Our path to mature from a girl to a woman is quite complicated, and puberty is the time when most of the signs occur in our body. “Secondary sex characteristics”, i.e. breasts begin to grow (sometimes fast, sometimes slow). Teenagers are getting a womanly shape, with broader hips and a bigger bum. Menstruation starts.
Most girls start menstruating during puberty. Bleeding starts to occur in cycles, normally every 28 days, and lasts 4-5 days. This is the first physical sign that a girl is “turning into a woman”, as it signals the possibility of fertility.
Menstruation is controlled by the pituitary gland, as this organ controls the lining of the uterus to come away (this is called a period of menstruation), or makes the lining of the uterus thicker to prepare the body for a pregnancy that may happen. Follicle-stimulating hormones and progesterone both have an important role in regulating the menstrual cycle. Without follicle-stimulating hormones, the egg is not stimulated to grow, while a progesterone-stimulating hormone dysfunction leads to irregular ovulation and stops the thickening of the endometrium. The physical changes occurring at puberty are a result of the increasing ovarian estrogen production, and hormone production in our adrenocortical.
Our path to mature from a girl to a woman is quite complicated, and puberty is the time when most of the signs occur in our body. Given that “secondary sex characteristics”, i.e. breasts begin to grow (sometimes fast, sometimes slow) at this time too. Teenagers are getting a womanly shape, with broader hips and a bigger bum. When you have your period, pay even more attention to your personal hygiene, avoid public pools, and better not to wear white pants. Always carry sanitary towels or tampons with you throughout your period, as you can get into uncomfortable situations when you run out.
Tampon or sanitary towels?
Many girls think tampons are more hygienic. But definitely start with sanitary towels first, then you will see what suits you the most. Regardless of what you use, the rule of thumb: often change it.
The most typical discomfort girls feel during menstruation is period cramps (abdominal pain). Several period cramp relief pills are now available to ease your pain. Sipping some hot tea or a soft pillow might also help.
