Periods: What Does A Period Mean For Girls?

What Is A Period?

Menstruation, also known as a period, is the discharge of blood and tissue that the body no longer needs. When a girl reaches the age of 11 or 12, her body matures, and every month, the ovary releases one egg. The egg travels to the uterus via the fallopian tube, and if unfertilised, will be discharged from the body through the vagina. This monthly process lasts for roughly 5 to 7 days and is called a period.

This is a completely natural and normal process of the body getting rid of unwanted blood and tissue.

Signs of periods - Why do girls get periods?

Typically, girls get their periods at the age of 11 or 12. It can even be earlier for some, especially in developed countries. This is generally preceded by a growth in the size of your breasts and pubic hair.

The signs of periods start a little earlier.

1. Vaginal Discharge - You may feel some discharge from the vagina, which is completely normal.
2. Smelly Vagina - The discharge will be colourless and odourless and can lead to a feeling of wetness. The best solution is to wear a panty liner every day, so you will feel fresh and clean.
3. Spotting - You may even notice some spotting before the onset of your periods. This is normal and will discontinue once your cycle starts properly. The actual flow of your period doesn’t feel like much, and sometimes, you may not even feel it.
4. Period Cramps and Pain - Normally, periods are not painful, but some girls do experience period cramps in their abdomen before the periods start. The pain can be easily alleviated with painkillers, and you should consult your doctor for this.
5. Mood Swings - Your body can also retain water during this time, leaving you feeling a little puffy. Mood swings, thanks to raging hormones, is also a normal sign of safe periods.
6. Menstruation Or Periods – These are an indication that you can get pregnant. You may not be mentally or emotionally prepared to have a baby yet, but your body is capable of conceiving.

6 Reasons For A Delayed Or Late Period

At the early stage of periods, your cycle could change on a monthly basis as your body sets its routine. Once your menstruation cycle has regularised, you could still experience late periods, or irregular periods, or skip it altogether. The reasons for this include:

1. Pregnancy – If you are trying for a baby, then a missed period may indicate that you are pregnant. You need to visit a doctor and confirm this with the appropriate tests.
2. Sudden Weight Loss Or Excessive Exercise – Periods are linked to your hormones, so any changes in this delicate balance also affect your periods. If your BMI rapidly dips, or you suffer from serious conditions like anorexia and bulimia, you may miss your periods.
3. Stress – High levels of stress can play havoc with your body in more ways than one. Delayed or missed periods is one way in which your body will tell you that you need to slow down.
4. Thyroid issues - The thyroid gland, located in your neck, regulates your metabolism. Any imbalance in your thyroid can affect your periods.
5. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome - PCOS is a hormonal imbalance caused by skewed levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. PCOS involves the presence of small cysts on the ovaries, which affect the release of eggs, and hence the period cycle.
6. Birth Control And Menopause – Some birth control pills can have side effects like delayed or missed periods. The same goes for any other birth control methods, so don’t be alarmed if you skip a month. Consult your doctor to pinpoint the reason.

The onset of menopause is gradual and starts with late or missed periods. If you feel you are starting menopause, consult a doctor to confirm the same.

Irregular Periods

A typical menstrual cycle lasts about 28 days, starting from the first day of the period to the first day of the next period. Sometimes, due to one or more of the reasons cited above, the cycle can be shorter or longer.

An early period happens when the cycle is shorter than 28 days, and a late period is when it is longer than 28 days. However, a small difference is common and perfectly normal. You only have cause for concern if you miss your period, or if the cycle shifts considerably on a regular basis.

Liners for Period

A panty liner is similar to a sanitary pad but lighter and thinner. It is not interchangeable with a sanitary napkin though, as it cannot soak up large quantities of discharge, or blood. A panty liner is used to absorb daily vaginal discharge and keep you dry and fresh down there.

It is recommended that you use a panty liner on a daily basis, as it not only helps to keep you dry, it also keeps you safe from the unexpected onset of periods. A panty liner can save the embarrassment of stained clothing.

Make panty liners a part of your daily routine, keeping them easily accessible in your underwear drawer, so you never forget. Keep one handy in your bag, so you can change it during the day if you have to.

Panty liners are available in different sizes to suit your need, and can also be lightly fragranced to combat any odour from vaginal discharge.

Carefree offers a range of panty liners that fit your underwear and the amount of vaginal discharge you have, so explore our range and choose the one that suits you best.

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.