Periods can cause cramping in the lower abdomen
Menstruation usually begins around the age of 11, but varies widely, and is normal anytime between the ages of 9–14. If the onset of menstruation is delayed beyond this, the girl needs to be tested and tested to confirm that there is no problem.
Initially, menstruation can be very irregular and not regular until 12-18 months after they start. This is due to the immaturity of the hormone axis which is normal. Gradually menstruation will return to normal, and the girl will bleed every 28-30 days for 3-5 days, which is a normal cycle. Heavy bleeding during menstruation needs to be checked and treated as it can be a sign of bleeding disorder or hormonal problem and can result in anemia and weakness.
Menstrual hygiene is very important and should be taught to all young girls. It is important to bathe frequently, change pads frequently and dispose of pads hygienically during periods. Even today, there are many myths about menstruation, such as not eating pickles, not entering the kitchen, taking complete rest during this time, etc., all these things are irrational.
The teenager is going through several hormonal changes in her body, which are reflected in her physical, mental and emotional state. Mood changes, irritability and emotional fluctuations are related to hormones as much as to the environment.
The attitude of the family towards menstruation will help her to cope with it for the rest of her life. If it is considered dirty, impure and alienated, then her negative reaction to menstruation will be there forever. If it is regarded as a wonderful process of growing up or maturing and having an amazing ability to bear children later, she perceives it positively, and it has been shown that these girls are menstruating. During this there is less pain and less discomfort. syndrome (PMS).
During adolescence, many girls experience PMS. This can cause bloating, breast pain, depression and irritability before menstruation, and symptoms disappear after menstruation. It’s totally normal. During this time, salt, flour, caffeine, chocolate and light exercise help in relieving the symptoms. In addition, adding supplements of calcium, B-complex, primrose oil, and the like can help reduce symptoms. Sometimes, hormone treatment is needed in severe cases in addition to the usual treatment for irregular periods.
Painful periods (dysmenorrhea) are another common problem among teens, and many girls drop out of school and college because of it. This is usually due to excessive local production of prostaglandins and can be reduced by light exercise, hot showers and anti-prostaglandin pills at the onset of menstruation. Some girls have to take regular hormonal pills when they have severe pain.
Often during the growing years, both the breasts vary in size and shape, causing extreme anxiety to the girl. This variation is normal and may resolve on its own once full development is achieved, or sometimes the discrepancy persists until adulthood. It has to be managed by wearing an inappropriately padded bra, or later by surgery, and there are no creams or medications that can help.
There are many myths associated with menstruation and growing up, and proper sex education and counseling or visiting a good gynecologist should be a part of growing up.
(Dr. Risham Pai, Consultant Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist associated with Jaslok, Lilavati and Hinduja Healthcare Khar, Mumbai)
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the personal views of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on a status quo basis. The information, facts or opinions in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV assumes no responsibility or liability for the same.