Getting your period is a normal part of growing up. During your period, a little bit of blood comes out of your vagina for a few days. Here’s the deal on periods, cramps, and PMS.
What do I need to know about my period?
Menstruation (also known as having your period) is when blood from youruterusdrips out of yourvaginafor a few days every month. You start getting your period duringpuberty, usually when you’re around 1215 years old.
Yourmenstrual cycleis what makes your period come every month. It’s controlled byhormonesin your body. The purpose of the menstrual cycle is to help your body get ready forpregnancy. Your menstrual cycle = the time from the 1st day of your period to the 1st day of your next period.
Most people get their period every 2135 days — around once a month (that’s why periods are sometimes called “that time of the month”). The bleeding lasts for 27 days — it’s different for everyone. Your period might not always come at the same time each month, especially when you first start getting it. It can take a few years for your period to settle into it’s natural rhythm, and some people never get regular periods throughout their lives.
Missing your period can be asign of pregnancyif you’ve had penisinvagina sex without usingbirth control. But there are other reasons your period might be late, too.
There are lots of ways to deal with the blood that comes out of your vagina when you have your period. You can use pads, tampons, period underwear, or a menstrual cup to collect the blood, so it doesn’t get on your clothes.
Some people get cramps or other symptoms before and/or during their period — this is calledPMS. Luckily,there are things you can do to feel better if your period is painful or uncomfortable. You can also track your period usingour app, to help get a better idea of when your period is coming and what side effects to expect.
Getting your period is a healthy part of growing up. Periods don’t have to stop you from going to school, doing sports, swimming, or hanging out with your friends — you can do all your normal activities during your period. And you’re the only person who’ll know that you’re having your period.
What are period symptoms and how do I deal with them?
PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome. It’s when the hormones that control your menstrual cycle cause changes in your body and emotions around the time of your period.
• Some of the most common PMS symptoms are:
• Cramps (pain in your lower belly or lower back)
• Bloating (when your belly feels puffy)
• Breakouts (getting pimples)
• Sore breasts
• Feeling tired
• Mood swings (when your emotions change quickly or you feel sad, angry, or anxious)
Some people get PMS every time they have their periods. Others only get PMS every once in awhile. You may have all or just some PMS symptoms. And some people don&39;t get PMS at all.
Crampsare one of the most common symptoms to have before/during your period. They can be super painful, or just a little annoying. You can calm cramps by taking pain medicine (likeibuprofen). Putting a heating pad where it hurts, taking a hot bath, exercising, or stretching your body can also help.
Certain types ofbirth control— like thepill,shot,implant, andIUD— can help with PMS and other period problems. If your PMS is so bad that it’s hard to do normal activities during your period, talk to an adult you trust or your family doctor. You can also call your localPlanned Parenthood health center. You shouldn’t have to suffer every month, and they can help you find the cause and get treatment.
