Menstrual Period

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Menstrual periods are when the lining of the uterus flakes off (sheds) and blood/menstrual fluid passes through the vagina. Periods start about 2 years after puberty starts. The average age is 12. However, it can start as early as 9 or as late as 14.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms for periods are different for everyone. Some common symptoms around and during the period are:

  • Bloating
  • Feeling tired, irritable, or sad
  • Lack of energy
  • Cramping in your lower belly
  • Sore breasts

What Your Period Will Be Like

The time between periods, the amount of blood flow, and the number of days the period lasts are different for everyone.

  • Most periods last from 3 to 7 days.
  • The time between the first day of your period until first day of your next period is called a cycle. Cycles can last 21 to 45 days for the first 2 to 3 years after your first period.
  • When you first start having periods, they may not come every month. You may just have light bleeding called spotting. This is not a period. You may also have spotting in between your periods.

 

Period Care

There are a lot of products you can use to manage your period. Wash your hands well with soap and warm water before and after using any products.

  • For catching or absorbing blood, you can use:
    • Pads or tampons
      • Change them at least 4 times a day. Do not wear one for longer than 8 hours.
      • Do not use scented pads or tampons. They may irritate your vulva or vagina.
      • Do not wear tampons at night if you usually wear them during the day. Use a pad at night instead.
      • Carry extra pads or tampons with you in case your period starts suddenly.
    • Menstrual cups or discs
      • Before using a new cup or disc, sanitize it by placing it in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. Make sure the entire cup or disc is covered by the boiling water.
      • Empty and clean your cup or disc 8 to 12 hours after inserting it.
      • When your period is over, sanitize your cup or disc by rinsing it well and then placing it in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes.
    • Period underwear
      • Before wearing a new pair of period underwear, clean them by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
      • Depending on the type and brand, you can wear period underwear up to 12 hours.
      • When you are done with a pair, rinse them in cold water until the water runs clear. Let them fully dry before putting them in a basket or hamper with other laundry.
      • Period underwear can be washed in a washing machine with other delicate clothing. Wash them in cold water and avoid drying them with high heat.
  • For pain, you can use medicines like ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®). Talk to your doctor or health care provider before using these if you have health problems.
  • Keep yourself healthy during your period by:
    • Bathing or showering every day.
    • Using stick or roll-on deodorant to help prevent body odors.
    • Avoiding hygiene products like sprays, soaps, douches, and deodorant powders. These may irritate your vulva or vagina.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)

TSS happens when certain bacteria make poisons (toxins). The toxins can get into your bloodstream and affect different organs in your body.

TSS is more common in people who wear tampons during their period, but it can happen to anyone at any age. When using a tampon, bacteria can get trapped in your vagina and then enter your cervix or uterus.

When To Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor or health care provider if you:

  • Get a fever over 101° Fahrenheit (F) or 38.3° Celsius (C), headache, vomiting, and diarrhea while wearing a tampon. Remove it and call your doctor right away.
  • Have cramping or pain that is worse than normal (severe) during your period.
  • Have painful cramps that keep you from doing your normal activities.
  • Have irregular cycles longer than 45 days apart or go more than 3 months between periods.
  • Are having sex (sexually active) and miss a period.
  • Soak through more than 1 pad or tampon every hour for several hours in a row.
  • Have heavy periods that last more than 10 to 14 days.
  • Have periods more often than every 3 weeks.
  • Are 15 years old and have not started your period.
  • Have any other problems like mood changes, nausea, throwing up (vomiting), headaches, or spotting. Spotting is any amount of bleeding you have between your periods.
  • Want to know more about tracking your period.

 

 

Menstrual Period (PDF)

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