Don’t you know what to tell your daughter about menstruation? Here are some tips to get you started.
Menstruation usually occurs for around 12 years, but it is possible to have menstrual periods at 8 years. Therefore, it is important that you talk about this topic in advance. However, menstruation can be an uncomfortable topic to explain. What is the best way to prepare your daughter?
Speak from the first moments and often
The sooner you start talking to your daughter about the changes she can expect during puberty, the better. Do not plan a single talk in which all topics are discussed. On the contrary, he plans a series of conversations. If your daughter asks about menstruation, answer them openly and honestly. If your daughter doesn’t ask questions, you should start talking about menstruation.
You could start by asking him what he knows about puberty. Clarify the wrong information, ask if you have questions and explain the basics. Share your experiences. Keep track of the health and sexual education lessons your daughter receives at school. If your daughter is reluctant to talk, don’t lower your arms.
Your daughter needs information about the menstrual cycle and all the challenges posed by puberty. Friends can provide inaccurate information. Talking with your daughter can help dispel unfounded fears or anxiety, as well as positively influence her body image. In addition, the conversations you have with your daughter about menstruation can serve as a basis for future talks about dating and sexuality.
Preferred practical advice
The biology of menstruation is important; however, most girls are more interested in practical information. Your daughter will probably want to know when it will happen, what she will feel and what she should do when the time comes.
- What is menstruation? Menstruation means that the body is physically capable of producing a pregnancy. In the first half of the menstrual cycle, the levels of the hormone estrogen increase, which causes thickening of the lining of the uterus. This lining will feed the fertilized egg (embryo) if a pregnancy occurs. As the lining increases in size, an egg in one of the ovaries begins to mature. Approximately, on day 14 of an average 28-day cycle, the ovule detaches from the ovary (ovulation). The egg travels through one of the fallopian tubes to the uterus. Pregnancy occurs if a sperm fertilizes an egg and adheres to the wall of the uterus. If the ovum does not fertilize, it dissolves, hormonal levels decrease and the thickened lining of the uterus breaks off and leaves the vagina.
- When will it happen? No one can say exactly when the first menstruation will occur. However, it usually begins about two years after the breasts begin to develop.
- How long does it last? It is likely that the first periods are mild and only produce a few blood spots. Most menstrual periods last between three and five days, but it is normal for them to last two to seven days.
- Does it cause pain? Frequent symptoms include cramps in the lower abdomen or back, or breast tenderness immediately before or during menstruation. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea are also possible. Exercise, hot baths, a heating pad or an over-the-counter pain reliever can relieve discomfort.
- What should I do? Explain how to use sanitary pads, tampons and menstrual cups, as well as the importance of changing them regularly, every four to eight hours in the case of sanitary napkins and tampons, and every eight to twelve hours in the case of the menstrual cups Provides the bathroom of various types of feminine hygiene products in advance. Encourage your daughter to try and find the product that is most suitable for her.
- Will everyone know that I have my period? Explain that sanitary pads, tampons, and menstrual cups cannot be seen through clothing. Encourage your daughter to carry supplies in her backpack, purse or store them in the closet if necessary.
We are all different
Remind your daughter not to worry when her friends start menstruating – or if their periods seem to be different. Explain that menstruation, including the duration and flow of the cycle, varies from one person to another and sometimes from one month to another.
It is also common for teenagers to have irregular periods. The cycle may become regular after six years or more from the first menstruation. The average menstrual cycle lasts 28 days and is counted from the first day of a menstrual period until the first day of the next period. Although the cycles of younger adolescents can range between 21 and 45 days, longer cycles are more common during the first years after the onset of menstruation.
Teach your daughter how to track menstrual periods using a calendar or mobile phone application. Over time, it is likely that your daughter can predict when her period will begin. Keeping track of menstrual periods can also help your daughter and her doctor identify possible menstrual disorders or other health problems.
Schedule a medical checkup for your daughter in the following cases:
- If your daughter has not started menstruating before the age of 15 or within three years after the breasts began to grow (or if the breasts have not begun to grow before the age of 13)
- If your daughter does not menstruate for three months after the onset of menstruation or if she suspects she is pregnant
- If your daughter has periods more often than once every 21 days or less frequently than every 45 days
- If your daughter has periods that become irregular after being regular
- If your daughter has periods that last more than seven days
- If your daughter has severe pain during menstrual periods
- If your daughter has bleeding between menstrual periods
- If your daughter has more severe bleeding than normal or uses more than one compressor a tampon every one to two hours
- If your daughter has a fever and feels sick suddenly after using a tampon
Be positive
Changes related to puberty can be a bit scary. Assure your daughter that it is normal for menstruation to raise concerns, but that there is nothing to worry about and that you are available to answer the questions she has.
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