Question : I am 13 years and I still haven’t got my period while all the girls in my class have got it. They seem to shut me out of conversations and I feel like an outcaste. I lost my mother 3 years ago so I don’t know who to talk to. I feel alone and confused and don’t know who to talk to and what a period really is. Please help! Teentalker , 13-year-old
Dear Teentalker,
Thank you for sharing your dilemma. I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. I can understand your confusion about menstruation especially if no one has spoken to you about it. This is the one question every girl at your age would be concerned about. Puberty hits each one of us differently. Some girls get their period earlier and some later. If you still haven’t got your period it only means your body is preparing for it.
Look out for:
- How your hormones are responsible for the changes in your body and mood
- What happens just before and during your period
The start of a period also known as Menarche or the process of menstruation is the shedding of the uterus lining every month and is the completion of the reproductive system in a woman. A girl’s period could begin anywhere between age 8-16 years. The average age is 12years. Your period could last for 3-5 days. The bleeding might be heavy in the first couple of days.
You will notice changes in your body such as fuller breasts, appearance of pubic hair and vaginal discharge. You may also experience a growth spurt, which will make you a couple of inches taller, or even more. . These will be accompanied by occasional mood swings. These are the first physiological changes you will notice, so don’t freak out.
Along with this hormonal spike, get ready to experience your first menstrual cycle. You could also check with an aunt or maternal grandmother at what age they got their period as there’s a possibility you will follow a similar pattern. I know it can be awkward and embarrassing at first but every girl goes through this same awkwardness and I want you to know you are not alone. In the meanwhile, take this time to prepare, if possible reach out to a friend’s mother/school nurse or your school counsellor/ female teacher to help you understand the process, help you buy sanitary pads so that you have them ready as and when you get your period.
Hope this helps, if you have any other query do connect online for chat between 11am-8pm or drop us an offline message.
Regards,
Expert Teentalk India