Having ”The Talk” about periods with your daughter can be quiet scary but the sooner you do it, the better it. Still, you debate with yourself at what age you should start telling your daughter about it, maybe she has already started asking questions and you don’t know whether you should be honest about it or delay the real answer for later on. Undoubtedly, hitting puberty and having periods is a major part of a girl’s life. That’s when their life actually changes.
When to have “The Talk”
On average, most girls start their periods between the age of 10 to 15 (although some begin earlier or later). Having the talk can be overwhelming for a young girl, but having small talks from a very early age is better than waiting until its too late. How do you discuss menstruation and offer education, as well as guidance and support, before the big day arrives? See if she’s starting to show any interest. If she’s asking questions. Children from a very young age start gathering interest and start asking questions which you should answer honestly, keeping in mind their maturity level and how much they can understand. The most important point to get across is that there’s no such thing as normal. Every girl is different. Every girl goes through the same thing with different symptoms.
It’s also important for the mother to take the process of menstruation in a positive direction. As the young girls are already worried, you don’t have to scare them further or have negative thoughts about something they have to deal with for big part of their life. Do point out that having periods is a natural experience all women.
How do periods start?
The menstrual cycle takes 28 days and it starts with a change in hormone levels from different parts of the woman’s body to help control and prepare the body for pregnancy. That preparation begins when the ovaries produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. These hormones trigger certain changes in the lining of the uterus. Other hormones from the pituitary gland release the egg from the ovary. The release of the egg is called ovulation, and it happens in the middle of the cycle; usually day 14 of a 28-day cycle.
If the egg is fertilized by sperm in the fallopian tube, the fertilized egg will take about 2 to 4 days to get attached to the thick, lining of the uterus. If it’s not fertilized, the egg begins to break down, the estrogen and progesterone levels drop, and the uterine lining breaks down and is shed. This bleeding is what’s known as a period.
Don’t forget to mention PMS( pre-menstrual syndrome)
Symptoms a woman may have a few days before her menstrual cycle. But not for all girls who start their periods, it can happen years after as well. If it does happen in the early years then plenty of rest, exercise, and eating a balanced diet may help. Although you don’t want to make it sound negative still have to aware her about these. Bloating, cramps, mood swings, headaches and including tender breasts. Also some symptoms she might start experiencing that you can talk to your daughter about puberty; Rapid growth, vaginal discharge, breast development.
Discuss hygiene – It is VERY important
Discuss sanitary options and how important it is and how to use it. Most cases a pad is the best option for girls when they first begin having their period until they fully understand their cycle. Although it’s a state of not wanting to do anything, but regular warm showers are recommended as well. It will lighten the mood as well.
