What is menstruation in girls 14. At what age do girls start menstruating normally? Not during menstruation

Menstrual bleeding is not a pathology, it is a natural process in the life of every woman, signaling the onset of the reproductive period. For girls, the arrival of the first menstruation (menarche) is always accompanied by excitement, and in order to avoid many inconveniences, you need to seriously prepare for this process.

What is menstruation?

Every month, preparing to receive a fertilized egg, the functional layer of the endometrium (the inner lining of the uterus) increases in size.


If pregnancy does not occur, the endometrium is separated from the uterus and destroyed, passing through the cervix and vagina in the form of bleeding. Such a process is often accompanied by poor health and pain, especially on the first day.
You can find out about the onset of menarche in advance. Sudden mood swings, breast enlargement, increased fatigue, lower abdominal cramps - these are all signs that the girl will soon begin her first menstrual cycle in her life.

Time of the first menstruation

The norm for the onset of menstruation is 12-14 years. But in the realities of modern life, cases of earlier or later menstruation are very common. And if our mothers and grandmothers had menarche at an older age, now the opposite situation is observed: due to early puberty, menstruation begins at 10, and even at 8-9 years. The first menstruation occurs after the formation of secondary sexual characteristics (appearance of pubic hair, in the perineum, growth of the mammary glands). Before the onset of menarche, acne and blackheads on the face may occur.

The role of a mother is very important in such moments. Often girls notice changes in the body, but do not understand what exactly is happening. In such a situation, the mother needs to explain everything to her daughter and assure that such a condition is absolutely normal for every girl.

Deviations from the norm

The following situations are cause for concern:

  • too early menstruation, which appeared before 9 years;
  • absence of menarche after 15 years.

Such situations may indicate quite serious deviations:

early menstruation

The onset of the first menstruation earlier than normal is caused by such reasons:

  • hormonal disbalance;
  • decreased ovarian reserve;
  • genetic predisposition;
  • features of the constitution, excess weight;
  • mental trauma;
  • lifestyle (excessive physical activity);
  • lack of nutrients.

Early menstruation indicates early puberty, which is directly related to the state of the brain.
Pathology of the brain that causes early menstruation:

  1. tumors of the pituitary and hypothalamus or congenital changes in these areas of the brain;
  2. impulse disturbances from the cerebral cortex.

All these pathologies lead to an increase in the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which activate the ovaries and cause the process of ovulation.
The time of the beginning of the first menstruation is also affected by the mental state in which the girl is: in case of malfunctions nervous system and emotional overstrain, the risk of earlier menarche is obvious. In addition, the appearance of early menstruation is also affected by the food consumed by the girl: the predominance of a large amount of spicy, sour and salty foods in the diet can accelerate the onset of menarche.
Situations when the first menstruation began at an early age, and then a long period of delay set in, are also not considered the norm and require a doctor's consultation.
In women whose menarche occurred earlier than normal, in the future may appear:

  • cardiovascular diseases;
  • osteoporosis;
  • diabetes;
  • mammary cancer.

late menstruation

If girls do not start their periods before the age of 15, this is a cause for concern.
Factors affecting the appearance of menstruation in late age:

  • pathology of the development of the uterus;
  • dysfunction of the pituitary gland;
  • emotional stress and nervous strain;
  • diets;
  • constant and exhausting physical activity;
  • fluctuations in body weight;
  • malnutrition;
  • ecological situation.

Very often, the reason for the absence of menarche is the excessive thinness of the girl. It has been noticed that in thin and undersized girls, menstruation begins much later than in peers of normal build. The reason is that with an insufficient amount of adipose tissue, the body does not produce right amount the female hormone estrogen and this causes primary amenorrhea ( complete absence menses).

At an early age, this disease is successfully treated and easily diagnosed.
Girls with a later menarche are at risk of developing:

  • endometrial cancer;
  • breast cancer.

First menstruation

Normal is considered to be menstruation, which comes and ends at the same time intervals. Ideally, the menstrual cycle lasts 28 days, but its increase or decrease does not indicate any pathologies and is also considered normal. According to studies, women's menstrual cycle lasts 21 to 35 days.
The nature of the first menstruation is directly affected by the individual characteristics of the girl's body.

  • In healthy girls, regular periods are established immediately and subsequently occur without delay.
  • In weak girls, the menstrual cycle is irregular both in duration and in quantity. spotting.

The normal duration of menstruation, on average, is 3-5 days and directly depends on the girl's lifestyle. Menstruation that lasts less than 3 and more than 7 days is a deviation from the norm and is caused by a violation of the function of the ovaries, as well as a change in the amount of production of sex hormones.
The volume of blood that is released during menstruation should be 50 - 150 ml. The most heavy bleeding is observed in the first 2 days.
A deviation from the norm is considered:

  • excessive abundance or scarcity of secretions;
  • severe and prolonged pain;
  • irregular menstruation;
  • the duration of the menstrual cycle is less than 21 days or more than 40 days;
  • violation of the previously established cycle.

The first menstruation is a very important event, indicating the girl’s readiness to enter into “adulthood”. This is a kind of signal about the completion of sexual development and the possibility of pregnancy. But too early or very late onset of menarche may indicate the presence of serious pathologies in the body, which can only be diagnosed by a specialist.

Any mature woman perceives menstruation as a natural and habitual phenomenon in her own body. But the first menstruation is a purely individual situation that can become both a pleasant and a terrible memory for any girl. The first menstruation with normal development of the body begins in the period from 11 to 14 years, provided proper development genital organs and a stable hormonal background. Often there are earlier or late periods, and the hereditary factor plays an important role in this (the beginning of menstruation in girls coincides with their beginning in mothers).

The appearance of menstruation at 12 years old is a generally recognized norm

Age norm of the first menstruation

Over the past decade, there has been a significant decrease in the threshold for the onset of the first discharge due to the rapid maturation of adolescents, so the onset of menstruation at 12 is the most best option, indicates the health and successful subsequent development of the female body. With a normal diet and the right lifestyle, estrogen is fully produced, which is responsible for the sexual development of adolescents, and at a more mature age for reproductive function. The successful entry of a girl into adulthood is the correct moral preparation for the first menstruation on the part of the parents. After all, the further perception of the most important manifestation of female nature depends on the general mood.

In the era of the development of the Internet and the availability of any information, the girl is able to independently learn about the intricacies and primary symptoms of the first menstruation, but electronic pages cannot explain the changes in the girl's body using experience and maternal caress.

What is menstruation and what to expect from the first menstruation?

By itself, the menstrual cycle is a hormonal and physical changes in the female body, leading to a full-fledged pregnancy in the future. If fertilization does not occur, the body returns to its normal state, repeating the same processes. From the day of birth, up to a hundred “young” eggs are stored in the girl’s ovaries, and after a “signal” from hormones, one of the eggs begins to mature. After 8-15 days from the beginning of the menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs, it is at this moment that the full-fledged egg falls into the fallopian tube. After ovulation, the egg enters the uterus, and if fertilization does not occur, the thickened uterine lining is shed, leading to uterine bleeding.

In girls of 12 years old, the menstrual cycle is established no earlier than two years, it is then that the release of eggs and the preparation of the body for pregnancy is called complete.

Menstruation in girls should not be an unpleasant surprise.

The first menstruation should not lead the girl into bewilderment

When do the first critical days come for girls of 12 years old?

Even in the last millennium ago, the first menstruation appeared in girls at a fairly mature age - 18 years and older. Over the years, the puberty of adolescents has accelerated significantly, and at the moment the occurrence of the first menstruation at the age of 12 is called the most optimal and correct option. It is difficult to calculate the exact time, because ripening female organs a purely individual and unique process, but monitoring the delay of the first menstruation in a daughter is a must for every caring parent. The occurrence of menstruation depends on a number of general factors, such as:

  • diseases transferred in childhood;
  • hereditary features;
  • improper and irregular nutrition;
  • non-compliance with the norms of the girl's residence;
  • obesity, anorexia, other failures of normal weight.

Heredity plays an important role in the development of a girl. If mothers and grandmothers had the experience of early menstruation, then there is a high probability of a repetition of the situation in the daughter. If the girl grows frail, sickly, her puberty will happen later than her peers. The lack of vitamins and trace elements necessary for the growth of the body contribute to the delay of the first menstruation. About the position of the hormonal background, its violation leads to early menstruation (8-9 years).

Deviation from the norm (monthly after 12 years) up to 17 is called tolerable, but later it is a signal for rapid response parents, because the list of reasons for the absence of the first secretions is huge (from insufficient functioning of one or two ovaries to disorders of the pituitary gland). Delays in such cases are inappropriate and extremely dangerous for the health of the girl, the expectant mother.

Unhealthy diet affects the time of the onset of menstruation

Preparing in Advance Keeps Your Young Daughter Safe

Until quite recently, there were many rumors about menstruation, which led to an inexplicable fear of girls about the appearance of menstruation. Some girls were forbidden to leave the house while their body was being cleansed, others hid the fact of the appearance of menstruation from relatives and friends. The lack of truthful information gave rise to insane rumors and superstitions, but today such situations are a sad rarity, nothing more. The mechanism of menstruation has long been studied and painted down to the smallest stages, and in the lessons on sex education for teenagers, changes in their bodies and processes in the body are described in detail. Relying on the fact that your daughter herself will figure out all the intricacies of becoming a woman is unreasonably stupid and dangerous, especially for the girl herself.

A mother should have casual conversations about a woman's future, about how she reaches childbearing age and share the importance of such an event as the first menstruation. Many problems in adulthood can be avoided if you correctly perceive and respond to any kind of changes in the girl's body.

If deviations are not observed in girls, then at the age of 12 there is a high probability of menstruation. Signs of impending menstruation are noticeable to the experienced look of the mother, and can be completely ignored by the girl herself. The blame for everything is children's naive views, when the immature psyche deliberately does not attach importance to frightening metamorphoses. The first thing that becomes unusual is the figure of the daughter (by the age of about 12), the hips are noticeably rounded, a small breast appears (a fatty layer appears on the mammary glands), and the first hair begins to grow on the genitals. Another unpleasant sign of approaching menstruation can be a rash on the face and back. Having noticed all the signs, the mother, like the girl herself, must prepare for the first discharge.

A couple of months before the first discharge, girls have atypical discharge on underwear (minor). Clear, brownish-yellow marks are considered normal and should not cause panic or concern. But a strange smell and itching is by no means a good sign, and in the event of such symptoms, you should immediately consult a gynecologist.

Three, four before the start of the first critical days in girls 12 years old and older, PMS syndrome known to many is observed ( premenstrual syndrome), accompanied by a sharp change in mood, excessive tearfulness, an aggressive or too passive state, causeless headaches and lingering pains in the lower abdomen.

Pain in the lower abdomen can begin 3-4 days before the onset of menstruation

First menstruation and its features

The first menstruation proceeds completely differently than the long-established critical days among women. For girls, it is dark, brown discharge that looks like blood. Their number on the first day may be plentiful or meager. The first menstruation is 150 ml of blood (small volume). The second day of the first critical days is called more significant in terms of the number of discharges, and then menstruation slowly ends. The duration of the first discharge in a girl is from three to seven days without severe blood loss. The general condition during critical days is weak, with a constant feeling of discomfort and pulling pain in the lower abdomen. Subsequent menstruation can be absolutely painless and calm. Another feature of the first menstruation is a strong smell (strong functioning of the glands of the vulva).

To avoid fright and nervousness of a girl (by 12 years of age and older), the mother should explain in advance what is normal during menstruation, including pain and discharge that is unpleasant in appearance and smell.

In an affectionate, calm tone, the mother can talk about what the menstrual cycle is - a critical cycle occurs every month (with the normal functioning of the body) with a period of an average of 28 days. It is also worth mentioning that after the first critical days for about two years, the cycle “jumps” and there is no need to be afraid of such inconstancy.

The mother should tell her daughter in advance about the specific aspects of menstruation.

Forewarned and armed

Conversations with adults greatly simplifies the life of a girl who will soon have critical days. Most suitable option, this, of course, is a mother with whom her daughter has a trusting and warm relationship. In no case should an explanation of the essence of menstruation, its features, be strict and instructive, the task of parents is to prepare their own child for inevitable changes, thereby preventing unwanted fear and neglect important rules behavior during menses. First of all, the mother should calm down her daughter by talking about her own first secretions, because this is how the girl will feel that metamorphoses in the body are not a disease or a flaw, but quite natural things and processes.

Next, we should talk about personal hygiene products. Choosing pads and tampons for the first time, accompanied by a patient mother, will teach the girl to wisely monitor her own health and not be ashamed of the feminine essence. Many complexes can be avoided at a young age, without delaying "for later."

The blood released from the female genital organs is a favorable environment for the reproduction of harmful microorganisms and bacteria, so the regular change of pads or tampons, as a ritual, must be observed by girls unquestioningly. Stagnant blood with prolonged interaction with the genitals is harmful to the genitourinary system. Finally, the topic of the first menstruation concerns the risks of sexual intercourse. With critical days, in fact, the girl is ready to conceive and bear a child, so the girl should be aware of the consequences of sometimes rash acts.

The girl should be explained the difference between pads and tampons.

First visit to the gynecologist

There is a cliche that the need to go to the gynecologist arises only after the start of sexual relations in a girl. This is a dangerous delusion, and since parents do not take a girl at the age of 12 to a doctor, she herself, for obvious reasons, will not make an appointment with him. Parents are the main link between the daughter and mentors who can protect her women Health. While the reproductive system is being formed, it is possible to detect serious diseases of the female genital organs in the early stages in the future. It is not so difficult to accustom a teenager to visiting a gynecologist, but then put up with deliberate delay with undesirable consequences- not so easy. The gynecologist, as an outsider but knowledgeable person, can answer the girl's questions, which she is afraid to ask her parents because of embarrassment or fear. A sensitive topic even in modern society there is a choice of contraceptives or personal hygiene products.

The first critical days are not easy in any case, because it is stress for the body and psyche. Let the preparation for them take place for a long time, as a result, such a process cannot be called simple. This is a little panic and anxiety, and the accompanying pain and discomfort completely drive you into despondency. The girl cannot be left alone with the unknown, because her growing up is just beginning.

And although for mothers, menstruation is a familiar and boring phenomenon, for her young daughter everything is new. The time spent talking with a girl at 12 or 17 is minutes that cannot be neglected under any circumstances. Periods for girls are a wonderful stage of growing up and support is never too much. Such an attitude from the parents will only strengthen the bond with the child. Take care of the future of your own daughter, while she herself does not have a clear idea about it and one day new life, donated by her, will be the highest award. Don't turn away and be tolerant of your own children as they grow up.

The first period is always very exciting and even scary! The first menstruation indicates that you are growing up and becoming a woman. And it happens to every girl different time. There is no way to know exactly when your first period will start, but there are a few signs that you can guess when your period is coming.

Steps

Part 1

Watch for signs of growing up

    Pay attention to breast development. The breasts will grow for several years before reaching their final size, but when you first notice that the breasts have begun to increase, we can conclude that puberty is beginning. For most girls, their first menstruation occurs about two or two and a half years after they first begin to enlarge their breasts.

    Notice the presence of pubic hair. Most girls begin to grow pubic hair (between their legs) shortly after their breasts begin to grow. This is another sign that the first period should be expected within the next couple of years.

    • You may notice that around this time, armpit hair began to grow.
  1. Pay attention to vaginal discharge. Many girls during puberty notice whitish or transparent selection in small quantities. This is usually a sign that your period will start within the next few months.

    Pay attention to growth spurts. Your first period usually starts shortly after your first growth spurts (at puberty) when you suddenly start growing faster. So if you recently discovered that you have grown a few centimeters, your first period is just around the corner. The hips will become a little wider, but don't worry about it. This period is a little uncomfortable.

    Notice the heaviness in the chest. Many girls feel heaviness and slight swelling of the breasts (sometimes even pain) right before menstruation. If you notice this symptom, expect your period to start soon.

    Pay attention to sudden mood swings. Many girls experience emotional swings in the days leading up to their period. These fluctuations may be different for everyone, but in general, you may feel unusual sadness, anger, or irritation. These feelings usually go away after a few days.

    Pay attention to the appearance of pimples and acne. Acne can appear at any time, so acne and pimples cannot be considered a mandatory symptom of menstruation. However, if you notice a sudden increase in pimples in just a few days, this may be a sign that your period will begin in the next few days.

    Pay attention to convulsions. Right before your period starts (and also during your period), you may experience cramps and cramps in your abdomen and lower back. These spasms can be mild or severe, and their intensity can change from month to month.

    • If you are experiencing severe cramps and pain that interferes with your normal activities, you should most likely take over-the-counter pain relievers. Exercise and a heating pad will also help reduce discomfort from cramps.
    • Call your doctor if your cramps get worse and you can't "numb" the pain with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Part 3

Focus on age
  1. Keep in mind that the first period should be expected at a certain age. On average, girls begin their periods at 12-14 years old, but for some, the first menstruation may begin a little earlier or a little later. Normally, menstruation can begin at any age within the range of 9-15 years.

    Don't compare yourself to others. If your period started earlier or later than your girlfriends, you may feel "not like everyone else." Your period may come at age 9 or 10, or it may not come until you reach puberty. And this is absolutely normal! It is important to understand that all girls menstruation occurs at different times.

    Ask women from your family. Genetics play a huge role in determining when to expect your first period. Ask your mom, grandma, and sister when they first got their period. Of course, there is no guarantee that you will have your first period at the same age as your mother, but the chances are very high.

  • If you decide to start using tampons, be sure to read the instructions. Remember that tampons need to be changed every few hours to prevent the development of a dangerous infection caused by toxic shock syndrome.

Article Information

This article was co-authored by Laura Marusinec, MD, our regular contributor. wikiHow's longtime contributors work closely with our editors to ensure articles are as accurate and complete as possible.

Girls' first period or "menarche" is a special moment in their lives, indicating that they are already entering reproductive age, and their body is capable of conception and bearing offspring. It is important that the girl knows in advance at what age menstruation begins and what to do when they appear. Mom should explain all the nuances of this process, but in this article you can get comprehensive information about the timing of the arrival of the first regulations.

When does a girl's period start?

Even 100 years ago, no one could have thought that menstruation at the age of 11 was normal, because in those days, according to statistics, most girls had their period at the age of 17-18. Now, most girls begin their periods at the age of 12, well, a maximum of 13. For residents of the eastern regions, early puberty at 11 and even 10 years is typical. Critical days can begin for the first time and at 9 years old, but this will already be a sign of premature puberty.


From the point of view of medicine, the arrival of regulars at the age of 11-16 years is the norm.

Before the age of 11, they can begin for the following reasons:

  • hormonal disorders;
  • improper nutrition.
  • The first critical days may be delayed up to 16-20 years, this may be due to the following factors:

    • hormonal disorders;
    • mental disorders;
    • underdevelopment of the ovaries;
    • malfunction of the pituitary gland.

    What determines the age of menarche

    The onset of puberty usually occurs at 10-11 years of age, and the reproductive system is fully formed by the age of 17-18. During this time, the mammary glands grow and the genitals develop. A year and a half after the first signs of puberty appear, menstruation will begin. At what age this happens depends on many factors.

    We list what factors affect the onset of the first critical days in a teenager:

    • hereditary predisposition;
    • physical development;
    • psycho-emotional state;
    • social level and lifestyle;
    • availability of information about sexual relations;
    • general health and existing endocrine diseases.

    If a girl is sickly and has been taking a large number of drugs since childhood, then her menstruation may be delayed.

    Normally, the first critical days should appear at the age of 12-15, everything below and above these limits may be a sign of hormonal disorders or anomalies in the development of the genital organs.

    What should be the first menstruation

    Menstruation first appears in a girl when her ovaries begin to fully function. The pubertal period begins with the fact that the pituitary and hypothalamus produce hormones that promote the secretion of estrogens in the ovaries, as a result of which the egg begins to mature, ovulation occurs, the inner uterine layer develops, and the girl can already become pregnant.

    Menstruation is a process of rejection and removal from the uterine cavity of its inner mucous layer, provided that the fertilization of the egg has not occurred.

    In menstrual flow, there is not only exfoliated endometrium, but also blood from damaged vessels.

    What does a girl's first period look like?

    Since in the menstrual flow there is not only blood from torn vessels, but also parts of the torn endometrium, the first critical days may have a heterogeneous consistency and have clots. Their color can range from dark red to burgundy. In this case, the girl may experience slight discomfort and pulling pains in the lower abdomen and lower back.

    During the time of regulation, no more than 150 ml of blood should be released, intense discharges are allowed only in the first 2-3 days, then they should look more like a dark daub.

    How long does the first discharge last?


    According to statistics, in 38% of cases after the first menstruation in girls, more than 40 days pass before the next discharge. 10% of adolescents are waiting for new discharges for more than 2 months, and they come to 20% in 20 days.

    • the girl’s figure is rounded, her breasts are greatly enlarged, her mood changes, she becomes more feminine;
    • dark hairs begin to grow in the pubic area and armpits, the genitals increase in size;
    • hormonal changes in the body provoke an increased work of sweat and sebaceous glands, which causes acne on the face and back of the girl;
    • hair roots on the head begin to quickly grow fat;
    • a few months before menarche, a whitish or yellowish secret is discharged from the vagina.

    3-4 months before the arrival of the first regular, a girl may be angry for no reason or, conversely, lose interest in everything, she may be bothered by headaches and pain in the lower abdomen, the child may become whiny or too touchy.

    When these signs appear, parents should definitely talk to the girl about puberty and tell her about all important points this period.

    How to properly prepare for menarche

    Parents of girls, when the first signs of approaching menstruation appear, should tell the child how to prepare for this process. In a conversation with your daughter, the following questions should be raised.

    • First, talk about the fact that menstruation should come monthly with an interval of 21-35 days. It should be mentioned that at first there may be delays, but the situation will normalize in 1.5-2 years.
    • Be sure to tell your child about hygiene products, how to use them and where they are in the house.
    • an important issue in preparing for menstruation is the ability to conduct menstrual calendar. The girl must understand why it is important to monitor the regularity of the cycle;
    • A girl needs to know what can and cannot be done during her period, for example, excessive physical exertion should be avoided.
    • It is important that the girl understands that now her body is capable of conception, which means that contraceptives should be used during sexual intercourse. The task of parents is also to devote the child to the issues of protection against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

    It is important that the conversation takes place in the most calm and confidential atmosphere, so that later the child knows that he can turn to his parents with any question on this topic without being ashamed.

    Hygiene

    During menstruation, the reproductive system of a teenage girl is practically defenseless against infections and pathogenic organisms, in order to reduce the likelihood of their penetration into the dilated cervix, you should know several hygiene features during this period.

    • There are many hygiene products of different quality and absorbent properties. Girls should prefer pads.
    • You need to buy high quality pads, they will better protect against leakage, are invisible under clothes and save the girl from embarrassing situations at school.
    • Correctly select the “droplets” of the pads, that is, their degree of absorbency. With intense secretions, choose pads for 4-6 drops, with scanty secretions, reduce the degree of absorption.
    • You need to change the pads every 2-3 hours, before that you should wash your hands thoroughly.
    • To avoid an allergic reaction, you need to choose pads without fragrances.
    • During the regular, you need to take a shower at least 2 times a day and after a bowel movement, using a special gel for intimate hygiene.

    early menstruation

    If a girl under 11 years of age gets her period for the first time, this is considered too early onset of puberty. There are cases that they occur in children under 8 years of age. But this is not always a sign of pathology. If menarche also appeared early in their mothers and grandmothers, then this situation is due to a genetic predisposition. Intensive sports activities or accelerated physical development can provoke the early appearance of regulation.

    Even if the early onset of puberty is due to genetics, it is recommended that the child be examined by a gynecologist in order to exclude hormonal disorders and abnormalities in the development of the organs of the reproductive system. Tumors in the brain, in the area responsible for the production of hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle, can provoke a hormonal imbalance.


    Early menarche is common in children with diabetes, as well as for those who have experienced severe stress or psychological trauma. Such a reaction can be provoked by early acquaintance with the topic. sexual relations between man and woman.

    What are dangerous

    The arrival of menarche at an early age can cause such health problems in the future:

    • cardiovascular diseases;
    • improper functioning of the thyroid gland;
    • hormonal changes in the body;
    • high risk of cancerous tumors in the organs of the hollow system and in the mammary glands.

    With the onset of puberty, growth intensity decreases and physical development slows down. In order for the reproductive organs to develop correctly, it is important that the girl has a complete diet and normal living conditions.

    Preventive action

    • Try to avoid stressful situations that can cause trauma to the unsettled child's psyche. Provide for your girl a calm and friendly atmosphere in the family, make it a rule to have confidential conversations with the child, introduce her to the problems of puberty in a timely manner.
    • Provide your child with a balanced diet without junk food. Remove spicy, too salty and sour food from the girl’s menu, exclude coffee, strong tea, and minimize cocoa. Never allow beer or alcoholic beverages to be drunk.
    • Treat endocrine diseases in a timely manner.
    • Control what your child watches on the computer and on television.

    It is important that the girl is moderately involved in sports, not overloaded both physically and mentally.

    late menarche


    If a girl's critical days first come after 16 years, this is a deviation from the norm. A sign of late sexual development is also weak growth of the mammary glands.

    Menstruation may come late due to abnormal development of the uterus and appendages, malfunction of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, and also due to neuropsychiatric disorders in the child. Such a reaction can be provoked by a trauma suffered in early childhood. infectious disease such as measles, mumps, scarlet fever, or rubella.

    The late appearance of menstruation is typical for excessively thin girls, because the fat layer produces estrogen along with the ovaries, but if there is little adipose tissue, then the amount of estrogen may be insufficient for the normal functioning of the reproductive system.

    Other factors can also provoke late regulations:

    • vitamin deficiency;
    • poor environmental situation;
    • consumption of GMO foods.

    Possible consequences

    If a girl under the age of 15 does not have a regulation, it is necessary to consult a doctor, otherwise teenage anomalies in the development of the genital organs can lead to genital infantilism in the future.

    The sex organs of adult woman will be underdeveloped, which will lead to external changes and hormonal imbalances, which can affect overall health.

    V adolescence such pathologies are treatable; in adulthood, these anomalies are almost impossible to cure.

    When to See a Gynecologist


    • or very late.
    • If during the period of menstruation there are too abundant discharge, the volume of which exceeds 150 ml, especially in cases where they are scarlet. These can be signs of both abnormal development of the genital organs and hormonal imbalance. In addition, profuse blood loss is observed in blood diseases, tumors and against the background of taking hormonal drugs that affect the development of the inner uterine layer.
    • If more than 3 months after menarche. The reason for such a serious delay can be not only a strong overload during sports or ballet, but also inflammation, infections, endocrine diseases.
    • If 1.5-2 years have passed since the first appearance of the regulation, and. The reason that over the years the menstrual cycle has not returned to normal can be pathologies, injuries, vitamin deficiencies, debilitating diets and starvation.
    • If during critical days the girl feels severe pain.
    • If and last no more than 2 days. Such short-term discharge may be caused by estrogen deficiency due to underdevelopment of the ovaries. If they last more than a week, then the girl has an increased functionality of the ovaries or a weak contractility of the uterine muscles.

    Conclusion

    So that critical days do not cause fear or panic in the girl, parents should tell her in advance about their future onset. This conversation will take quite a bit of time, but the child will understand and not be afraid of the physiological processes that occur in her body. She will be ready to enter puberty, not only physically but also mentally.

    You should always be interested in the well-being of the girl, ask about the regularity of her menstruation, the intensity of pain and possible delays. If the child complains of any discomfort, you should definitely seek medical help.

    Today you will learn about how menstruation goes, how long they should last and about the quality of blood. The arrival of menstruation for a girl can be a real shock if you do not discuss this topic with her in advance. This completely natural process should not cause disgust or discomfort in the girl. About how menstruation begins for the first time, how it is necessary to carry out care procedures and much more, you need to tell the future woman in advance, overcoming all the inconvenience and discomfort during the conversation.

    Puberty

    In girls, this period is called puberty. The first menstruation in girls begins already in the middle this cycle. What happens to the girl at this point in her life? There is a process of transformation from a girl into a mature woman who is able to continue her race. Menstruation in girls and they say that the reproductive function is running, now there is a chance of pregnancy during unprotected intercourse.

    How this process starts:

    • the brain sends a signal to the ovaries at the right time;
    • the latter respond to it with the production of hormones;
    • hormones start the process of forming the girl's body.

    It is important to note that there are both visible changes and not. At the time of puberty, the following changes occur:

    • the girl begins to grow;
    • brain enlarges;
    • there is an expansion of the hip bones;
    • mammary glands are formed;
    • reproductive organs grow and actively develop;
    • there are changes in the nervous system and much more.

    Menstruation occurs approximately one year after the onset of puberty in a girl. The first menstruation is called "menarche". This suggests that the ovaries have begun to function, and now they are able to produce hormones. It is now that ovulation occurs and the probability of pregnancy is high.

    The first menstruation should normally begin between the ages of twelve and fifteen. There are cases when they start much earlier or later. It is important to know that there are many factors that affect the time of the onset of the first menstruation:

    • hereditary information;
    • degree of physical development;
    • nervous system;
    • there is an influence of lifestyle;
    • social environment;
    • knowledge about and intersexual relations;
    • health status.

    Early menstruation occurs between the ages of 8 and 10, and late periods between the ages of 15 and over. The latter option is quite common in children who have been sick a lot and have been taking medication for a long period of time. Quite often, hormonal disruptions and improper development of the reproductive organs are considered the cause of deviations from the norm.

    Cycle duration

    The girl just needs to be told how the periods go, how long they last, possible problems and how to take care of yourself during this period. It is very important to acquaint her with the concept of the duration of the menstrual cycle and teach her how to use the calendar so as not to get into a "leakage".

    And so, how should the monthly pass? It is important to know that this question is purely individual, because each organism is special. If there are no health problems, then the cycle should be stable. However, it takes a little time to stabilize the menstrual cycle.

    What is the menstrual kind, the reconfiguration of the body. This process involves:

    • vagina;
    • uterus;
    • ovaries.

    It is important for a girl to know that menstruation is a natural process that occurs when hormones are produced by the ovaries. This bleeding from the genital tract should not frighten or cause discomfort. A cycle is the period of time between the first day of one period and the first day of another. Although the ideal cycle is lunar (28 days), the norm is from 10 to 45 days. If you notice a deviation from these norms, or for a long time the cycle has not been established, then you need to consult a gynecologist, because the problem may be a violation of ovarian function.

    Control (calendar method)

    We figured out what menstruation means. Once again, this is the monthly bleeding from the vagina of every woman. When a girl has her period, she should be taught to mark these days on the calendar. Why is this needed? Of course, the calendar tracking method helps to determine the length of the cycle and the duration of menstrual flow.

    In addition, the calendar method is a contraceptive. Thanks to the calendar, you can avoid unwanted pregnancy, as it is possible to calculate the approximate day of ovulation. It is worth noting that this method should be combined with others, because there is a low probability of unwanted pregnancy even on days that are unfavorable for conception.

    Personal hygiene

    While menstruation passes, it is necessary to observe it more carefully. This will help to avoid unpleasant sensations, both for the girl and for others.

    Everyone knows that the secreted blood has a specific smell. You can get rid of it very simply by following some rules.

    What is the discharge during menstruation? This is mostly the top layer of the endometrium. The endometrium lines the walls of the uterus from the inside. It is important to know that over time this layer needs to be changed. As a result, menstruation occurs. During the "cleansing" of the uterus, its cervix expands so that unnecessary parts can come out without any obstacles. The dilated cervix is ​​the perfect environment for bacteria to enter the uterus. They may be contained on a pad or tampon that has not been changed for a long time.

    To eliminate unpleasant odors and prevent the ingress of bacteria, it is worth listening to some hygiene rules:

    • change your pad or tampon every three hours;
    • if possible, take a shower before changing the protective equipment;
    • if the last point is impossible to implement, then it will be enough to wash or wipe with a damp cloth;
    • when washing, first of all, you need to clean the perineum and only then anus(this will be an obstacle for microbes from the rectum to enter the vagina);
    • you can not take a bath and go to the bath.

    The last point is mandatory, because the water in the bath is not sterile, therefore, bacteria and germs can enter the vagina. Besides, hot water and heat promote a rush of blood to the small pelvis and the expansion of the cervix, which facilitates the passage of bacteria into the uterus.

    How many are monthly?

    And so, how do normal periods go? Let's start with the fact that menarche, that is, the first menstruation, does not last long, only a couple of days. In this case, there is practically no blood (just a couple of drops), as a rule, this is a “daub”. The normal cycle will be established only after a year and a half.

    Please note that the established cycle should not go astray throughout the entire childbearing period of a woman's life. This is very important, if there are deviations, then it is better to visit a gynecologist.

    How long do periods last? 10 days, 7 or 2 - these are all within the normal range. For some, they pass quickly enough, but there are cases when menstruation lasts up to ten days. Do not worry about this, because each organism is individual. Below are some norms regarding menstruation, if you do not have any deviations from them, then consider that you are completely healthy:

    • The cycle should be in the range from twenty to thirty-five days. The "lunar cycle" is common and, according to gynecologists, the most successful (28 days).
    • On average, in women, the duration of menstruation is five days, but the norm is a period of two to ten days.
    • The intensity of bleeding should decrease by the last day of menstruation.
    • It is rather difficult to determine, but, nevertheless, there is a norm of lost blood. Be sure to pay attention to the intensity of the discharge, for the entire cycle you should not lose more than 60 milliliters of blood. This amount is optimal, the woman does not feel any discomfort or discomfort, because the loss is quickly restored by the body.

    Amount of blood

    The amount of bleeding during menstruation depends on many factors:

    • Availability intrauterine device how contraceptives increase blood volume and duration of critical days;
    • taking contraceptive hormonal drugs can reduce blood volume, as well as reduce or increase the number of "red days";
    • hormonal background;
    • existing diseases;
    • heredity;
    • body type;
    • external factors (climate, social environment, and so on);
    • food quality;
    • state of the nervous system;
    • age;
    • in women who have given birth, the amount of blood during menstruation increases significantly;

    At the same time, the color of menstruation can also say a lot. We will talk about this in the next section of the article. Please note that the volume of blood lost should not exceed 60 milliliters for the entire cycle. If you go beyond this range, contact your gynecologist, he may prescribe a special drug for bleeding during menstruation.

    Quality of blood released during menstruation

    The color of menstruation can tell about any disorders and diseases that take place in the female body. Please note that the color, volume and nature of the discharge can change in a woman many times in her life. Many factors influence this process.

    What do scanty dark periods mean? As a rule, these are only their harbingers. Brown discharge before menstruation is considered the norm, and you should not worry about this. Dark periods also occur after abortions and miscarriages, long-term use of hormonal contraceptives.

    The first menstruation should be a bright scarlet color, their number should be minimal. Please note that if menstruation of this nature appeared after the establishment of the cycle (that is, this is not the first menstruation), then it is possible that this is endometriosis, which, of course, needs to be treated with hormonal drugs.

    Brown or black discharge three days before or earlier than menstruation can also indicate the presence of endometriosis or ectopic pregnancy, which poses a serious danger to the life of a woman. Take a pregnancy test and immediately go to the gynecologist.

    Pain during menstruation

    Some girls note that the first day of menstruation is very difficult to tolerate, as it is accompanied by severe pain. As sad as it may be, there are many such cases. Consult a gynecologist for advice, and he will help you relieve these sensations with the help of drugs. Worrying about this issue is completely pointless, this is a completely normal state of a girl during her period. Many women claim that after the birth of a child they were able to get rid of this symptom.

    PMS

    With the question of how the monthly passes, we figured it out. Now let's take a very brief look at the concept of PMS. This is premenstrual syndrome, which manifests itself differently in everyone. The most common symptoms:

    • irritability;
    • aggression;
    • headache;
    • nausea;
    • elevated temperature;
    • chills;
    • decreased attention and memory;
    • breast swelling and more.

    Sex during menstruation

    With an intimate life, it is better to wait a little. Why:

    • from an aesthetic point of view, it is disgusting;
    • during menstruation, there is a high probability of “catching” the disease, because the cervix is ​​​​open;
    • the likelihood of developing diseases is possible - endometriosis, algomenorrhea;
    • many believe that it is impossible to get pregnant during menstruation, but this is not the case (not one, but two eggs can mature; early ovulation may come, and sperm cells live in the woman's vagina for up to eleven days);
    • blood is a very poor lubricant during intercourse, because the latter is much thicker than blood;
    • this can push your partner away.

    Menstruation during pregnancy

    If you notice spotting while expecting a baby, then you should immediately go to your doctor. This may indicate some pathologies of pregnancy or the possibility of a miscarriage. However, there are cases when a girl has menstruation during pregnancy. In any case, the presence of spotting during pregnancy is a deviation from the norm.

    Menstruation and menopause

    At this time, the woman is "reconfiguring" the body, now it will serve only you. It's not that bad. During this period of time, there may be severe disruptions with menstrual cycle(menstruation comes twice a month, blood is replaced by meager secretions, and so on). It's quite normal. Be sure to learn to distinguish menopause from pregnancy, because the absence of menstruation occurs in both cases. Menopause has a number of symptoms: dryness in the vagina, frequent headaches, prolonged depression, profuse night sweats, and many others.