Migraines are chronic headaches that can cause significant pain for hours or even days. Women experience headaches much more often than men. This is because there is a close link between headaches and hormonal changes.

Headaches often begin around the time of a girl’s first period and accompany menstruation regularly throughout the reproductive years. Birth control pills and hormone therapy also can trigger headaches. During pregnancy, headaches often become less bothersome. The simple explanation? The hormones estrogen and progesterone — which play key roles in regulating the menstrual cycle and pregnancy — may affect headache-related chemicals in the brain as well. Higher estrogen levels may improve headaches, while lower estrogen levels can make headaches worse.

Headache is a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome, and up to 60% of women with migranes report headaches before or during menstruation.

What to do to relieve menstrual headaches:

• over-the-counter pain killers can relieve many menstrual headaches;
• eat healthy foods;
• exercise regularly;
• keep stress under control;
• practice relaxation techniques;
• get plenty of sleep.

The first period is an important event in a girl’s life and part of the normal process of becoming an adult. While some girls can’t wait for their first period to come, others may dread it, not knowing what to expect and feeling shy or embarrassed to ask questions.

As I have promised in my previous post, I will continue answering girls’ questions about the first period.

• Can I Play Sports or Be Involved in Other Activities During My Period?
  

Of course you can! Your period should not affect your daily activities. You can continue to exercise, swim, bike ride, and have fun. Some girls and women even find that exercising while they are having their menstrual period reduces or prevents stomach cramps and discomfort. During these activities, it is important to use high quality sanitary pads, like Love Moon Anion Sanitary Napkins, so as to prevent spotting and discomfort. You can also use tampons, which come handy especially when you are involved in activities like swimming.

• How do I know which feminine care products are best for me?

There are many products on the market and there is a variety of products to choose from, according to your needs. It is best to talk openly to your mother, school nurse or another adult you trust and who can help you make a good choice. To learn more detailed information about how to choose a sanitary napkins, here is a great page I recommend: FreeSanitaryNapkins.com

• How do I know if I need to see a doctor about my period?

You should consult your doctor:

• if you are bleeding for more than 7 days
• if you are bleeding excessively
• if you suddenly feel sick after using tampons
• if you have unbearable pain during your period
• if you bleed between periods (more than just a few drops)
• if your period has suddenly stopped
• if you have not started menstruating by the age of 16.

If you have any specific questions that have not been answered in this post, please feel free to write them in the comments section.

The first period (also referred to as menstruation) is an important event in a girl’s life and part of the normal process of becoming an adult. While some girls can’t wait for their first period to come, others may dread it, not knowing what to expect and feeling shy or embarrassed to ask questions.

We have put together some frequently asked questions and their answers, so as to help all girls understand this event better and be prepared and feel comfortable about it.

• When will I have my first period?

No one can tell you exactly when. Each person has their own biorhythm. Most girls start their periods between the ages of 9 and 16. There really isn’t any way you can tell the exact day you’ll get your first period, but there are some signs that can tell you are getting close.

• What are the signs before the first period?

About 1 year after their breasts have started to grow, most girls will go through a stage of rapid growth. Most girls get their first period in about 2 years after their breasts have started growing and very soon after hair starts growing underarms and in the pubic area. Vaginal discharge is also a clue that you are about to have your first period.

• What are menstrual cramps?

Menstrual cramps are caused by the normal contractions of the uterus and can be often experienced, especially by young women. To read some tips on how to relieve menstrual cramps, read this post: Tips on How to Relieve Menstrual Cramps.

• How often will I have my period?

You may have heard some women talking about their monthly cycle. This cycle begins on the first day of one period and ends on first day of the next period. While women’s periods do tend to come about once per month, there is a wide range in the length of menstrual cycle from woman to woman. Some women’s periods come as often as every 21 days, some as far apart as every 40 days. The most common range is 25-30 days. Especially during the first years, the length of your cycle may vary from month to month, but it tends to become regular in time. Some women have regular cycles and their periods start exactly the same number of days apart each time. It is a good idea to have a calender where you mark the first day of your period every time. This way, you will be able to observe your cycle, to notice if there is a pattern forming and you will be able to estimate better when to expect your next period.

There are still many questions to be answered about your first period and I will continue writing about that in my next post. Till then, if you have any questions, please feel free to write them in the comments section.

Ruth Taylor