Period FAQs

when you get your period

by Prof. Leopoldo Pacocha Jr. Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Periods usually begin at around the age of 12, although some girls will start them earlier or later. A delay in starting periods isn't usually a cause for concern. Most girls will be having regular periods by age 16 to 18. Read more about girls and puberty.

Full Answer

When do you know you're going to start your period?

10 Signs Your Period Is About to Start

  1. Abdominal cramps. Abdominal, or menstrual, cramps are also called primary dysmenorrhea. ...
  2. Breakouts. Menstruation-related breakouts often erupt on the chin and jawline but can appear anywhere on the face, back, or other areas of the body.
  3. Tender breasts. ...
  4. Fatigue. ...
  5. Bloating. ...
  6. Bowel issues. ...
  7. Headache. ...
  8. Mood swings. ...
  9. Lower back pain. ...
  10. Trouble sleeping. ...

What are signs that you are getting your period soon?

What are the symptoms and signs of period coming soon?

  1. Abdominal cramps. Abdomen cramps, which is experienced by a lot of women before their period starts, is a sign your period is coming soon.
  2. Change of mood. Are you experiencing a change in your behavior before your period? ...
  3. Acne on face. ...
  4. Breast pain and swelling. ...
  5. Abdominal bloating, gas and pain. ...
  6. Headache. ...
  7. Sleepless nights before period. ...
  8. Fatigue
  9. Food cravings

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When is the normal age to get your period?

Most people start their periods between the ages of 12 and 13. Your first period (especially for teens). (2019). acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Your-First-Period-Especially-for-Teens However, it’s normal to start your period a little earlier or later, too.

What are the signs of getting your first period?

#1: Look for puberty signs and symptoms.

  • Height growth. If you experience faster bone growth, you might be closer to your initial bleeding.
  • Pubic hair. Thicker hair around your genitals and armpits is another symptom of a reaching period age. ...
  • Boddy odor. Puberty causes your sweat and body scent to be more pungent. ...
  • Breast growth. This one is usually a women-specific symptom. ...

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What are the signs when your period is coming?

Common signs that your period is approaching are:You're breaking out.Acne is a common problem at this time of the month. ... Your breasts are sore or heavy.Breast pain linked to periods is called cyclical breast pain. ... You're tired but you can't sleep. ... You have cramps. ... You're constipated or have diarrhea.More items...•

What does your 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.

Is it normal to get your period at age 11?

When do periods start? Most young people will have their first periods when they're between 11 and 14½, but anywhere from 9-16 years is considered normal. Periods are likely to start soon if your child has: had a major growth spurt.

What happens to me when I get my period?

During your period, blood and tissue from the lining of your uterus flows out of your vagina. If you get your period, it means you didn't get pregnant during your last cycle. Your uterus doesn't need the lining to grow a pregnancy, so it sheds the lining.

What helps a girl on her period?

Fill the goody bag with the following;Dark chocolate. Dark chocolate reduces cramps. ... Sanitary Pads. Plenty of them. ... Pantyliners. Panty-liners are for last day drips. ... Pain relievers. ... Period panties. ... Facial scrub. ... Hot water bottle for pressing her stomach. ... Her favourite snacks.More items...•

Is your first period painful?

The first period often is very heavy and painful. Ovulation, or the process of making an egg, helps make a “normal” period. Unfortunately, many girls do not ovulate in the beginning, resulting in heavy bleeding.

Can a 3 year old have a period?

Although there's no one right age for a girl to get her period, there are some clues that it will start soon. Typically, 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.

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 a 7 year old get her period?

Most girls start their periods when they're about 12, but they can start as early as 8, so it's important to talk to girls from an early age to make sure they're prepared.

What age period stops?

Overview. Menopause is the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It's diagnosed after you've gone 12 months without a menstrual period. Menopause can happen in your 40s or 50s, but the average age is 51 in the United States.

What color is your first period?

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.

Why do periods hurt?

Period pain happens when the muscular wall of the womb tightens (contracts). Mild contractions continually occur in your womb, but they're usually so mild that most women cannot feel them. During your period, the wall of the womb starts to contract more vigorously to help the womb lining shed as part of your period.

What color is your first period?

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 regular are first periods?

Do Periods Happen Regularly When Menstruation Starts? For the first few years after a girl starts her period, it may not come regularly. This is normal at first. By about 2–3 years after her first period, a girl's periods should be coming around once every 4–5 weeks.

How long after armpit hair does period start?

Armpit hair is self-explanatory. Any amount will do. At this point, a girl will probably start her periods within 3-6 months, if she hasn't already.

Do you spot before your first period?

Several days before the first period, some females may notice spotting in their underwear or abdominal cramps. Some may also notice more acne appearing. Not everyone will experience this, however.

What's The Menstrual Cycle?

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 o...

How Can I Track My Menstrual Cycle?

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...

What Causes Menstrual Cycle Irregularities?

Menstrual cycle irregularities can have many different causes, including: 1. Pregnancy or breast-feeding. A missed period can be an early sign of p...

What Can I Do to Prevent Menstrual Irregularities?

For some women, use of birth control pills can help regulate menstrual cycles. Treatment for any underlying problems, such as an eating disorder, a...

When do you start your period?

This means a lot of growing and changing — both inside and out. Some girls start puberty at age 8, and others may start as late as 13 or 14.

How long before your period do you have to be ready?

Usually, this happens about 6 months before you get your first period. If you think you're getting close to your first period, it might make you more comfortable to be ready. Put a pad and change of underwear in your backpack or purse in case your period comes when you aren't at home.

How do you know if you're getting your first period?

A good sign you're getting close to the time when your first period will arrive is if you notice a discharge coming from your vagina. It might be thin and slightly sticky or thick and gooey, and can be clear to white or off-white in color. Usually, this happens about 6 months before you get your first period.

When does hair grow under arms?

For most girls this is around age 12. But it can be as early as age 8 or as late as 15.

When do you start your period?

Menstruation (also known as having your period) is when blood from your uterus drips out of your vagina for a few days every month. You start getting your period during puberty, usually when you’re around 12-15 years old. Your menstrual cycle is what makes your period come every month. It’s controlled by hormones in your body.

How often do you get your period?

Most people get their period every 21-35 days — around once a month (that’s why periods are sometimes called “that time of the month”). The bleeding lasts for 2-7 days — it’s different for everyone. Your period might not always come at the same time each month, especially when you first start getting it.

How do I deal with PMS and cramps?

PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome. It’s when the hormones that control your menstrual cycle cause changes in your body and emotions around the time of your period.

How to calm cramps before period?

You can calm cramps by taking pain medicine (like ibuprofen ). Putting a heating pad where it hurts, taking a hot bath, exercising, or stretching your body can also help.

What is the purpose of the menstrual cycle?

It’s controlled by hormones in your body. The purpose of the menstrual cycle is to help your body get ready for pregnancy. Your menstrual cycle = the time from the 1st day of your period to the 1st day of your next period. Learn more about how your menstrual cycle works.

What to do if PMS is bad?

If your PMS is so bad that it’s hard to do normal activities during your period, talk to an adult you trust or your family doctor. You can also call your local Planned Parenthood health center. You shouldn’t have to suffer every month, and they can help you find the cause and get treatment. YouTube. Planned Parenthood.

Can you use a tampon on your period?

You can use pads, tampons, period underwear, or a menstrual cup to collect the blood, so it doesn’t get on your clothes. Learn more about using tampons, period underwear, pads, and cups. Some people get cramps or other symptoms before and/or during their period — this is called PMS.

How long does it take for a period to end?

Period signs and symptoms usually end about 3-4 days after bleeding begins. Common signs that your period is approaching are: . You’re breaking out. Acneis a common problem at this time of the month. Adult women get acnemuch more than men do, and it’s all because of hormones.

Why do my breasts feel sore after my period?

Your breastsare sore or heavy. Breast pain linked to periods is called cyclical breast pain. Your breasts may feel tender or swollen right after ovulation until a few days after period bleeding starts. Changes in the hormones estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin, the breastfeedinghormone, may play a role.

What percentage of women have PMS?

Ninety percent of women have premenstrual syndrome(PMS) symptoms at some point in their reproductive life. Some women have more severe PMS signs and symptoms than others. Changing hormones are to blame for many uncomfortable or unpleasant period signs and symptoms like cramps and tender breasts.

How to stop bloating during premenstrual period?

Water retention is another major complaint. It’s also hormonal, but you can curb premenstrual bloat by cutting out salt, eating more fruits and vegetables, and exercisingregularly.

Why does my lower back hurt during my period?

Your lower back hurts. Period cramps don’t just affect the belly. Changes in natural chemicals called prostaglandins that line the uterus cause contractions that you could also feel in your back or thighs.

Why do women get acne?

Adult women get acnemuch more than men do, and it’s all because of hormones. Period-related breakouts are called cyclical acne. Rising hormone levels kickstart oil (called sebum) production, which clogs pores and causes pimples as your period is about to start.

Does estrogen affect your core temperature?

Changes in estrogen and progesterone may also increase core body temperature, especially when sleeping. You’re more likely to get good sleep when your core body temperature decreases. You have cramps. Cramps in your lower belly are the most frequent menstrual complaint.

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.

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 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.

Why does the lining of the uterus get thicker?

The lining of your uterus gets thicker as preparation for nurturing a fertilized egg. An egg is released and is ready to be fertilized and settle in the lining of your uterus.

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.

What happens if you don't have estrogen during pregnancy?

If pregnancy doesn’t occur, estrogen and progesterone levels fall, eventually hitting a level that tells your body to begin menstruation.

What happens if you don't get pregnant?

Every month that you don’t become pregnant, your body expels tissue that it no longer needs to nourish a fertilized egg. If you experience inconsistencies such as a change in your menstrual regularity, frequency, duration, or volume, talk with your doctor or gynecologist. Last medically reviewed on February 4, 2021.

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 before your period do you know if you have a period?

Share on Pinterest. Somewhere between five days and two weeks before your period starts, you may experience symptoms that let you know it’s coming. These symptoms are known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). More than 90 percent of people experience PMS to some degree.

Where do you feel cramps during your period?

Menstrual cramps are felt in the lower abdomen. The achy, cramping feeling may also radiate out toward your lower back and upper thighs. Uterine contractions cause menstrual cramps. These contractions help shed the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) when a pregnancy doesn’t take place.

How many days before menstruation do migraines occur?

found that migraines were 1.7 times more likely to occur one to two days before menstruation and 2.5 times more likely to occur during the first three days of menstruation in this population. 8. Mood swings. The emotional symptoms of PMS can be more severe than the physical ones for some people.

What happens if you don't ovulate?

If no pregnancy takes place when you ovulate, estrogen and progesterone levels decline and androgens, such as testosterone, increase slightly. The androgens in your system stimulate production of sebum, an oil produced by the skin’s sebaceous glands. When too much sebum is produced, acne breakouts can result.

Why does my lower back hurt during my period?

Lower back pain. The uterine and abdominal contractions triggered by the release of prostaglandins may also cause muscle contractions to occur in the lower back. An aching or pulling feeling may result. Some may have significant lower back pain during their period.

What hormones cause contractions?

The production of hormone-like lipids called prostaglandins trigger these contractions. Although these lipids cause inflammation, they also help regulate ovulation and menstruation.

How long does it take for PMS to dissipate?

PMS usually dissipates within a few days of menstruation. Here are the 10 most common signs that let you know your period is about to start.

How often does a woman have her period?

Your period occurs every month or so in lieu of an egg becoming fertilized. Eggs are released once a month from the ovary. When they aren’t fertilized, the egg travels out of the uterus and sheds through the vagina.

When does a pregnant woman bleed?

This type of bleeding occurs when the fertilized egg implants into the uterus, usually around the time your period would be expected.

What causes a woman's stomach to hurt during pregnancy?

This occurs most commonly during the last few months of pregnancy. The placenta detaches from the uterus, usually causing heavy bleeding and possibly severe stomach pain and cramping. Certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, can increase the risk of placental abruption.

What are the symptoms of pregnancy?

irritability. lower back pain. The difference is that these symptoms are related to your body’s natural preparation methods for pregnancy. If any of the above symptoms are severe or don’t go away, you’re in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, or both apply, seek immediate care.

What is a ruptured uterus?

A uterine rupture means that the muscle of the uterus separates or tears. This can cause uncontrolled bleeding. It occurs most commonly in those who have delivered via cesarean delivery in the past. Though rare, this type of tear happens on old scar lines along the uterus.

What color is spotting during pregnancy?

Rather, you might experience “spotting” during early pregnancy, which is usually light pink or dark brown in color.

What percentage of people spot during early pregnancy?

Between 15 and 25 percent of people spot during early pregnancy. Some of the causes are:

How to get your period to come on?

Perhaps this is the reason for anecdotal reports that this can help to bring on your period. Try adding some relaxing scented oil to a bath for added effect.

Why do women want to induce their period?

There are various reasons why a woman might wish to induce her menstrual cycle. Perhaps she wants to get her period over and done with before a holiday or a special occasion. Maybe she has an irregular cycle and wants more predictability so that she can plan a pregnancy.

What is the best supplement for menstrual cycle?

Black cohosh is another herbal supplement that you can buy to help regulate the menstrual cycle. It’s said to help tone the uterus and promote the shedding of the uterine lining.

What is the best way to get rid of uterine contractions?

Ginger. Ginger is a traditional remedy for inducing periods and is believed to cause uterine contractions. However, this remains unproven by scientific research. Ginger is unpleasant to eat raw, so the easiest way to take it is to make ginger tea.

What is the best herbal remedy for a period?

Dong quai. Dong quai is an herb native to China and a popular herbal remedy. Trusted Source. that’s been used for hundreds of years. It’s thought to help induce a period by improving blood flow to the pelvis as well as by stimulating the muscles in the uterus and triggering uterine contractions.

How to stop irregular periods?

Birth control. A more long-term solution to the problem of irregular periods is to use a hormonal contraceptive. By controlling the levels of hormones in the body, these contraceptives can bring a degree of certainty over when your period will arrive. These can also come with side effects.

What is it called when you don't have your period?

The absence of menstruation is called amenorrhea. Girls who haven’t started their periods by the age of 15 and women who have missed three or more periods in a row have amenorrhea.

How long does a woman's period last after childbirth?

Missing a period is one of the first signs of pregnancy, and while you're pregnant, the hormones in your body keep your period away. Then, if you decide to breastfeed, your period may stay away for weeks, months, or longer.

When will your period return and will it affect your baby and your breast milk?

Donna Murray, RN, BSN has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Rutgers University and is a current member of Sigma Theta Tau, the Nursing Honor Society.

How long does it take for a period to come back after breast feeding?

Breastfeeding can put off the return of your menstrual cycle for many months, a year, or even longer. It depends on your body and how often and how long you decide to breastfeed. Your period may stay away longer if you:

Does pumping milk hold your period?

If you choose to pump and bottle feed your baby, it will not hold off your period.

Can you breastfeed while you have your period?

When your period does return, it doesn't mean you have to wean your baby. Breastfeeding while you have your period is perfectly safe. It's not harmful to you or your child at all.

Can breast feeding cause a period to be longer?

Breastfeeding could hold off your period longer. However, even if you do breastfeed, you could get your period back right away. You are more likely to get your period back sooner if:

Does breastfeeding affect your period?

Breastfeeding can affect your period, and your period can affect breastfeeding, your breast milk, and your baby. While many women do not notice any changes when their period returns, some women experience inconvenient or concerning issues.

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