Period FAQs

what is a girl's period

by Mr. Candido Cummings DDS Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Menstruation is a woman's monthly bleeding, often called your “period.” When you menstruate, your body discards the monthly buildup of the lining of your uterus (womb). Menstrual blood and tissue flow from your uterus through the small opening in your cervix and pass out of your body through your vagina.Feb 22, 2021

When do girls usually start periods?

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. There isn't one right age for a girl to get her period. But there are some clues that it will start soon: Most of the time, a girl gets her period about 2 years after her breasts start to develop.

What is the average age for a girl to start her period?

The national average age for a girl to get her first period is 12, and girls can start as early as age 8. Why so young? No one would argue that an 11-year-old is emotionally capable of raising a child.

Do all girls get their period?

In general, girls can expect their first period about two years after the first signs of breasts developing, usually between the ages of 10 and 16. Many girls get their first period a couple months after noticing vaginal discharge. If she hasn’t started her period by 16, you might want to make an appointment with your OBGYN. ...

Why are girls getting their periods so young?

“This can be both emotionally and mentally challenging for girls this young, as well as their parents.” If a girl starts menstruation at a young age, it’s usually because the hormones in her body responsible for puberty are being produced earlier.

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What is a girl's period like?

It may look like a lot of blood, but a girl usually only loses a few tablespoons of blood during the whole period. Most girls need to change their pad, tampon, or menstrual cup about 3‒6 times a day.

How long is a girl's first period?

2 to 7 daysWhen you first start having your period, it may last only a few days. Your first few periods may be very light. You may only see a few spots of reddish brown blood. Anywhere from 2 to 7 days is normal.

How long is girl's period?

The first day of a woman's period is day 1 of the menstrual cycle. "Periods last around 2 to 7 days, and women lose about 3 to 5 tablespoons of blood in a period," says Belfield. Some women bleed more heavily than this, but help is available if heavy periods are a problem. Find out about treatments for heavy periods.

Why do girls get periods?

Hormones give messages to the body. These hormones cause the lining of the uterus (or womb) to build up. This gets the uterus ready for an egg (from the mom) and sperm (from the dad) to attach and grow into a baby. If the woman does not get pregnant, the lining breaks down and bleeds.

Do periods hurt?

Period pain is common and a normal part of your menstrual cycle. Most women get it at some point in their lives. It's usually felt as painful muscle cramps in the tummy, which can spread to the back and thighs. The pain sometimes comes in intense spasms, while at other times it may be dull but more constant.

Why do periods hurt?

During your menstrual period, your uterus contracts to help expel its lining. Hormonelike substances (prostaglandins) involved in pain and inflammation trigger the uterine muscle contractions. Higher levels of prostaglandins are associated with more-severe menstrual cramps.

Which age periods will stop?

In your 40s, your menstrual periods may become longer or shorter, heavier or lighter, and more or less frequent, until eventually — on average, by age 51 — your ovaries stop releasing eggs, and you have no more periods.

Can you see eggs in period blood?

The eggs are super tiny — too small to see with the naked eye. During your menstrual cycle, hormones make the eggs in your ovaries mature — when an egg is mature, that means it's ready to be fertilized by a sperm cell.

What helps a girl on her period?

Ask Her What She NeedsBe patient! Don't blame her irritability on her period, but try to understand where she's coming from.Bring her the food she craves. Whether it's ice cream she's after or she's one of the rare women who crave a green juice, just go and get it. ... Be attentive. ... Give her a massage. ... Give her space.

Do boys have periods?

Guys don't have periods because they don't have a uterus, but their bodies develop and change too – the changes are just different. For example: their voice changes and they develop hair on their face and other parts of their bodies. So, although guys don't get periods, their bodies do go through changes too.

Can guys have periods?

Men experience similar symptoms to women when they go through hormonal imbalances. Many of them are similar to the female menstrual cycle including tiredness, cramps, increase sensitivity and cravings. According to one study, around 26 % of men experience these regular “man periods.” Men have hormonal cycles.

Why do boys not have periods?

If the egg doesn't become fertilized, the lining sheds and blood is released from the uterus. This is called a period. So, having a period means that you'll likely be able to get pregnant. Guys have different reproductive organs, so they don't have a period and therefore can't get pregnant.

How long does a first period last for a 10 year old?

Typically, your first period will last from two to seven days and it may be very light, perhaps just spots of blood.

What does a girl's first period look like?

Your first period should last anywhere from 2 to 7 days. It may be very light, with just a few spots of brownish blood. Or it may start and end more brownish, but be brighter red on heavier flow days.

What are the first signs of a girl starting her period?

The first period will typically begin a couple of years after the first signs of puberty appear. However, there is no precise way of knowing when it will begin. Several days before the first period, some females may notice spotting in their underwear or abdominal cramps. Some may also notice more acne appearing.

Is 10 a normal age to get your period?

Most girls get their first period when they're between 10 and 15 years old. The average age is 12, but every girl's body has its own schedule. Although there's no one right age for a girl to get her period, there are some clues that it will start soon.

What is a period?

A period refers to the part of the menstrual cycle when a woman experiences bleeding from her vagina. It typically happens once a month, and lasts for a few days, however, it varies from person to person.

How old do you have to be to start your period?

The average age for starting periods is around 12 years of age, but that doesn’t mean that if you start before or after this age that you should worry! It can be difficult, especially if your friends have already started their periods and you haven’t yet. Everyone starts when their own body is ready, and there is no way to change when you will start.

What are the signs of your first period?

When it starts, you might also experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This causes symptoms like period pain (cramps in your tummy), moodiness, bloating, backache, weight gain and skin break outs.

What does your first period look like?

When you first start your period, it may only be light (meaning a small amount) and pink, brown or black in colour. On heavy days, period blood tends to be bright red and can include menstrual clots – these are just gel-like blobs made of blood cells, tissue from the lining of the uterus and proteins that are found in blood.

How long does your first period last?

The average time to bleed is between four or five days, but your period could last from three to eight days. Again, everyone’s different. Your period is part of your menstrual cycle, which starts on day one of bleeding and ends the day before your next period begins. The average cycle is 28 days but it may be shorter or longer.

How much period blood is normal?

It might seem like there’s a lot of blood, but it’s probably no more than two to three tablespoons. It’s normal to bleed more heavily in the first few days of your period.

What is it called when you feel your body going through a lot of changes?

Chances are, you’ve started to feel your body going through lots of changes. This is called puberty.

When is a period normal?

Takeaway. A period (menstruation) is normal vaginal bleeding that is a natural part of a healthy monthly cycle for a person with a uterus and ovaries. Every month, in the years between puberty (typically age 11 to 14) and menopause (typically about age 51), your body readies itself for pregnancy.

How much blood does a woman lose during her period?

The average person who menstruates loses about 2 to 3 tablespoons of blood. Trusted Source. during their period.

How long does it take for birth control to stop your cycle?

Birth control pills. If you take daily birth control pills, after a year you’ll have about a 70 percent chance of suppressing your cycle.

How long does it take to bleed during your period?

Trusted Source. during their period. The time between periods (last day to first day) typically averages 28 days, with bleeding typically lasting around 4 to 5 days. However, people can experience longer time between periods, and fewer or more days of bleeding, and still have totally “regular” periods.

Can my period be stopped?

No method guarantees no periods, but, according to a 2014 article in the International Journal of Women’s Health, you can suppress your cycle with various types of birth control such as:

How old is a girl when she starts her period?

A girl’s periods generally begin between the ages of 12 and 14 years, but this can vary from 8 to 16 years. Menstruation is a major stage in a girl’s puberty. It is one of several physical signs that a girl is becoming a woman.

When does a woman's period end?

Menstruation will end with menopause, usually between the ages of 45 and 55 years.

What is amenorrhea (absent periods)?

Amenorrhea is when a woman stops having periods altogether, usually having missed three periods in a row. It is also used if a girl has not begun menstruation by the age of 15 years.

What is the term for the shedding of the lining of the womb?

A period, or menstruation , is the shedding of the lining of the womb. Menstruation is also known as menses. Menses are part of normal sexual health for women during their reproductive years. Menstruation that includes bleeding from the vagina is found mainly among humans and similar animals, such as primates.

What are the symptoms of PMS?

Symptoms of PMS may include abdominal cramps and bloating. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual tension (PMT) is a collection of emotional, psychological, and physical symptoms that are linked to a woman’s menstrual cycle. Symptoms that may be felt by some women in the days leading up to her period include:

What hormones are released during the menstrual cycle?

These hormones cause some of the woman’s eggs, which are stored in the follicles of her ovaries, to start to grow and mature. The follicles start producing a hormone called estrogen.

How long does a period last?

The bleeding is caused by the breaking of fine blood vessels within the womb as the lining detaches itself. A period generally lasts about 5 days. Bleeding tends to be heavier during the first 2 days.

How long does a woman's period last?

Menstrual flow might occur every 21 to 35 days and last two to seven days. For the first few years after menstruation begins, long cycles are common.

How long does it take for your period to stop?

In addition, consult your health care provider if: Your periods suddenly stop for more than 90 days — and you're not pregnant. Your periods become erratic after having been regular. You bleed for more than seven days. You bleed more heavily than usual or soak through more than one pad or tampon every hour or two.

What causes menstrual cycle irregularities?

Menstrual cycle irregularities can have many different causes, including:

What is the process of ovulation?

The menstrual cycle is the monthly series of changes a woman's body goes through in preparation for the possibility of pregnancy. Each month, one of the ovaries releases an egg — a process called ovulation. At the same time, hormonal changes prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If ovulation takes place and the egg isn't fertilized, ...

Why is it important to track your period?

Tracking your menstrual cycles can help you understand what's normal for you, time ovulation and identify important changes — such as a missed period or unpredictable menstrual bleeding. While menstrual cycle irregularities usually aren't serious, sometimes they can signal health problems.

What to do if you have questions about your menstrual cycle?

If you have questions or concerns about your menstrual cycle, talk to your health care provider.

How to find out what's normal for you?

To find out what's normal for you, start keeping a record of your menstrual cycle on a calendar. Begin by tracking your start date every month for several months in a row to identify the regularity of your periods. If you're concerned about your periods, then also make note of the following every month: End date.

What to wear during period?

For extra protection on heavy days, some girls use a tampon and wear a pad or absorbent period underwear. You also might want to wear dark-colored underwear and pants during your period.

Do tampons work during periods?

Tampons also can be helpful for girls who exercise or play sports during their periods. Pads will work, but can feel uncomfortable during sports.

When do girls get their period?

Most girls will get their first period sometime between the ages of 10 and 15. However, a first period can occur as young as 8, so it’s a good idea to be prepared. The age of a first period can be impacted by genetics, diet, environment, weight, and other factors.

What is it called when you have a period without an egg?

This blood is what is seen during a period. This cycle repeats every month and is called a menstrual cycle .

How to prepare for a first period?

You can help your child prepare for a first period by having an open and direct conversation about periods and what to expect. It’s also a good idea for your child to begin keeping menstrual supplies and an extra pair of pants in their bag or at school.

Why is it important to talk about your first period?

However, a first period is part of overall health and development, and having an honest conversation about it is an important way to help your child as they grow up.

What factors determine the time of a period?

Factors such as family history, race, diet, environment, and weight can all determine the time a first period occurs. Children who participate in intense athletics or are underweight might get their periods later.

What hormones do you release during your period?

A period happens when your brain sends a signal to your ovaries to release hormones called estrogen and progesterone.

How long does a period last?

Most women bleed for three to five days, but a period lasting only two days to as many as seven days is still considered normal.

What is a normal menstrual cycle?

The average cycle is 28 days long; however, a cycle can range in length from 21 days to about 35 days.

What is the term for the lining of the uterus during a period?

During a normal menstrual cycle, the lining of a woman's uterus sheds. This cycle is part of a woman's reproductive system and prepares the body for a possible pregnancy. It is also called a period, menses or cycle. Appointments 216.444.6601. Appointments & Locations.

What is the term for the shedding of the lining of the uterus?

Menstruation is the monthly shedding of the lining of a woman’s uterus (more commonly known as the womb). Menstruation is also known by the terms menses, menstrual period, cycle or period. The menstrual blood—which is partly blood and partly tissue from the inside of the uterus—flows from the uterus through the cervix and out ...

When do follicles grow?

In addition, another hormone—follicle-stimulating hormone—causes follicles in the ovaries to grow. During days 10 to 14, one of the developing follicles will form a fully mature egg (ovum). Ovulation: This phase occurs roughly at about day 14 in a 28-day menstrual cycle.

What hormone causes the ovary to release its egg?

A sudden increase in another hormone—luteinizing hormone—causes the ovary to release its egg. This event is called ovulation. The luteal phase: This phase lasts from about day 15 to day 28. After the egg is released from the ovary it begins to travel through the fallopian tubes to the uterus.

How long after stopping birth control do you know you're pregnant?

You think you might be pregnant—for example, you have had sex and your period is at least five days late. Your period has not returned within three months after stopping birth control pills and you know you are not pregnant. You have any questions or concerns about your period or possible pregnancy.

How old are girls when they get their period?

Girls are 12-13 years old, on average, when they get their first menstrual period (menarche), the committees note. That average age hasn't changed much in 30 years, though black girls go through menarche five months earlier than they did 30 years ago, according to the committees.

How long does it take for a woman to have her first period?

Here are some facts cited in the report about girls' first periods: Typically start two to two-and-a-half years after breast development begins. Generally last two to seven days. Menstrual cycles range from 21 to 45 days.

How often do menstrual cycles last?

Menstrual periods occurring less than every 45 days. Menstrual periods occurring 90 days apart, even for one cycle. Menstrual periods that last more than seven days. Menstrual periods requiring frequent pad/tampon changes (more than once every one or two hours).

What does it mean when you have a period of 14?

No menstrual period by 14, with signs of excess facial or body hair ( hirsutism ). No menstrual period by 14, with a history or examination suggestive of excessive exercise or an eating disorder. No menstrual period by 14, with concerns about genital tract problems. No menstrual flow by 15.

Is menstruation considered a vital sign?

The committees recommend that doctors view girls' menstruation as a "vital sign" at medical checkups, just like temperature and heart rate.

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