As a girl hits puberty, she comes across a great change in the form of menstruation cycle. Her first period surely brings in a lot of curiosity and anxiety. And given the fact that talking about periods or menstruation is still a taboo of sort in Indian society, most parents; especially the mothers don't really open up about periods with their daughters. This results in lack of knowledge about one of body's major function that's crucially vital.

Well, if you too have some doubts or some questions which you think are silly; don't worry, we are sure this article will cater to all your curiosity related to menstrual cycle.

Understanding menstruation 

Menstrual cycle or menstruation happens to be the monthly series of changes a female body undergoes that prepares it for reproductive functions i.e. pregnancy. Every month there is an egg that's released from one of the ovaries which is known as ovulation. This is the time when uterus is prepared for pregnancy by the hormonal changes. If after ovulation, the egg isn't fertilized,  uterus lining starts shedding via the vagina in the form of blood drops, which is known as menstrual period. 

When does menstrual cycle start?

It begins shortly after the starting of puberty, and typically after 2 years of breast development. Though it generally starts between ages 12 and 13, it can even occur a bit early or later. 

Menstrual cycle is nearly four weeks long. It's counted from the first day of your period to the beginning of the next period. However, given the hormonal balance in the body, it can differ greatly as to when a girl has her first period. Sometimes, your next period can skip months or occur several times every month initially. At the time of periods, the first two or three days mark heavy flow of blood which is then followed by another 2-4 days of a lighter flow. The fluid discharged during this time happens to be a mixture of the uterus lining tissue and blood.

How it makes you feel?

Before your period occurs, you get certain symptoms that indicate the periods are nearing. These symptoms vary from person to person.  Some of the common signs are:

• Cramping and bloating in the abdomen
• Pain in upper thighs 
• Lower back pain
• Fatigue and nausea
• Stomach and headaches
• Breast tenderness or pain
• Irritability and mood swings 

These symptoms disappear after 1 or 2 days of your period. But if it happens to be severe, you can seek medical help. 

Length of Your Cycle

Initially there can be a fluctuation in your menstrual cycle length. This irregularity stays for nearly two years after your first periods, post which the cycle becomes regular. Some of the teen girls will have a cycle of 28 days, some have 24 days, while a few will have 30 or 34 days. All this is perfectly normal. However, if it stands to be extremely shorter or longer than the mentioned days, you need to get yourself examined. Keep a track of your cycle to ensure there are no irregular periods hampering your health. 

Using Sanitary Pads

Sanitary pads are your best acquaintances during those 7 days of a month. While using the pads, you must take care of the hygiene. Always discard them in a proper way. Wrap them in a paper, cover with a small plastic bag and dump in the trash. Don't flush them in toilets as they can clog plumbing thereby making the toilet overflow. Wash your hands thoroughly whenever you visit the washroom or change the pads. Don't keep a pad for too long, it can cause severe infections. Ideally, you should change them in every six hours. If you have a heavy flow, you can change it whenever the need is.   

When to seek medical help?

You may have to seek medical help, if:

• You have severe cramps during periods
• There is excessive bleeding, lasting for more than 7 days 
• Menstruation doesn't start by age 16
• Your periods are irregular 

Having a regular menstrual cycle is very vital for your health, and irregularity can pave path for future complication. Keep a track on your periods and don't shy in discussing any discomfort as it can be indicative of some health issue!