- by guest blogger, Claudia Etura
The dilemma and confusion associated with periods
are a known affair for women. As soon as we are on our menarche, puberty hits the
body and mind, and things start changing all of a sudden. A lot of girls wish
to talk to their mother or someone who will understand them, but shy away or
hesitate to openly talk about the issue.
Getting the first period is a cue that you are
stepping into womanhood. Let me start by saying that it is nothing to be afraid
of and you need not stay quiet about it, as menstruation is a natural process
every woman goes through.
Recently, we conducted a survey amongst some
teenage girls and came out with 13 common questions that linger in their minds.
The questions were sent out to experts for the right advice.
Take a look at the queries and what the experts have to say about it.
·
Anna asks: I am 13, and I started menstruating 5 months ago,
but it has returned only once. Is it ok to have irregular periods? Was it
periods or was I bleeding due to a different reason?
Expert says: It is absolutely fine to get irregular periods
in the first 2 years. Your system is picking up with the menstrual cycle and
would slowly become normal with time.
From
what you have said I reckon that it is just a glitch in the body and nothing
else. If you find any abnormal symptoms, visit a Gynecologist.
·
Rebecca asks: I’ve been menstruating for a couple of years now.
My periods usually last for more than a week and starts again within the next
20-25 days after the onset. But it doesn’t cause me any pain or discomforts.
Will it affect my body at a later stage?
Expert says: Ideally 3-5 days of menstrual bleeding is
considered normal. If you bleed profusely more than a week, it could be an
underlying condition which may harm you later if ignored for long. So, attend
this concern as soon as possible.
28
days are considered to be the standard break between periods. But, it is normal
to have a gap of 21-35 days and varies from person to person.
·
Eryn asks: I feel bloated during periods and usually get pain
on the first two days. Why does that happen?
Expert says: Bloating during periods is a common phenomenon. It
happens due to hormonal changes that triggers excess water retention. You can
avoid bloating by drinking a lot of water and sweating it out.
Muscle
contractions in the uterus cause period cramps. It is induced by the hormone –
prostaglandin, which aids in shedding of uterine lining.
Two
to three days of pain before or during periods is fine unless it is too severe
to bear.
·
Maya asks: I find a buttery fluid in my panties. Is it some
sort of infection?
Expert says: The fluid is called cervical mucus. It could be
dry, sticky or moist and vary with your menstrual cycle.
An
indication of infection is when cervical mucus becomes smelly or turns green or
gray in color. Maintain vaginal hygiene to avoid infection.
·
Pearl asks: My menstrual blood is dark brown in color and not
red. Is that normal?
Expert says: Period blood fluctuates in color and flow
throughout periods. Generally at the beginning, period blood might appear
bright or dark red and as you are nearing the end of your cycle, it will become
brown, dark brown or even black.
It
is absolutely normal as long as you have regular and normal cycle.
·
Priya asks: What should I use, tampons or pads? Does tampon
hurt?
Expert says: Either tampons
or sanitary pads/napkins are fine as long as you are comfortable using
them.
Pads
absorb period blood from outside and tampons are inserted in the vagina to
absorb the flow. They are available in different sizes meant for heavy and
light periods.
If
you are using pads, it is hygienic to change it within 3-4 hours and tampons
need to be changed within 4-6 hours. Or else, it could cause irritation or
rashes to sensitive skin.
Choose
tampons if you are going for a swim or vigorous physical activities during
periods. But do not force it in if your vaginal opening is too tight to hold a
tampon. Relax and be gentle while inserting the tampon if you are trying it for
the first time. Also, pick a day when your
flow is less (by the end of periods usually) and go for a smaller-sized
tampon.
You
would have definitely heard about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) linked with the
usage of superabsorbent tampons. It is a perilous condition leading to a
shock-state, caused by toxin-producing bacteria. Well, it is very rare,
therefore, pay attention to TSS symptoms and change your tampons time to time
to prevent it.
·
Katalin asks: I am part of the soccer team in my school and we
have coaching on alternate days. Should I be taking rest during periods?
Rachel asks: Can I
work out or practice yoga during periods?
Expert says: Yes absolutely, carry on with your practice and
wok out sessions as long as it doesn’t tire your body or cause unusual pain.
In
fact, you can avoid period cramps by being active and doing some light physical
activities.
Skip
moves that strain your abdomen and inversions, as it may disrupt the normalcy
of period flow.
·
Chloe asks: I take contraceptive pills to delay my periods.
Will it have adverse effects on my body?
Expert says: To be honest, this is a tricky question.
Researches and studies have proven it either ways and have not arrived at a
unanimous conclusion.
A
few studies say that women can totally avoid periods by consistently depending
on these pills. It is much helpful for women who go through traumatic periods
every month.
There
are acceptable side effects of using contraceptives such as irregular periods,
mood changes, headache, nausea, dizziness, breast tenderness and mild blood
clots. It is acceptable only when they are low in intensity.
Certain
studies have showcased that there are high risks involved in using
contraceptives including cancer and heart stroke. The risks can be aggravated
by other factors like smoking, unhealthy lifestyle, age, obesity and past or
present medical conditions.
Hence,
don’t jump into choosing any pill. Fix an appointment with your doctor, have a
detailed discussion about your body and which pill you should take. Also read
through the entire package leaflet before taking the pills.
·
Natalie asks: I am 14 years old. All my
friends have periods and I have not started yet. My mother and sister had it at
the age of 12. Could there be a problem with me?
Expert says: Hi Natalie. You are not late for menarche.
Though
the average age of menarche is 12, it is perfectly fine if you get it between
10 and 15. If it occurs before or after the mentioned age, you need to consult
a gynecologist as it might occur due to some medical conditions.
The
onset of your first period is not only genetic but also depends on factors like
diet, lifestyle, weight, health and more.
So
let your body work as per its schedule while you get prepared for the first
period.
·
Ellie asks: Can I have sexual intercourse
during periods?
Expert says: The long-prevailing myth that sexual intercourse
during periods is unhygienic is absolutely discarded. It is safe and natural to
have sex during periods.
Sex
while menstruating could take away cramps and other distressing symptoms allied
with periods. Women tend to bleed out faster and get done with periods sooner.
But
know that you can get pregnant during periods as well. So use birth control
even while periods.
The
risk that accompanies sexual intercourse during menstruation can be getting
prone to Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and other vaginal infections.
Hence take the right precautionary measures like condom to prevent the
possibility of such conditions.
·
Ashley asks: Why do I get acne during
periods and my friends don’t? What can I do to stop the outbreaks?
Expert says: These acne breakouts are called menstrual or
hormonal acne. They are produced as a result of hormonal fluctuations that your
body goes through before and during periods.
First
thing you can do is keep your face clean and nourished, and follow a good diet.
Avoid stress, smoking and skin dehydration.
If
acne flare-ups go unruly and you are unable to treat it with regular methods,
visit a dermatologist for proper guidance and treatment.
·
Noah asks: Isn’t bleeding unhealthy? How
much blood am I supposed to lose during my period?
Expert says: Period bleeding is absolutely healthy when
normal; it is just a natural process of a woman’s reproductive system.
What
makes it unhealthy is when some amount of nutrients is passed out through the
bleeding, which has to be compensated through your diet.
If
you are feeling tired and worn out during periods, consult your doctor. Most
probably you are in need of some supplements.
·
Aaliyah asks: Can you tell me how to
identify when periods are not normal and when to consult a doctor?
When
your system doesn’t function properly it usually gives you hints and symptoms
to detect some sort of abnormalities.
Following
is the checklist that you need to keep in mind:
·
Bleeding
between periods
·
Bleeding
after intercourse
·
Bleeding
after menopause
·
Spotting
between periods
·
Heavier
and/or longer days of bleeding
·
Severe
pelvic pain
If
you experience the above symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.
I suppose most of your queries are answered here.
If you have any additional questions, get in touch with us to speak with
specialists.
About Author
Claudia Etura Marketing Manager at Dudley
Wellness Company a key enabler in improving the quality of men and women lives
by offering Immediate Pain relief products, menstrual pain relief cream and joint pain reliever.
