Menarche
Menstruation typically begins at about age 12 , but periods are possible as early as age of 8 also, this phase is called Menarche, That’s why it is more important to discuss this topic early with your girl child.
In our conservative society, it is always assumed that to discuss about menstruation with your girl child is vry awkward. Even in educated people also situation is more or less remain same as of uneducated community. Due to lack of open discussion over this topic your child feel ashamed of what is happening with their body at such a small age so it is important to discuss and clear all if and but’s of your child about menstruation.
Now the point is what is ; what is the best way to prepare your child for the forthcoming change in her body?
Here we are discussing some important points of menarche for that which are as follows to make your child burden free and happy for her new beginning to enter in grown up girls:-
1) Talk early and often –
The earlier you discuss this topic with your child, it will remain more better. Don’t plan to tell everything on a single day conversation , this topic needs to open before your child very patiently. Plan to tell her in series of conversation. If your child ask questions about menstruation, answer her calmly and truly. If your child isn’t asking questions , make queries in her mind by your discussion , so that she can open up before you with her questions.
You may start the conversation by asking your child what she knows about menstruation. If she says , she knew that then you should check her by asking questions about her information so that you can correct or update her knowledge, whatever she knew about menstruation. Also you can share your experiences to make her feel more reliable on your knowledge. Follow up for any health lessons and sex education your child is receiving in school or from somewhere else like TV ,internet ,books etc. If your child is resistant in talking ,don’t give up , keep trying to make her comfortable to talk with you openly.
your child needs to know the facts about the menstrual cycle and all the changes that puberty brings. Open conversation gives your child a positive impact of the situation. This open discussion also act as framework for the future personal life sharing incidents of your child with you as she find you more trustworthy and frank like a friend not only as a strict parent.
2) Practical Advice –
There are certain practical and physiology related questions also which your child must know.
a) What is menstruation?
Menstruation simply means the body is physically capable of becoming pregnant. In the first half of the menstrual cycle , levels of hormone estrogen rise, making the lining of uterus thick.This lining will give a nourishing bed to the fertilized egg if the pregnancy occurs. As the lining grows, an egg in one of the ovaries start to mature. At about day 14 of an average 28 day cycle the egg leaves the ovary. The egg travels through one of the fallopian tubes to the uterus. Pregnancy occurs if the egg is fertilized by a sperm cell and attaches to the uterine wall. If the egg isn’t fertilized it break apart, hormone level drop and the thickened lining of the uterus is shed through the vagina. This is a period.
b) When will it happen?
No one can tell exactly when a first period occur. However, periods begins about 2 years after breasts begin to develop.
c) How long does it last?
The first few periods will likely be the light – with only a few spots of blood occuring. Most periods last from 3-5 days but 2-7 days also considered normal.
d) Does it hurt?
Common symptoms includes cramps in the lower abdomen or back or breast tenderness just before and during periods. Headache , dizziness , nausea and diarrhoea also are possible. Exercise , warm water bath , heating pad or pain reliever like Ibuprofen can help ease discomfort.
e) What should I do?
Explain to your child how to use sanitary pads and the importance of changing them regularly – every 4-8 hours. Encourage your child to experiment to find the product that works best. Stock the sanitary pads ahead of time.
f) Will everyone know that I have my period?
Explain her that pads are not visible through clothing. Encourage your child to carry extra pad in her bagpack or purse ,just in case needed in emergency.
3) Everyone’s Different –
Remind your child that she need not to worry about that when her friends begin to menstruate or if their period seems different in flow , timing , symptoms etc. Explain your child everything happening in Menstruation from onset to last day of period varies from person to person and sometimes month to month especially in this early menarche phase.
It is also common for teens to have irregular periods initially at menarche It might take 6 years or more after your period starts for your cycle to become regular. The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days – counting from the first day of period to the first day of the next period. Although cycles in young teens can range from 21-45 days
Teach your child how to track periods on a calendar or by using a smartphone app. Ultimately your child might be able to predict when periods will begin. Keeping track of periods can also help your child and her doctor to identify any possible menstrual disorder or other health problems.
4) Be positive –
The changes associated with menarche can be little scary to your child , so reassure your child to feel normal about her periods as it happens to every grown up female ,there is nothing to worry about and tell her you are always by her side to answer her each and every question.
5) Habits to be maintained for a healthy menstrual cycle –
a) Don’t make urself lazy as of like long sedentary lifestyle of hours at your desk for studies or watching TV or surfing internet.
b) Deep sleeps are necessary so maintain habit of sleep early to take atleast 8 hours sound sleep.
c) Don’t let the stress of what is happening to you creating a mess in your mind ,as it’s normal for every girl. To avoid stress meditation can help.
d) Trust the power of superfoods over fastfood.
For more informative articles like menarche on health issues,please visit our website www.santripty.com and also feel free to consult.