfortunately, this milestone is often shrouded in mystery and taboo. As a result, many girls are not properly prepared for this natural and normal process. 

Related: Ayurveda For Menstrual Cramps

This lack of knowledge can lead to a number of problems, including early pregnancy, difficulty managing periods, and a general feeling of shame and embarrassment. It is important that we break the silence around menstruation and provide girls with the information and support they need to navigate this life stage with confidence. 

Related: Shedding the light on 5 types of common menstrual disorders.

Most girls get their first period when they’re around 12. But getting it any time between age 10 and 15 is OK. Every girl’s body has its own schedule. A period is a release of blood from a girl’s uterus, out through her vagina (the tube that carries eggs and sperm). There are lots of things that can cause periods:

In this article, we will debunk some of the myths surrounding periods, explain what girls need to know about having healthy periods.

Why do I bleed every month during Periods?

Once a girl reaches a certain age, messengers (called hormones) are released into her body. These messengers make changes to her body, so she is able to one day have a baby, if she chooses to do so. She starts to release an egg into her uterus (womb) every month. If this egg is not fertilized by sperm from a man during sexual intercourse, then it will not grow into a baby. The body gets rid of it instead. This is the monthly bleeding that girls experience. This monthly bleeding is called periods or menstruation.

Read More: Choose eco-friendly menstrual products

When a girl’s body gets ready for her period, her cervix (where the uterus is) starts to thin out and become less hard. This allows the blood to leave your body through the vagina. A girl’s body is going through incredible changes at this time (and she may feel very different too), but it’s important to understand that normal.

How can I manage my periods?

There are lots of different period products available to suit your needs and each person has the right to choose the right one for their body, without judgement. Period products should be changed at least once every  8 hours, although it may be more frequent depending on the heaviness of your flow; everyone’s different! You can use a menstrual cup, tampon, pads etc. to effectively manage your periods. You can buy it here.

Read More: How does browsing social media affects your body image & self-esteem?

Why have I missed my periods?

Many girls have irregular periods when they first start. There are a number of reasons you may miss a period, for example:

1. Stress
2. Not having enough food to eat
3. Too much exercise
4. Pregnancies
5. Some medicines
6. Older age – older women experience irregular periods and eventually stop menstruating. This is called the menopause.

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Looking Forward

Periods are a natural, healthy part of a girl’s life. They shouldn’t get in the way of exercising, having fun, and enjoying life. If you have questions about periods, ask your doctor, a parent, health teacher, school nurse, or older sister.

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