What are Periods? 

In simple terms, a period is blood that is released from a female organ called the uterus. This process is also known as menarche (first menstrual period). In this stage, the female body gets ready for a potential pregnancy. If there is no pregnancy, then the thick lining breaks down and sheds in the form of blood. 

When Can I Expect My First Period?

Before having periods for tweens, your body gives many noticeable signs, by which you can easily identify that you are going to have your first period. Mostly, the girls between the ages of 12 and 15 can experience their periods; however, they may vary a few years earlier or later. But you must consult a doctor if you still don’t get your period after 16 years of age. 

Here are some common signs your body gives before starting your first period: 

• Breast Development: One of the first puberty signs your body experiences is that your breasts grow, and they get sore.

• White or Clear Vaginal Discharge: Usually, when girls enter their teenage years, before starting their periods, they notice a transparent discharge from their vaginal area. 

• Body Hair Growth: This is one of the most common signs a girl can experience. Hair growth in their pubic areas. 

What Problems Can I Face During My Menstruation?

You might face some common problems during your menstruation. These problems are faced by the majority of females. Here is the list of concerns that you may face during your first period. 

• Bleeding from the vagina

• Mild to moderate cramps

• Back or leg pain

• Bloating

• Tiredness

• Mood swings

Keep in mind that the first few periods may be irregular, light, or you for a short period of time. With time, your period cycle changes, and it gets more regular, and the flow may increase or decrease with time. 

What Precautions Should I Take During My First Period?

During your periods, along with your mood swing, you can experience many other changes in yourself. Here are some period hygiene tips for teens to avoid unnecessary infections and problems during their first period.

Use the Right Products

The easiest way for a good period is to start with a pad, as many teenagers may find it difficult with tampons and menstrual cups. So pads are the safest option for your periods. Choose pads labeled as cotton or lightweight, as they don’t irritate much and provide extra coverage. And don’t forget to change your pad every 3 to 4 hours. 

Use Period Calendar

In the initial phase, your periods may get delayed, and your cycle changes every 3-6 months. A period calendar helps you track your menstrual cycle and understand your body better. Here are the reasons why you need to use a period calendar. 

• Helps you know when your next period might start

• Makes it easier to prepare pads in advance

• Helps you notice if your periods are irregular or regular

• Useful for explaining your cycle to a parent or doctor

Maintain Good Period Hygiene

There should be proper period hygiene for teens. After changing your pads, wash your hands with soap. To avoid any fungal infection, wash your intimate area with lukewarm water. Don’t forget to take a shower every day, even if you don’t feel like it. Wear clean, breathable cotton underwear. And especially avoid the scented products near your private area. 

Keep Your Skin Moisturised 

You may not find this information in any other blog, but I will tell you this bitter truth. During your first 2-3 periods, you may experience itching on your body parts, like near the armpit, hips, belly, thighs, or breasts. Use coconut oil or a good moisturiser to protect your skin against stretch marks. 

Things to Avoid on Your First Period

Your first period is a healthy sign of you growing up. In some parts of South India, like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and many more, celebrate a girl's first period. Every girl experiences it differently. Here are a few things you should avoid during your first period. 

• Don’t skip changing pads for long hours

• Don’t use scented sprays or harsh soaps

• Don’t feel ashamed, periods are natural

What are the Four Phases of Periods? 

These phases occur because of the rise and fall of your hormones. In your entire menstrual cycle, these are the four crucial phases that every female faces before or after menstruation. 

Menstrual Phase

This phase begins on the first day of your period, when your uterus sheds its lining because pregnancy didn’t occur. The blood leaves your body through the vagina. Some key points are: 

• Your period lasts 3-7 days

• Blood + tissue sheds

• Start of period cycle

Follicular Phase

The follicular Phase also begins when your period starts. Your hormones tell your ovaries to prepare an egg. At the same time, the uterus lining starts rebuilding. Some key points for the follicular phase are: 

• Egg develops

• Hormones rise

• Body prepares

Ovulation

Ovulation happens when an egg is released from the ovary. The ovulation takes place in the middle of the period cycle. This is the highest time when the pregnancy may occur if you have sex. The things that happen during evolution are:  

• Egg released

• Short phase

• Fertile window

Luteal Phase

This phase happens after ovulation, between 15-28 days. In this phase, the egg moves through the fallopian tubes to your uterus, and the uterus lining thickens to support pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t happen, hormone levels drop, and after 28-32 days, the period happens. You may notice some points in this phase: 

• Hormones fall

• PMS symptoms

• Next period begins

When Should I Worry About My Periods?

You need to be very careful during your period. If you notice these symptoms during your menstruation, then you need to consult your healthcare provider: 

• If you don’t have your period by the age of 18.

• You don’t get your period for 3 months or for a longer period of time.

• Excessive bleeding for more than 7 days. 

• The bleeding is not consistent, sometimes much heavier or lighter than usual. 

• Experiencing severe pain during your periods. 

• You have bleeding between your menstrual cycle (spotting)

• After having sex, your period gets delayed at least 5 days. 

What Questions Your Doctor May Ask While You Suffer During Your Periods?

Below is the list of questions that you need to get prepared before visiting your doctor. You don’t need to get scared of these, as these are very basic questions. 

• At what age did your periods start?

• Generally, how long do your periods last? (For how many days)

• How heavy is your period bleeding? 

• Have you experienced bleeding between your menstrual cycles?

• Where do your cramps hurt the most?

• Have you noticed other symptoms along with your cramps, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, back pain, dizziness, or headaches?

• Is intercourse painful if you're sexually active?

• Earlier, what treatments have you taken? Were they helpful?

• Do any other women from your family suffer from the same pain?

What Medicines are Best for Period Cramps?

Menstrual cramps are best relieved with NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or Naproxen, which reduce prostaglandins that cause uterine pain and are commonly recommended as part of learning how to manage periods.

Mefenamic acid provides stronger relief for moderate to severe cramps, while paracetamol works for mild pain or as support. 

Hormonal birth control can reduce cramps long-term by regulating hormones. Heat therapy and gentle exercise offer effective natural relief. 

For best results, start pain relievers at the first sign of cramps and consult a doctor if pain is severe or persistent.

Final Words 

I hope you have understood everything about periods. From what precautions you should take to what the four phases of your period are. This journey is painful, but it also takes you on a beautiful journey to motherhood. So enjoy your period journey to the fullest.

With the right information, hygiene habits, and access to trusted essentials from trusted online pharmacy platforms like Direct Dawai, managing your periods becomes easier and stress-free. Be kind to your body, listen to its signals, and remember, you’re not alone on this journey.

Disclaimer: The information on Direct Dawai is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor before using any medicine or treatment.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Q. What to do for my daughter during her first period?

Ans. Have a healthy conversation with your daughter, let her know about the good things or the benefits of the periods. Tell her you will support her during that time of the month. 

Q. How should my first period be? 

Ans. Your first period may bring some brownish blood first; however, it is completely normal. Your first period may last for 2-3 days only. Mostly, girls will have a very light flow for the first few periods, then gradually their flow will increase. 

Q. Are period cramps normal, and how painful are they?

Ans. Mild to moderate cramps are very common, especially during the first few periods. The pain usually feels like pressure or aching in the lower stomach or back. Using a hot water bag, resting, or gentle stretching can help reduce pain.

Q. Is irregular bleeding normal in the beginning?

Ans. Yes. During the first 1-2 years, periods may be irregular, sometimes early, late, light, or heavy. This happens because your hormones are still adjusting. Over time, your cycle usually becomes regular.

Q. Is it normal to feel itchy or uncomfortable during periods?

Ans. Yes, some girls experience itching or skin dryness due to hormonal changes. Keeping the area clean, wearing cotton underwear, and moisturizing dry skin can help. Avoid scented products near private parts.

Q. Can I take medicine for period pain?

Ans. Yes. Mild painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help with cramps. Always take them after food and only if needed. If pain is severe or constant, consult a doctor.

Q. Can periods affect my acne or skin?

Ans. Yes. Hormonal changes during periods can cause pimples, oily skin, or breakouts. This usually improves after your period ends.