Body changes that occur with the first menstruation (menarche)

Menarche or first menstruation is a sign that girls have entered puberty. Before girls experience menarche, there have also been various physical and mental changes to prepare girls for adolescence. What are the changes?

When do girls have their first period?

The first period or menarche usually occurs between the ages of 11 and 14 years. However, this can occur earlier, namely at age 9 years, or it can also be later, namely at age 15 years or older.

This difference in the timing of menarche between girls is normal because of many factors that can affect menarche. For example diet, physical activity, and stress. It is better if girls do not need to feel abnormal or embarrassed if they have already received menarche earlier or if they have not had menarche compared to other peers.

In the first menstruation, menstruation usually occurs irregularly. The new menstruation will start regularly entering the second year. Menstruation that occurs in the early years usually lasts longer and is more frequent.

Menarche or menstrual periods will usually last 3 to 7 days each month. However, don't worry, menstruation every month will not prevent you from doing your daily activities.

Body changes that occur during the first menstruation

As your first period starts, your body begins to experience changes. Changes that began to occur were enlarged breasts, growth of pubic hair and armpit hair. Your hips also begin to expand. Menarche also means that if you have sex, you can get pregnant. You can even get pregnant in the month before your first period starts.

1. Whitish

A few months before the first menstruation or menarche, girls usually experience vaginal discharge. This is a normal symptom to occur in preparation for the first menstruation. Then, when the girl's reproductive system has matured, you will have her first period.

2. Spots appear

During menarche, girls will find blood on their underwear. This blood comes out of the vagina. This blood is brownish in color and only comes out in small amounts in the first few days of menarche, then it will turn red and the amount increases in number in the following days. At this time, girls have to wear pads to help catch the blood that comes out.

3. Changes in emotions

Before having their first period, girls may feel more tense and emotional. You become irritable or cry more easily than usual for no apparent reason. This is natural because your body is undergoing hormonal changes that ultimately affect your emotional state.

4. Other physical changes that accompany or precede menarche

Breast development may begin between the ages of 8 and 13 and continue through puberty. Breast development begins with a flat area around the nipple that becomes enlarged and some breast tissue forms under the nipple. When breast development is complete, individual breasts and areola no longer appear to be swollen. Her breasts may also become more sensitive. This is usually referred to as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

In addition, before or during menarche, you will also experience a spike in height growth, which is sometimes accompanied by weight gain.

This weight gain is normal and is part of puberty. Without gaining this weight, you can't grow taller, develop breasts, or get your first period.

The hair in your armpits also starts to grow, and oil-producing glands also start to develop. So it is not uncommon when you get to your first period, you start to get acne when this gland becomes blocked. Some girls may also experience acne during their first period.

x