How to explain menstruation to your daughter?
Menstruation is an indication that a girl is physically capable of becoming pregnant. In the time of the monthly menstrual cycle, the body releases hormones from different parts of the body to control and prepare the body for pregnancy. This happens when every month one of the ovaries releases an egg, the process is called ovulation. A girl’s body menstruates when ovulation takes place and the egg is unfertilized, this makes the lining of the uterus shed itself and seep out through the vagina. This whole process is called period or menstruation.
What age should you talk to your daughter about the period
You should start talking to your daughter in a general way about periods when she is around 7-8 years old. Even though the average age of girls getting their period is at 12 but they can start as early as eight. Occasionally girls hit their puberty even younger, which is why it is important that they are taught about the period and why they happen.
3 Ways to Explain Menstruation to Your Daughter
Share the Knowledge about Menstruation
Menstruation is an important subject but this unnatural seeped in fear and discomfort towards the subject is the only thing that holds us back from taking the initiative for THE CONVERSATION. We all know that menstruation or the beginning of PERIOD in a girl’s life is a major event. However, only a handful of girls actually be able to understand the reason for those first blood drops and be able to appreciate it where a huge number of girls simply get horrified. No matter how periods are welcomed, they are an indication that a girl has become a woman.
Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is the regular, natural change that appears in the female reproductive system, which indicates that pregnancy is possible. The cycle is necessary for the production of oocytes (a female germ cell which is involved in reproduction) and for the preparation of the uterus for pregnancy. Usually, period lasts for 3-5 days where the blood loss is about ¼ cup. This can be different for some women who have a different menstrual or period cycle (the duration of time between one period and the next), per se 28-35 days.
Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a little complex and highly controlled by different glands and by the hormones that these glands produce. There are four phases of the menstrual cycle are the menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. It is important that you teach your daughter what a menstrual cycle is and what are the phases of a menstrual cycle.
Period Flow
When the egg released by ovary every month does not get fertilized, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina. Broadly, this is referred to as PERIOD. The amount of blood that flows out of your body during this time is called MENSTRUATION FLOW or PERIOD FLOW. Period flow can be mild, moderate, and heavy, all of them are considered normal to happen. Usually, girls begin to get their periods when they are 12 or 13 years old, which is why it is must that your daughter knows what period is, why do women have it, why do period hurt, why do they come every month, and similar of such questions more before she gets her first period.
Asking Questions and Answers About Period.
- When does the first period occur?
There is no way to estimate when the first period will occur. However, conferring to the time when the girl’s mother got her first period can be of some help. Some of the evident physical changes that may suggest the arrival of menstruation are that the body begins to gain weight, the breasts get fully developed, and pubic hair tends to appear. The earliest indication of the period is that a small amount of brown drainage would be seen on her underwear or on the toilet paper.
- What preparations are needed to tackle the first period and the period after?
Tampons and sanitary pads are a go-to in this situation. Usually, girls are more comfortable with using a pad, but always give her options to choose which she is most comfortable in. After the use, she must be taught how to appropriately dispose of the used tampons and sanitary napkins. It is suggested that you provide them with first supplies and advise her to keep with her some additional product in a small case to take out whenever she is to go to school or anywhere out.
- How to explain to her period pain and assure her how it is a natural thing?
Cramps and period pain is common during the period. Often girls experience period pain in their lower abdomen due to the uterus contracting and expanding to shed the developed lining. The pain can range from mild to severe depending on each individual’s body and diet. Doctors often recommend exercise to increase the blood flow to the uterus and a heating pad to put over the lower abdomen in case of discomfort.
- What should they do when they get their period during school?
A period is a natural thing, which is why it should be considered a burden or a subject to stress about. In a situation where your daughter has her period during school hours, ask her to use her ‘go-to’ supply or consult the front office and ask to see a school nurse or a representative for they both have access to school supplies of sanitary products on hand.
- What should your daughter do if the blood leaks on their pants?
In such a condition, suggest her to tie her sweatshirt around her waist to cover the area. You can also suggest her to remain prepared for such a possibility by wearing dark-colored clothes during this time. Ask her to visit the bathroom regularly during the breaks between classes to ensure that she is changing her sanitary pad or tampon frequently to avoid such a situation. Also, assure her that it is impossible to identify whether someone is wearing a pad or a tampon through their clothing, which is why wearing a pad or a tampon should not make her feel extremely self-conscious.
Help your daughter To Track Her Period
It is very common for girls to get an irregular period for a year or two. Each woman has her own cycle, which is why you should suggest her to maintain a calendar. Suggest her to begin with the first day of the period and determine the time between the first day of her period to the first day of her next period. An average menstrual cycle is 28 days long, however, it can vary a bit. The range for adult women menstrual cycle is between 21-35 days, whereas for young women, a normal menstrual cycle can range from 21-45 days. Adapting the suggested method would help your daughter anticipate her period the following month.
Tell her About How to handle her First Period
Assure your daughter that she should not be worried about her period and she should not feel afraid to ask questions. Explain to her that her first few periods will most likely be normal, even minimal and they might not be regular in the beginning. She might experience some pain in her lower abdomen, which can last for a whole day or 2-3 days on average. The blood might be red, brown, or even blackish in color but she should not get tensed and she should change her sanitary pad in every 4 to 6 hours. Ask her to try different sizes of sanitary pads to determine which is more comfortable and suitable for her.
About the Author
Phoenix Pads provide three types of sanitary pads in a single packet; 4 for heavy flow, 5 for medium flow, and 2 panty liners. One period kit with 11 sanitary napkins to tackle all your menstrual flows; ranging from heavy to medium, and panty liners for light flow along with FREE vaginal pH test kit.
