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Problems during periods

 



A girl’s period can add a new challenge to the already-difficult teenage years. There are many common problems or aggravations that can occur with periods, which typically occur monthly and last six or seven days. Some of these issues can be typical, but others may need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional.


Irregular Periods

Irregular periods can be worrisome and inconvenient, but it is common to have irregular bleeding in the first two years following the start of menstruation; for example, a young woman may have two periods in one month or could sometimes go four months or more without getting another period.

The menstrual cycle is complex: hormones are made in the brain and must talk to the ovaries, which then talk to the uterus. As the body adjusts to all of these processes working together, periods should become more regular. It is important to see a doctor if periods are extremely irregular or occur more than three months apart.


Heavy Periods


Some periods are heavier than others, but if they become too heavy, they can they impact quality of life or even lead to anemia. Anemia is a condition associated with iron deficiency in which there is a low blood count. Anemia can lead to feeling tired all the time, difficulties with physical activity, lightheadedness and dizziness, and potentially, fainting. Blood work is often recommended when someone has heavy menstrual bleeding.

Red flags for menstrual bleeding that can cause anemia are:


1.Flow lasting greater than eight days


2.Soaking through a pad or tampon within one hour


3.Soaking through bedding at night


4.Clots bigger than one centimeter


Painful Periods


Painful periods are one of the most common reasons that girls see their healthcare provider. Prostaglandin is released during menstruation and is a hormone that can cause painful uterine contractions, leading to cramps. Heating pads and over the counter pain medications (such as medications containing ibuprofen or naproxen) can help lessen the cramping, as can light movement such as yoga. Girls should talk to a health care provider if cramps are so distressing that everyday life is affected.


Acne


Many teenagers experience acne. The hormones that are involved in the menstrual cycle can contribute to acne as well, resulting in breakouts that become worse during periods. Sometimes birth control pills are used to treat acne.

Problems during the menstrual cycle can impact a young woman’s quality of life and self-esteem, causing her to miss school, work, or other activities. The good news is that there are many treatment options available to help.

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Key terms of periods

Menstruation or menses is the natural bodily process of releasing blood and associated  matter from the uterus through the vagina as part of the menstrual cycle.  Menarche is the onset of menstruation, the time when a girl has her first menstrual period. Menstrual hygiene management (MHM) refers to management of hygiene associated with the menstrual process. WHO and UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) for  drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene has used the following definition of MHM: ‘Women and adolescent girls are using a clean menstrual management material to absorb or collect  menstrual blood, that can be changed in privacy as often as necessary for the duration of  a menstrual period, using soap and water for washing the body as required, and having  access to safe and convenient facilities to dispose of used menstrual management  materials. They understand the basic facts linked to the menstrual cycle and how to  manage it with dignity and without discomfort or fear1. 

Taking Care of Yourself During Your Period

 You may notice signs that your period is coming for a week or 2 before it starts. Most of these signs go away soon after each period begins. You may have some, all, or none of the signs listed below. All worn out You may be tired and need extra rest just before your period. You might have headaches, too. Try to get enough sleep. Take a nap if you need one. Tender, swollen breasts Your breasts may swell and hurt. To ease your discomfort, try these tips: *Hug a heating pad or soak in a warm bath. *Try cold packs. *Wear a firm bra that fits correctly when your breasts are swollen. *Talk to your parents if your breasts still hurt. Cramps You may feel pain or cramps in your lower abdomen and even in your lower back. This happens when the muscles of the uterus tighten to help shed its lining. You can soothe the pain several ways: *Take a warm bath. *Hold a hot water bottle or heating pad over the cramp zone. *Relax with gentle exercise, such as stretching. *Eat healthy foods. *Don't smo

All About Periods

 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. 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. *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 hormonesin the body. Hormones are chemical messengers. The ovaries release the female hormones estrogenand 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 bleed