Period FAQs

what is a period for girls

by Orland McLaughlin I 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

Full Answer

What does it mean when a girl has her period?

What does menstruation mean for a girl? Menstruation, or period, is normal vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman’s monthly cycle. Every month, your body prepares for pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, the uterus, or womb, sheds its lining. The menstrual blood is partly blood and partly tissue from inside the uterus.

How does a girl feel when on her period?

How does a girl feel when on her period? PMS is a collection of symptoms that some people get around the time of their periods. It can include headaches, back pain, irritability or moodiness, feeling sad or emotional, bloating, and breast tenderness . 2 Some people don't have any of these symptoms while others have them all.

How often is a girl supposed to get her period?

This is normal at first. By about 2–3 years after her first period, a girl's periods should be coming around once a month. How Long Do Periods Last? Periods usually last about 5 days. But a period can be shorter or last longer. How Often Does a Period Happen? Periods usually happen about once a month. But some girls get their periods around ...

How to know if a girl is on her period?

This is easy:

  • The girl/woman is not doing backflips, cartwheels, or any kind of gymnastic moves.
  • The girl/woman is not prepared to give you a lap dance, even if she’s done so before.
  • The girl/woman is armed with painkillers, Tranexamic Acid, spare pads, tampons, diapers, etc.
  • The girl/woman seems a touch too moody today. ...

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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 many period does a girl have?

"Girls can start their periods anywhere from age 10 upwards, but the average is around 12 years," says Belfield. "The average age for the menopause (when periods stop) in this country is 50 to 55." Between the ages of 12 and 52, a woman will have around 480 periods, or fewer if she has any pregnancies.

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.

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?

Naturally declining reproductive hormones. 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.

Is your first period Brown?

Lots of girls expect their blood to be bright red during their periods. But it's completely normal for menstrual blood to be brownish. It's also perfectly normal for some girls to have their first period for just 2 or 3 days.

Can you swim on your period?

Yes, you can swim on your period. It's safe to hit the water on your period, as long as you wear a tampon or menstrual cup while you're swimming.

How many times does a girl have her period in a year?

Most adults have 9 to 12 periods a year. Your period will usually last between 3 and 7 days. The amount of blood flow you have will probably be different each day. You will usually have the most blood in the beginning of your period and the least towards the end.

How many periods does a woman have in a month?

The menstrual cycle, which is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next, isn't the same for every woman. 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 is a normal period?

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

Is a 2 day period normal?

When it comes to periods, every woman is different. Most women have periods that last around three to five days each month. But a period that lasts only two days, or goes on for seven days, is also considered normal.

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.

When Do Most Girls Get Their Period?

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.

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

Most of the time, a girl gets her period about 2 years after her breasts start to develop. Another sign is vaginal discharge fluid (sort of like mucus) that a girl might see or feel on her underwear. This discharge usually begins about 6 months to a year before a girl gets her first period.

What Causes a Period?

A period happens because of changes in hormones in the body. Hormones are chemical messengers. The ovaries release the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones cause the lining of the uterus (or womb) to build up. The built-up lining is ready for a fertilized egg to attach to and start developing. If there is no fertilized egg, the lining breaks down and bleeds. Then the same process happens all over again.

How Does Ovulation Relate to Periods?

Ovulation (pronounced: ov-yoo-LAY-shun) is the release of an egg from the ovaries. The same hormones that cause the uterus lining to build up also cause an egg to leave one of the ovaries. The egg travels through a thin tube called a fallopian tube to the uterus.

Can a Girl Get Pregnant as Soon as Her Period Starts?

Yes, a girl can get pregnant as soon as her period starts. A girl can even get pregnant right before her very first period. This is because a girl's hormones might already be active. The hormones may have led to ovulation and the building of the uterine wall. If a girl has sex, she can get pregnant, even though she has never had a period.

How Long Do Periods Last?

Periods usually last about 5 days. But a period can be shorter or last longer.

Should I Use a Pad, Tampon, or Menstrual Cup?

You have many choices about how to deal with period blood. You may need to experiment a bit to find which works best for you. Some girls use only one method and others switch between different methods.

When Do Most Girls Get Their Period?

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.

How Long Do Periods Last?

Periods usually last about 5 days. But a period can be shorter or last longer.

Should I Use a Pad, Tampon, or Menstrual Cup?

There are a few ways to deal with period blood. You may need to experiment a bit to find which works best for you. Some girls use only one method and others switch between different methods.

Will I Have Periods for the Rest of My Life?

When women are around age 45‒55, they stop having periods (this is called menopause). Women also won't have a period while they are pregnant.

Do All Girls Get Cramps?

Lots of girls have cramps with their period, especially in the first few days. If the cramps are very uncomfortable, a warm heating pad on the belly and medicines can help.

Why do women get periods?

A period happens because of changes in hormones in the body. 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. This same process happens every month. That is why most girls and women get their periods around once a month.

What is it called when your body goes from looking like a kid's into looking more like a grown answer?

Puberty is when your body goes from looking like a kid's into looking more like a grown-up's. There is a lot to learn about periods. Here are some common questions that kids have.

When do girls get their period?

Usually, girls get their periods between ages 12 and 14, but it can happen years before or after that. Don’t worry if you get your period later or earlier than your friends get theirs — that happens a lot.

How long does a period last?

Your period may be heavy the first day or so each time and then decrease on later days. Periods usually last between three and five days. It is normal to have periods that are shorter or longer, up to seven days.

What happens during your period?

What comes out during your period is the blood and tissue that build up as the lining of your uterus each month. Your period flow can be light, heavy, or in between. Sometimes menstrual blood also will be different shades of red, from light to dark. You may see some dark clumps or clots of blood, which is normal.

How often do ovaries release eggs?

Natural body chemicals, or hormones, cause your ovaries to release one egg about once a month. Most months, the egg and the lining of your uterus come out of your vagina as your period. This is part of your menstrual cycle. This cycle is what makes it possible for a woman to have a baby.

How long does a woman's cycle last?

Menstrual cycles take place over about one month (around 21 to 34 days), but each woman’s cycle is different. Many women have a cycle that lasts 28 days. Some women may have cycles as long as 45 days.

How many periods can you have in one month?

You may have two in one month, or have a month without a period at all. Also, at first your period may last just a couple of days in some months and up to a week in other months. Periods will become more regular in time.

How to keep track of your period?

To learn about your own pattern, it's a good idea to keep track of your periods on a calendar or app. Keeping track lets you: 1 Get a sense of when to expect your next period 2 Know if you missed a period (if it comes on a regular schedule) 3 Have a record of your period schedule and when your last one came to share with your gynecologist or other health care provider

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 often does a woman have her period?

Menstruation — aka having your period — is when blood and tissue from your uterus comes out of your vagina. It usually happens every month.

When do you stop getting your period?

Most people stop getting their period when they’re between 45 and 55 years old — this is called menopause. Menopause can take a few years, and periods usually change gradually during this time. After menopause is totally complete, you can’t get pregnant anymore. Read more about menopause.

When can I get pregnant during my menstrual cycle?

You have the highest chance of getting pregnant on the days leading up to ovulation (when your ovary releases a mature egg) — these are called fertile days.

What is it called when you ovulate?

About halfway through your menstrual cycle, your hormones tell one of your ovaries to release a mature egg — this is called ovulation . Most people don’t feel it when they ovulate, but some ovulation symptoms are bloating, spotting, or a little pain in your lower belly that you may only feel on one side.

What hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle?

It also makes you have a period if you’re not pregnant. Your menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones like estrogen and progesterone. The 1st day of your menstrual cycle starts on the 1st day of your period (AKA menstruation).

How long does sperm live in the uterus?

Your egg lives for about 1 day after it’s released from your ovary, and sperm can live in your uterus and fallopian tubes for about 6 days after sex. So you can usually get pregnant for around 6 days of every menstrual cycle: the 5 days before you ovulate, and the day you ovulate.

Why do people track their menstrual cycle?

Many people track their menstrual cycles and other fertility signs to help them figure out when they’re ovulating. This is called fertility awareness — some people use it to prevent pregnancy, and others use it to try to get pregnant. Check out our app, which makes it easy to chart your cycle and figure out your fertile days.

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