The first menstrual period (menarche) is the visible sign of sexual maturity. Most girls have their first period between the ages of 11 and 13. The bleeding lasts between 5 and 7 days. It is usually heavier on the first days of the period than towards the end.

The menstrual diary

The regularity with which your periods occur, the amount of bleeding and the length of your periods provide information about whether or not the reproductive organs are working normally. It is therefore a good idea to keep a menstrual diary.

The menstrual cycle is the time from the first day of the menstrual period to the last day before the next period (on average 28 days). In the first six to twelve months after the first menstrual period the cycle is usually still irregular. This is because the hormone system is initially still unstable.

There are a number of factors that can lead to abnormal menstrual bleeding. Apart from diseases, an unhealthy lifestyle can also lead to abnormal menstruation (e.g. being underweight due to bulimia or excessive dieting, being very overweight, stress, excessive physical exercise, competitive sport etc.)

If you have bleeding abnormalities you should consult a doctor.

Menstrual hygiene

In the course of a menstrual period a woman loses about 50 milliliters of blood. During this time she has to use sanitary pads or tampons to absorb the blood. Each woman must decide for herself what kind of menstrual hygiene product she wants to use.

Young girls often have a lot of questions about tampons. A girl can use tampons even if she is still a virgin. The hymen has a natural opening through which the menstrual blood and vaginal secretions can flow out of the vagina. At the time of menarche this opening is normally wide and elastic enough to allow the introduction of a small tampon without damaging the hymen. But even if the hymen tears this has absolutely no medical significance. If you do not manage to insert a tampon the first time you try, be patient and try again the next time you have a period. You can also ask your doctor for advice.

Wellbeing during the cycle

How a woman feels during her period differs a lot from person to person. Many women have no complaints at all, others have considerable problems.

The most common problems associated with menstruation are premenstrual syndrome and menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).

In many cases taking the pill can have a positive effect as it stabilizes the hormone levels. The pill leads to regular, shorter and lighter periods.

There are some things you can do yourself to help you feel better:

	During your period you should avoid beverages containing caffeine such as: coffee, tea, cola and cocoa.
	Eat a healthy diet. There have been reports that foods with a high magnesium and vitamin E content have a positive effect on wellbeing during menstruation.
	Avoid stress. Relax.
	Sport is good but make sure you do not overexert yourself.
	Many women find warmth pleasant. Try using a heat pad or hot water bottle.