Period Symptoms and Self Care

All kids go through a process called puberty. During puberty, the release of hormones signals the body to start many changes that allow it to physically reproduce and grow from a child to an adult. 

One change is that people with a uterus begin their menstrual periods. Menstrual periods usually occur once a month and can last from a few days to a week. When people first start menstruating, it’s common for their cycles to be irregular. Puberty symptoms also vary widely among people.  Some people have cramping, mood swings, and a heavy menstrual flow during their periods while some, or none, of these symptoms. 

Young people are often nervous about getting their period for the first time.  When teaching about menstruation, here are a few tips to support an inclusive classroom environment in which youth feel prepared for their first menstrual cycle: 

• Use “person with a uterus” instead of “girls” to separate body parts from gender and create an inclusive learning space. 
• Emphasize that getting a period is normal, that each person starts their period in their own time, and address any misconceptions that it’s dirty or gross.
• Show examples of various puberty products and encourage youth to talk with their families about which products to use and when.  There may be cultural differences as it relates to the use of certain period products. Remember that each person, family, and culture has different norms around pe
• Explain that you’re a trusted adult they can come to with questions. Name the trusted adults that can support them if they start their period at school, for example, a school nurse or counselor. 

Teaching class in this way will help youth feel confident and prepared before and during their menstrual periods. 

As you teach, make sure to link menstruation with pregnancy and reproduction. Students should understand that their first period signals the beginning of ovulation and that their body is now able to get pregnant if they were to have unprotected sex. Once a month, a hormone in the brain signals a person with ovaries to release an egg or ovum (a process called ovulation). If an egg is not fertilized by sperm within 12 to 24 hours after ovulation, the egg dies and disintegrates while still in the fallopian tube. Two weeks later, when the uterus realizes there is no fertilized egg to nurture, the built-up lining of the uterus is released during the menstrual period. When a person gets pregnant, one of the first indicators is a missed period. This is because the built up uterine lining is now being used to provide nutrients to the fertilized egg. In other words, it’s doing its job and has no reason to shed.