Period pain, why do we get it?
That dull ache are the muscles of the uterus or womb contracting to get rid of the inner lining of the womb, which is no longer needed if fertilisation did not occur. It’s amazing that the body prepares for this every single month. If only it wasn’t such a pain.
Is there a reason why some of us have heavier flows than others?
Just as every one of us is different, so are our periods. This is mainly genetic, but other factors can affect the menstrual flow and cycle for example stress and also some medical conditions (like endometriosis). We would definitely encourage you to chat to your doctor or clinic nurse if you experience the following irregularities:
- Bleeding between periods
- Excessively prolonged heavy flow, that saturates the pad in 1 or 2hrs
- Excessive blood clots
- If menstruation doesn’t start by the age of 17
- Periods which are consistently irregular after more than 2 years of menstruation
- Absence of period for several months after menses is established
How can we ease PMS symptoms?
You’ve got to find ways to manage your PMS so it does not get the better of you every month. Good nutrition, rest and exercise all help. And then try to be open about how you’re feeling with those close to you, so they can understand what you’re going through and can bring you tea, or tell you you look amazing while you’re feeling a little bloated..
Is it true that woman loses their virginity when inserting a tampon?
A tampon is 100% safe to use by girls who are virgins and girls who have had sex. Using a tampon does not cause a girl to lose her virginity. Only having sex can do that.
What is discharge?
Discharge is perfectly normal and is your body’s way of keeping your vagina clean and healthy. It tends to change in both colour and appearance during the month and normal discharge ranges in colour from colourless or milky white to yellow and has no smell. If you think your discharge looks different from normal or starts to smell unpleasant, talk to a nurse, pharmacist or doctor just to check everything is ok and you don’t have an infection.
Any advice on how to openly talk about periods?
Start by speaking to somebody you trust and feel comfortable talking to. If that’s an older female figure, remember they have gone through this too and will have some great advice to give. I would suggest telling them you want to talk about something personal and then find a nice comfortable spot to chat.
What is puberty?
Puberty is a physical change that happens to girls between the ages of 10-14 years old. It is the time in your life where you make the physical change from being a child to an adult.
When will my period start?
This is mainly caused by hormonal changes during your cycle which impacts the sebaceous, or - less of a tongue twister - the oil glands. But look, it’s not fully understood why some people get it worse than others. It could be genetic, or because of an unhealthy lifestyle. The usual suspects are an unbalanced diet, smoking and of course, stress doesn’t help.
How long will my period last?
Most girls and women find that periods last for about 5-7 days. When you first start your periods though, it can all be a bit unpredictable and you might find you only bleed for a couple of days. After a couple of years though, your body will settle into a pattern that is unique to you and you’ll get to know how many days of bleeding to expect.
What can I do to relieve my period pain?
A warm bath and a hot water bottle are great for easing period pain, while staying active and eating healthily can help with that bloated feeling many girls get. You can also ask your pharmacist to suggest painkillers if your period pain is affecting your schoolwork or ability to enjoy spending time with your friends.
How will puberty affect my breasts?
It’s normal for girls to wonder about their breasts and the size of them. Whether you think yours are too big or too small and will never grow. The thing you must remember is that every woman is different in the shape and size of their breasts. It is also normal for one breast to be bigger than the other, especially when they first start growing. When they first start growing they may feel a little achy or itchy. When you have your period your breasts may feel a little sensitive or sore, this is normal. Let your doctor know if you find a lump or have a pain you really are not sure about.
How will these changes make me feel?
Because your body is going through a big change you might feel a little uncomfortable and shyer about it. You might also feel more moody. This is completely normal; all girls go through this. Each young woman grows and changes at her own pace. Remember you are beautiful and everything will happen in due time.
How will I feel when I have my period?
How you feel during your period depends on a lot of things. Some girls find they hardly notice it at all, while other girls have a lot of period pain such as cramps and generally feel a bit tired, bloated and more emotional. Your hormones, how much exercise you do and how healthy your diet is can all affect how you feel. There’s not much you can do about your hormones, but healthy eating and exercise can help you feel better no matter where you are in your monthly cycle.
What about the smell?
If you’re worried about any smell, changing your pad often and keeping up good hygiene especially when you have your period will help with this. You should check to see if your pad needs to be changed every few hours and don’t wait until it is soaked with blood.
Any tips to help ease period pain?
We know it can be uncomfortable, but you can’t let those cramps cramp your lifestyle. Here is a list of tips that can help.
- Heat application like a warm bath or placing a hot water bottle across the abdomen
- MOVE don’t curl or cramp up! Exercise helps to strengthen the muscles in the pelvic region which can help to prevent or minimize cramps.
- Medication as a last resort e.g. mild pain relievers and anti-inflammatory can be used
Some of us experience period pain worse than others. At what point do you think it’s worth seeing a doctor?
We would suggest seeing a doctor if the pain is so severe, it’s holding you back from normal day-to-day activities. Your period shouldn’t prevent you from attending school or work, or even socialising with friends.
Why do we often break out around our periods?
This is mainly caused by hormonal changes during your cycle which impacts the sebaceous, or - less of a tongue twister - the oil glands. But look, it’s not fully understood why some people get it worse than others. It could be genetic, or because of an unhealthy lifestyle. The usual suspects are an unbalanced diet, smoking and of course, stress doesn’t help.
What else can we do to manage breakouts?
Apart from eating those veggies and practicing self-care to reduce stress, a daily skincare routine is essential. This consists of 3 basic steps: cleanse, tone and moisturise to unclog those pores and keep your skin nice and healthy.
Is there a reason why some of us have heavier flows than others?
Just as every one of us is different, so are our periods. This is mainly genetic, but other factors can affect the menstrual flow and cycle for example stress and also some medical conditions (like endometriosis). We would definitely encourage you to chat to your doctor or clinic nurse if you experience the following irregularities:
- Bleeding between periods
- Excessively prolonged heavy flow, that saturates the pad in 1 or 2hrs
- Excessive blood clots
- If menstruation doesn’t start by the age of 17
- Periods which are consistently irregular after more than 2 years of menstruation
- Absence of period for several months after menses is established
Let’s talk about the different colours, because it’s not just blood red.
Correct. Menstrual flow comes in an array of colours and normally depends on the day of your cycle. During the heavy flow days it can be bright red because it’s fresh and then it can become light pinkish - or light brownish - in the beginning, and/or end of your period, as the flow becomes less and less. This is sometimes referred to as spotting. Don’t be afraid of darker shades too, this just means your blood is a little old.
I know discharge is completely natural, but why do we get it?
Discharge, yay! We're glad we’re chatting about this. It’s a natural mucous liquid produced by your body that passes through the vagina. Every woman experiences vaginal discharge of some kind. It really isn’t a big deal.
What are the different types of discharge?
Discharge can be a lot of things. It can be clear and colourless, yellowy or white. It can be thin and watery, thickish or even slightly sticky. And it has quite a specific smell, but it doesn’t smell bad. It can also change in appearance during the month.
We're struggling with PMS. Can you please talk us through it?
PMS is usually related to emotional changes or upheaval caused by hormonal changes around your period. Many girls and women struggle with this and it can be hard, not only on them but also on family and friends around them, especially if they don’t understand what’s going on. Common feelings are sensitivity, teariness, irritability, tiredness, and bad moods. What often goes hand in hand with these emotional changes are some physical discomforts too:
- Breasts may swell slightly and become tender
- Abdomen may feel bloated
- Weight gain because of fluid retention in the uterus
- Lower back pain
- Feelings of mild fatigue
- Pimples and acne conditions may flare up because the oil glands become more active during this time
- Increased perspiration due to the sweat glands being more active during menstruation
How can we ease PMS symptoms?
You’ve got to find ways to manage your PMS so it doesn't get the better of you every month. Good nutrition, rest and exercise all help. And then try to be open about how you’re feeling with those close to you, so they can understand what you’re going through and can bring you tea, or tell you you look amazing while you’re feeling a little bloated.
Any advice on how to talk about periods with guys?
Of course! Guys should be included in these conversations. My advice is not to overthink it and trust that they’ll be understanding - it’s a natural thing after all. If they do seem uncomfortable that’s fine too, it’s all part of the learning process and you should never feel ashamed.
Women syncing with friends and family. Is there any scientific research to back this up? Or is it all just a coincidence?
It’s a weird and wonderful phenomenon. Look, apart from a few reports, there’s no scientific evidence to this. So I guess it’s up to you whether you want to believe it or not.